Timing woes for my Regal.

[jaydog2025]

I'm hoping someone has run into this issue before and knows how to proceed. I installed all new timing parts as the oil consumption issue did my car in. I timed it perfectly according to the GM procedure for my LAF (both cams same part number) First time, ran great for 5 miles then limped to the shoulder. 2'nd and 3'rd I can't get rid of P0016 and P0017. But I'm 100% certain I timed it perfectly, controlled slack to exhaust side etc. I'm pretty sure it's a reluctor wheel issue. I have the TSB from GM but it only applies to the LE5. Does anyone know what the procedure is for verifying the reluctor wheels haven't spun? 2011 LUF.


Thanks in advance,
-J

 

[richardnewton]

2 videos on reluctor wheel issues with the 2.4

FYI -
This manual says TDC exhaust stroke. The timing system had some revisions around this year so I don't know if this is applicable to your VIN

56. Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Installation — 2011 Buick LaCrosse FWD L4-2.4L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 2011 Buick LaCrosse FWD L4-2.4L.

charm.li

Was the tensioner deployed with a "strike or hit" after the chain was installed?

Timing chain tensioner extended.

After a rebuild from losing the rear main the engine rattled on start up like the timing chain was loose. Putting it back on the lift and peeling the valve and front covers off I find that the tensioner is fully extended and the chain is somewhat loose. Mind you everything having to do with the...

www.terrainforum.net

 

[jaydog2025]

Richard, thanks for a detailed response. With regard to the timing chain, it was deployed with a strike from a hickory stick I shaped specifically for the deployment. I verified deployment each time by the slack in the chain on the exhaust side of the chain.

Timing was changed mid production run. I have the setup with 2 identical phasers which are the exhaust only phasers from other variants. I'm really only needing either a measuring point or visual reference for the LAF variant on the reluctor wheels. Best case is to compare to a known good running LAF but I don't have a clue how I'd do that. I'm going to reach out to some of the camshaft manufacturers to see if they can help. I'd hate to have to buy camshafts just to verify it's the wheels.

The procedure in the TSB is for the LE5 but I'm pretty sure the LE5 and LAF share the same cylinder head and shafts which would make it applicable to me but I'm not gambling on that. At this point I'm done with timing it. I've timed it flawlessly 3 times now.

Thanks for the link to the manual. I have the almost identical one from my GM dealer. Yep, exhaust stroke not compression as most youtube videos say. I tell ya, if I were to listen to youtube videos for an ecotec I'd be screwed. They maybe don't know about the many variants of this ecobeast and just give advice for all which is careless.

Thanks again Richard. If you happen to come across a camshaft for the LAF 2011 regal showing a gap in the ring and it's proximity to a lobe, I'd sure appreciate taking a look.

 

[richardnewton]

Most of the 2.4 engines were in Terrains so I would visit terrainforum and ask.

Write that your engine is LAF version that has same phaser part numbers for intake and exhaust.

 

[G-959197]

A few engine builders told me the Lea is the same and they are plentiful. I'm gonna check around the local boneyards to match my reluctors relative to any love that perfectly lines up with a lobe.

 

[richardnewton]

According to this GM service note, there were different intake cam parts for 2011 Regal LAF 2.4 engines (early 2011 vs. late 2011).

The VIN number can reveal if the engine is early or late (I don't know if the RPO codes help).

Of course, some warranty work updated early LAF engines with newer intake cam parts, so it is never that easy.

"A 2010 engine has a black exhaust actuator sprocket and a gray intake actuator sprocket. Each camshaft actuator sprocket will have a different part number.
The intake camshaft is for a 2010 model engine.

A 2011 LAF engine has black camshaft actuator sprockets for both the intake and exhaust camshafts. Both camshaft actuator sprockets will have the same
part number. The intake camshaft is for a 2011 model engine.

Note: If working on a 2011 Regal LAF, the technician must identify if the engine is an early or late build design. Early build is a 2010 design and a late build is a 2011 design. 2011 model year Regal's Built Prior to last eight of the VIN B1014160 have a 2010 design engine (both camshaft actuators are different colors and part numbers and it has the 2010 intake camshaft). Any 2011 Regal LAF built with that vin or newer will have a 2011 design engine (both camshaft actuators are both black in color with the same part number and it has a 2011 intake camshaft)"

--> Intake cam to sprocket was changed at some point but I don't know if this is related to the early/late 2011 change (10 vs 5 O'Clock "marks" on the cam with the sprocket removed). Exhaust was at 7 o'clock and not changed AFAIK.

--> I don't remember when the balance chain revision was done but I thought that would just make things run rough but not throw a code.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10114592-9999.pdf