I am considering buying a 2007 4dr Cobalt. I am wondering if the timing is chain or belt and is the engine interference or non interference?
Thanks,

 

its an interference engine with a timing chain that does not require service. They typically last the life of the engine. I have only seen one go and it was caused from running the engine low on oil from owner neglect.

IMO the ecotec engine is one of the best built engines made. My ecotec Cavalier has 252 000km and doesn't burn a drop of oil. i regularly see some with 350 000km.

 

That is good to hear as my daughters first car is a 09 Cobalt with the 2.2...

 

Do all cobalt's have interference engines with timing chains?

 

yes .the engine options are 2.0 S/C, 2.0 turbo, 2.2 and 2.4. all have timing chains, all interference

 

What about the Cavalier?

 

I have been also looking at 2005+ malibu. are they chain driven also? Malibu's look like good cars. What are your thoughts on them?

 

I have a 2008 cobalt with 160000 miles on it and the wife had a 2008 Malibu with 167000 miles on it when we traded it in on the suburban. The only real problems we had, was the cobalt needed a new feul pump because of leaking/broken fule lines and the malibu needed a new converter, both we fixed then found out that GM would reimburse us for what we paid to get it fixed. That was nice. I would say both are pretty good cars. The cobalt has the 2.2l ecotech with 5 speed, the Bu had the 2.4l ecotech with auto. The Bu was much quicker.

 

Could an improper oil-change affect the timing chain on a 2007 Chevy Cobalt?

I recently got a oil change last month for a dealership and then a month later my car did not start up. I check my dip stick and it was completely dry. They said my timing chain has failed. I have 132,000 miles on that engine. Now they are recommending I purchase a new engine. I never had any problems with my car until this oil-change. Does this seem right?

 

atinsley8500,

I am sorry to hear you are having this concern. I would like to look into this further for you. Please private message me your name, VIN, phone number, and dealership. I look forward to hearing from you.

Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care