Replace timing chain guide?

ChadSZL1 · 01-16-2022, 01:44 PM

When replacing the oil pump is anyone changing the timing chain guide? I have seen where people say the stock guide can cause issues. If so what brand is everyone using?

h018871 · 01-16-2022, 01:59 PM

Chain tensioner/guide failures were common with the LS engines. I haven't heard of the same issue on the LT engines, although the tensioner is very similar between the two. For the LS motors, most folks went with the older style LS2 "bowtie", it's a guide not a tensioner.

I've seen one for the LT engines from LME, not sure if it is needed like it was on the later LS engines

It would be interesting to hear if folks have seen them broken when doing a cam or oil pump swap.

ChadSZL1 · 01-16-2022, 02:30 PM

I agree!! I hope to hear from some people who did the cam change/oil pump if they changed it out?

Mark R · 01-16-2022, 05:19 PM

My 2018 had the oil pump changed in November, and I am sure the tech would have alerted me to a cam chain guide issue if he saw one. He did not.

nighttowl · 01-17-2022, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h018871

Chain tensioner/guide failures were common with the LS engines. I haven't heard of the same issue on the LT engines, although the tensioner is very similar between the two. For the LS motors, most folks went with the older style LS2 "bowtie", it's a guide not a tensioner.

I've seen one for the LT engines from LME, not sure if it is needed like it was on the later LS engines

It would be interesting to hear if folks have seen them broken when doing a cam or oil pump swap.

That is not the guide that was listed as an issue.

https://gm-techlink.com/?p=12041

ChadSZL1 · 01-17-2022, 07:47 PM

So would it be worth changing?

h018871 · 01-18-2022, 09:57 AM

Chad, are you changing the timing chain? ie upgrade to CR5.

my thoughts: if running the OE chain, keep the OE tensioner. if changing the chain, go with the anti-slap style chain guide. I have no factual data to support these thoughts........ it's only $$

KingLT1 · 01-18-2022, 10:21 AM

I read there was a defect in the chain guide on some models. This article shows up to 2106 but I seen another video(I can't find now lol) where it happened on a 17-18 ZL1.

https://www.autoserviceprofessional....r-chevy-camaro

ChadSZL1 · 01-18-2022, 12:44 PM

Yes I am going to upgrade the timing chain also. But wanted to know if changing the guide would also be a good preventative measure.

nighttowl · 01-19-2022, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChadSZL1

Yes I am going to upgrade the timing chain also. But wanted to know if changing the guide would also be a good preventative measure.

I would if I were you. if you're already in there, might as well do it especially since GM technical bullitin says there are issues on some vehicles up to 2019.

KingLT1 · 01-19-2022, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChadSZL1

But wanted to know if changing the guide would also be a good preventative measure.

YES

01-16-2022, 01:44 PM	#1
ChadSZL1 Red Bull Drives: 2017 Chevy ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 184	Replace timing chain guide? When replacing the oil pump is anyone changing the timing chain guide? I have seen where people say the stock guide can cause issues. If so what brand is everyone using?

01-16-2022, 01:59 PM	#2
h018871 Geoff Drives: 2020 ZL1 Green Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 1,720	Chain tensioner/guide failures were common with the LS engines. I haven't heard of the same issue on the LT engines, although the tensioner is very similar between the two. For the LS motors, most folks went with the older style LS2 "bowtie", it's a guide not a tensioner. I've seen one for the LT engines from LME, not sure if it is needed like it was on the later LS engines It would be interesting to hear if folks have seen them broken when doing a cam or oil pump swap. Attached Images __________________ Having a Blast https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...php?p=10741733

01-18-2022, 09:57 AM	#7
h018871 Geoff Drives: 2020 ZL1 Green Join Date: May 2013 Location: Houston Posts: 1,720	Chad, are you changing the timing chain? ie upgrade to CR5. my thoughts: if running the OE chain, keep the OE tensioner. if changing the chain, go with the anti-slap style chain guide. I have no factual data to support these thoughts........ it's only $$ __________________ Having a Blast https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...php?p=10741733

01-18-2022, 10:21 AM	#8
KingLT1 Drives: 2016 1SS NFG A8 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: 46804 Posts: 6,800	I read there was a defect in the chain guide on some models. This article shows up to 2106 but I seen another video(I can't find now lol) where it happened on a 17-18 ZL1. https://www.autoserviceprofessional....r-chevy-camaro __________________ 2016 NFG 1SS A8 Options-2SS Leather/NPP Perf. mods-Whipple 2.9/Fuel System/Flex Fuel/103mm TB/Rotofab Big Gulp/Cat Deletes/Corsa NPP Per. times- 10.5 @ 137 w/ 1.8 60ft Full weight on 20's 1200DA

01-16-2022, 02:30 PM	#3
ChadSZL1 Red Bull Drives: 2017 Chevy ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 184	I agree!! I hope to hear from some people who did the cam change/oil pump if they changed it out?

01-16-2022, 05:19 PM	#4
Mark R Drives: 2018 ZL-1 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 948	My 2018 had the oil pump changed in November, and I am sure the tech would have alerted me to a cam chain guide issue if he saw one. He did not.

01-17-2022, 07:47 PM	#6
ChadSZL1 Red Bull Drives: 2017 Chevy ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 184	So would it be worth changing?

01-18-2022, 12:44 PM	#9
ChadSZL1 Red Bull Drives: 2017 Chevy ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 184	Yes I am going to upgrade the timing chain also. But wanted to know if changing the guide would also be a good preventative measure.

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