Review on 🔧 ACDelco GM OEM 12608580 Timing Chain Tensioner Kit + Seal by Thong Lopez

I successfully installed it yesterday. It matched my 2005 Chevy Cavalier Ecotec 2.2 perfectly. Installation took me about 2.5 hours. Haven't removed the valve cover yet. It wasn't difficult, but I took my time and stayed organized. Before changing the tensioner, I had a noticeable "rattle" when starting the engine - more like the sound of a bike spinning at high speed when idling. After installing and activating a new tensioner, the noise disappeared. The engine also feels a little less spirited after the repair, resulting in a cleaner rev transition when shifting gears. There is a lot of conflicting or incorrect information about this tensioner and the replacement process. I suspect that in reality each situation may be slightly different. Use your wits, read the pitfalls and variables, and plan to make sure you're doing it right through direct observation. IMPORTANT: My tensioner remained inactive after installation. I removed the valve cover and had to hit the guide to release the spring. I don't want to skip this step. I don't know the probability of jumping on one of the gears, but it seems like a stupid chance. ALSO IMPORTANT: When I removed the old stretcher, it fell apart as some forum posts and reviewers had predicted. While I tried to hold the tensioner in place when removing it, I don't think that would have stopped the spring from pushing the components apart. Nothing held them together. I used one of those cheap telescopic magnetic tools to pry what was left of the old tensioner from inside the block. It was the perfect tool as the block is aluminum and the tensioner parts are steel. My mileage is around 120,000 and I have owned the car since it was introduced. I have always used synthetic oils, in the past Mobile 1 and more recently Amsoil XP. I see a longer oil change cycle (12,000) (yes I know anyone reading this will freeze in horror). I change the filter once between oil changes. I have found Amsoil to retain its viscosity properties much better than any other synthetic product I have tried. seemed undamaged. I have no plans to replace chains, guides, etc. Compared to the cost of replacing the car and other age indicators, money doesn't seem like a good investment. I would think about it myself if I had the means.