Questions about timing chain on 2000 Sunfire

[Marianelaine]

Our 2000 Pontiac Sunfire has 125,000 miles and had the timing chain replaced about a year ago. Recently the engine started making a noise like a helicopter blade. A trusted garage here told us the hydraulic timing chain tensioner is out and it is not worth it to replace it. They said this engine is a bad engine and frequently has this problem.They said if it was replaced it might just go out again.. Has anyone else had this problem? Would it be worthwhile to replace the engine? The rest of the car is in decent shape.
Thank you!

 

[melsg5]

did the person who replaced the chain replace the tensioner and guides? What is the point of replacing the engine versus properly installing the chain, tensioner and guides? How often do you change the oil and what weight are you using?

 

[Zimgxp]

I'm not sure why it isn't worth repairing. If you fix a flat tire it could go flat again, but you fix it. I would evaluate the costs of replace vs repair before you make a move.

 

[bandb]

find a new "trusted garage" because the tensioner costs about $40 and takes about 2hrs to replace .