So I picked up an 09 Traverse from a friend, 1200 dollars. Had timing correlation codes on intake/exhaust bank1. I removed the cover, installed a new full timing set. Re assembled and codes came back. Made a light rattle.

Removed covers again, inspected. Chain is tight but when I rotate the engine, the rear cam VVT sprocket (Exhaust) (bank 1) has movement. As I rotate the crank, the sprocket will shoot forward until the next revolution. Every time I rotate, it does this.

When it ran, it showed misfires on 1,3 and 5. It ran very smooth (could not feel misfires) when I gave it gas, only idled rough and performance was lacking as it should be if it is not completely in time. I checked valve springs and rollers (no gaps between lobes), does not appear to have bent valves. I will do a compression and leak down test to confirm.

NOW here is where I left a part out, I did NOT use the cam alignment tools. I held the cams in place with wrenches. I learned from this and ordered a set. When I inspected it the second time, the cams were off from each other by about 5 degrees or so.

So my problem is that I can turn the cam shaft with a wrench on the exhaust cam with full movement of the phaser WITHOUT moving/turning the sprocket. Should I buy a set of phasers or is this only because there is no oil inside of it during my inspection.

Thank you!!