2009 GMC Acadia timing chains

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
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pics of said lift please? has to be an interesting lift if you cant get the cradle out with it.
 

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
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ah ok, so basically like a 4 post.

on flat ground, id get a couple harbor frieght wheel casters, take tires off the front end, lower rotors onto casters, two jacks under the frame/body not on the sub frame, then disconnect everything and have someone on the opposite side of you jack the body up with you till you can roll the sub frame out. may need a couple 8x8 blocks of wood on the jacks to get high enough or pull the bumper/valence. i think you would be aggravation a head going this route but ive not played with one of these rigs before. dont think it will be fun either way...
 

zakkb787

<that’s not me...
Sep 29, 2014
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Granite Falls NC
Ah I see the issue now. Well one way I’ve seen it done is put 2 jacks behind the front tires and make sure they can lift HIGH. take the pressure off and drop the cradle then jack the body up and roll the cradle out. Kinda what James said?
 

036.6turbo

Active member
Jan 17, 2014
714
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ah ok, so basically like a 4 post.

on flat ground, id get a couple harbor frieght wheel casters, take tires off the front end, lower rotors onto casters, two jacks under the frame/body not on the sub frame, then disconnect everything and have someone on the opposite side of you jack the body up with you till you can roll the sub frame out. may need a couple 8x8 blocks of wood on the jacks to get high enough or pull the bumper/valence. i think you would be aggravation a head going this route but ive not played with one of these rigs before. dont think it will be fun either way...

Ah I see the issue now. Well one way I’ve seen it done is put 2 jacks behind the front tires and make sure they can lift HIGH. take the pressure off and drop the cradle then jack the body up and roll the cradle out. Kinda what James said?

Thanks guys, pretty sure this is going to be a shit show, no matter which way I attack it.
 

Tyler_LBZ

Member
Feb 26, 2015
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0
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NC
This "high feature" or VVT 3.6 is in all kind of vehicles, Camaro, CTS, SRX, Enclave, Traverse etc etc. All the early ones had issues. Not just the Acadia.

Correct that engine is in those cars as well, it is very widely used, the Lamda platform are all the mid size SUV's that GM makes.
 

Tyler_LBZ

Member
Feb 26, 2015
96
0
6
NC
Are you sure of this? Is there literature from GM or something I can read about.

I have not received any from GM but everything I have read shows that GM offered an extended warranty 10yr/120K on the older models (engine code LY7) and in 2010 made changes to the timing chain assembly among other changes, engine code "LLT". Speculation is they went with a different chain manufacturer and revised how the chain gets lubrication. The causes of the chain failure are hard to pinpoint, but GM wasn't the only company with similar timing chain issues. Reduced oil change intervals by reprogramming the oil life monitor were common "fixes". Assuming it was lack of lubrication causing them to stretch.
 

zakkb787

<that’s not me...
Sep 29, 2014
2,340
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Granite Falls NC
I have not received any from GM but everything I have read shows that GM offered an extended warranty 10yr/120K on the older models (engine code LY7) and in 2010 made changes to the timing chain assembly among other changes, engine code "LLT". Speculation is they went with a different chain manufacturer and revised how the chain gets lubrication. The causes of the chain failure are hard to pinpoint, but GM wasn't the only company with similar timing chain issues. Reduced oil change intervals by reprogramming the oil life monitor were common "fixes". Assuming it was lack of lubrication causing them to stretch.

Sounds like the issues with earlier ecoboost engines.
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
15,610
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Mid Michigan
Have you seen this?

#11340C: Special Coverage Adjustment-Timing Chain Wear - (Feb 16, 2012)

Subject: 11340C – Special Coverage Adjustment — Timing Chain Wear

Models: 2009 Buick Enclave
2007-2009 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS
2009 Chevrolet Traverse
2007 GMC Acadia
2009 GMC Acadia
2007 Saturn OUTLOOK
2009 Saturn OUTLOOK
Equipped with 2.8L/3.6L Engine (LP1/LY7/LLT)

Condition
On some 2007 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; GMC Acadia; and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles that are equipped with a 2.8L/3.6L V6 engine (LP1/LY7), under certain driving conditions, and with the vehicle’s original oil change intervals, the timing chain could wear prematurely and cause the illumination of the Service Engine Soon light.

Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

Dealers are to replace the timing chain. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after February 17, 2012, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to February 17, 2012, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2007 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; GMC Acadia; and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles equipped with a 2.8L/3.6L V6 engine (LP1/LY7).

Important: Dealers are to confirm vehicle eligibility prior to beginning repairs by using the Applicable Warranties section in the Global Warranty Management System.

Parts Information
Parts required to complete this special coverage are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (GMCC&A).

Service Procedure
Verify that the timing chain requires replacement. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information in SI.

• If the timing chain does NOT require replacement, no further action is required. Inform the customer that any additional diagnosis and repairs are not covered under this special coverage.
• If the timing chain requires replacement, refer to the appropriate timing chain replacement procedure in SI.
Courtesy Transportation – For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.

Warranty Transaction Information
Submit a transaction using the table below.


Labor Code
Description
Labor Time
Net Item
T5853


Diagnostic Time Only – No Repair Required
0.1-0.3

N/A


T5854
Replace Timing Chain

— CTS, STS, SRX
6.9

— Acadia, OUTLOOK (FWD) (inc front wheel alignment)
9.1

— Acadia, OUTLOOK (AWD) (inc front alignment)
9.4

Add: Diagnostic Time
0.1-0.3


* The amount identified in “Net Item” should represent the actual sum total of the current GMCC&A dealer net price for the RTV sealant and refrigerant needed to perform the required repairs, not to exceed $9.64 USD, $17.20 CAD, plus applicable Mark-Up or Landed Cost (for Export).

Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this special coverage on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).


Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2007 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; GMC Acadia; or Saturn OUTLOOK vehicle, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

Recently, you took your vehicle to your dealer to have Customer Satisfaction Program 10287 performed. Your dealer reprogrammed the engine control module to prevent premature wear of the timing chain and the illumination of the Service Engine Soon light. Further analysis has shown that the reprogramming may not fully correct this condition for all vehicles; we, therefore, are providing you with additional protection for the timing chain.

What We Have Done: General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the timing chain. If premature wear of the timing chain occurs on your 2007 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; GMC Acadia; or Saturn OUTLOOK vehicle, equipped with a V6 engine, within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. Diagnosis or repair for conditions other than the condition described above is not covered under this special coverage program.

Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that the Service Soon Engine light has illuminated due to timing chain wear.

What You Should Do: If you believe that your vehicle's Service Engine Soon light has illuminated due to timing chain wear, repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to contact your GM dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

Reimbursement: If you have paid for repairs for the condition described in this letter, please complete the enclosed form and present it to your dealer with all required documents. Working with your dealer will expedite your request, however, if this is not convenient, you may mail the completed form and all required documents to Reimbursement Department, PO Box 33170, Detroit, MI 48232-5170. The completed form and required documents must be presented to your dealer or received by the Reimbursement Department by July 31, 2013, unless state law specifies a longer reimbursement period.


Also, there's something about a "Customer Satisfaction Program #10287", not sure what thats all about.
 

036.6turbo

Active member
Jan 17, 2014
714
61
28
Have you seen this?

#11340C: Special Coverage Adjustment-Timing Chain Wear - (Feb 16, 2012)

Subject: 11340C – Special Coverage Adjustment — Timing Chain Wear

Models: 2009 Buick Enclave
2007-2009 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS
2009 Chevrolet Traverse
2007 GMC Acadia
2009 GMC Acadia
2007 Saturn OUTLOOK
2009 Saturn OUTLOOK
Equipped with 2.8L/3.6L Engine (LP1/LY7/LLT)

Condition
On some 2007 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS; GMC Acadia; and Saturn OUTLOOK vehicles that are equipped with a 2.8L/3.6L V6 engine (LP1/LY7), under certain driving conditions, and with the vehicle’s original oil change intervals, the timing chain could wear prematurely and cause the illumination of the Service Engine Soon light.

Special Coverage Adjustment
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

Yes Tom, I've seen it.

That's why I got a smile out of the comments about bashing the Acadia, this 3.6 motor is the new small block chevy of GM, they put this thing in everything. There may be more 5.3s out there (just because of the number of 1/2 ton trucks, Tahoes, Burbs, etc etc) But there are a BUNCH of 3.6s and they ALL suffer from this.

My daughter's car has had the chains replaced once already under that coverage, it had like 40k miles on it then. My wife's 2008 SRX had the chains replaced under that program as well.

But here we are today, daughter's car has 165,000 miles on it now, so like 125,000 on the chains. P0008 and P0017 codes showing up. She's outside of the GM coverage, so we all know that means???

You guessed it! She falls under the "Dad" coverage. (single mother, hard worker and I kind of like her a little bit :D)

Think LB7 injectors, boys and girls! If your in the window of the coverage, maybe GM will repair it, or if they do replace the item and you put a lot of miles on it, at some point the repair will be on you.

But I digress, I got to thinking.

The ceiling of my shop, right above the lift is braced, from back in the day. Before I got the lift I hung a chain fall there for pulling motors.

I may raise the car, cut the "K" member loose, suspend the front of the car from the old chain fall point, then lower the lift with the "k" member and the rear of the car on it?

Seems legit, right? What could possibly go wrong??

:roflmao::happy2::happy2::happy2::dontknow::dontknow::banghead::banghead:
 

036.6turbo

Active member
Jan 17, 2014
714
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I have not received any from GM but everything I have read shows that GM offered an extended warranty 10yr/120K on the older models (engine code LY7) and in 2010 made changes to the timing chain assembly among other changes, engine code "LLT". Speculation is they went with a different chain manufacturer and revised how the chain gets lubrication. The causes of the chain failure are hard to pinpoint, but GM wasn't the only company with similar timing chain issues. Reduced oil change intervals by reprogramming the oil life monitor were common "fixes". Assuming it was lack of lubrication causing them to stretch.

That and the fact that the chains have "actuators" that hold tension on the chains, based on oil pressure.

This platform also had an issue with oil consumption, due do a poorly designed PCV system. They would actually draw oil into the intake track and burn it. This would leave the engine low on oil, low oil = low / interrupted oil pressure. Timing chain tension actuators don't see enough oil pressure, bad things start to happen.

So GMs answer? Reprogram the ECM to tell you to change the oil more frequently, not that the oil has magically gone bad SOONER, but just to make sure its always at an acceptable level.

All this stuff is well documented on the fifth gen Camaro forums.

Remember, this same engine in an "F" body is rated at 306hp. The guys that hot rod the v6 Camaros altered the PCV system. Building special catch cans, etc etc etc.

Once again I digress.
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
15,610
1,866
113
Mid Michigan
Yes Tom, I've seen it.

That's why I got a smile out of the comments about bashing the Acadia, this 3.6 motor is the new small block chevy of GM, they put this thing in everything. There may be more 5.3s out there (just because of the number of 1/2 ton trucks, Tahoes, Burbs, etc etc) But there are a BUNCH of 3.6s and they ALL suffer from this.

My daughter's car has had the chains replaced once already under that coverage, it had like 40k miles on it then. My wife's 2008 SRX had the chains replaced under that program as well.

But here we are today, daughter's car has 165,000 miles on it now, so like 125,000 on the chains. P0008 and P0017 codes showing up. She's outside of the GM coverage, so we all know that means???

You guessed it! She falls under the "Dad" coverage. (single mother, hard worker and I kind of like her a little bit :D)

Think LB7 injectors, boys and girls! If your in the window of the coverage, maybe GM will repair it, or if they do replace the item and you put a lot of miles on it, at some point the repair will be on you.

But I digress, I got to thinking.

The ceiling of my shop, right above the lift is braced, from back in the day. Before I got the lift I hung a chain fall there for pulling motors.

I may raise the car, cut the "K" member loose, suspend the front of the car from the old chain fall point, then lower the lift with the "k" member and the rear of the car on it?

Seems legit, right? What could possibly go wrong??

:roflmao::happy2::happy2::happy2::dontknow::dontknow::banghead::banghead:

I figured you may have.

So you're the family mechanic too, eh? Ive got fuel filler/evap problems on a G6 to solve, and when I can get to it, intake and oil pan gasket (and pan) on a Grand Prix. Yay!

Honestly, your lift idea sounds like it might work.
 

036.6turbo

Active member
Jan 17, 2014
714
61
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I figured you may have.

So you're the family mechanic too, eh? Ive got fuel filler/evap problems on a G6 to solve, and when I can get to it, intake and oil pan gasket (and pan) on a Grand Prix. Yay!

Honestly, your lift idea sounds like it might work.

There is always a job in "que" waiting to get in.

Then add in being the handyman for (3) adult kids, and the MOVER! (I'm getting too old for this shit!) Beginning to see why my old man moved away when he retired!

I second the lift idea. I would do it!

I still have to figure out a way to "crib" the raised front end of the car, so I'm not working under a suspended load.

Option "B" would be to cut an access panel in the passenger side inner fender, so the front of the engine is more accessible.

I've seen guys do that kind of thing to service a fuel pump, rather than drop the tank, just wack a hole in the floor and reach through.
 

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
21,670
5,813
113
Phoenix Az
There is always a job in "que" waiting to get in.

Then add in being the handyman for (3) adult kids, and the MOVER! (I'm getting too old for this shit!) Beginning to see why my old man moved away when he retired!



I still have to figure out a way to "crib" the raised front end of the car, so I'm not working under a suspended load.

Option "B" would be to cut an access panel in the passenger side inner fender, so the front of the engine is more accessible.

I've seen guys do that kind of thing to service a fuel pump, rather than drop the tank, just wack a hole in the floor and reach through.

yup, thats always an option as well.
 

036.6turbo

Active member
Jan 17, 2014
714
61
28
Nah, that ain't CHANKY at all!
fb8d98d2db56fc42fd8136b19b75ae5e.jpg
f9c13725b89ad41cfd7011ef3b8df028.jpg
d8cc4334df6d60cb792e4c1a1817ae03.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

turbo_bu

Member
Mar 27, 2007
198
6
18
Central IL
That is a very nice setup indeed. I would be redneck proud as heck about what you have going there.

Chain, check ... 55 gal barrel, check ... jack stands, check .... misc wood / cribbing, check .... no problem :)
 

036.6turbo

Active member
Jan 17, 2014
714
61
28
That is a very nice setup indeed. I would be redneck proud as heck about what you have going there.

Chain, check ... 55 gal barrel, check ... jack stands, check .... misc wood / cribbing, check .... no problem :)

Thank you, I'd like to claim that it all worked flawlessly BUT............ The barrel did not survive.

Luckily my wife was on point and saw it begin to settle on one side.

We had enough time to get jack stands under the body on top of the lift. So a crisis was averted. As of now, the body and "K" member with engine / transaxle, are all sitting on the lift.

Looking at it, I think I can use one floor jack on each lift rail, under the body to drop the body back down. Time will tell.

Installed the new chains / guides / tensioners / idler gears and crank sprocket last night.

It's a bit of a process to get everything timed correctly. The "right" or rear exhaust cam did not seem to want to "sit" in the correct "timed" position. If I let any tension of off the chain, while installing the guides, that cam would pop back one tooth. I double and triple checked everything, hopefully I have it set correctly.

Waiting on parts now. Should have it back together this Saturday.

Never would have believed it would be so hard to find an intake manifold gasket. Had to order one in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZyehWKDV-Y&t=309s