Check out Bulletin PIP5203A, No mention of VIN breaks....Just year models.
Very grateful for that, I think you might be onto something. This particular car is a 06/2010 build, but 2011 model year. There is a whine when running that varies from imperceptible to noticeable that varies with engine speed. I attributed that to a bad idler pulley or something (only spent less than an hour with the car). Given its history of possible engine replacement, I think this might be a smoking gun.Check out Bulletin PIP5203A, No mention of VIN breaks....Just year models.
Based on the bits of info that the seller has provided, I'm 99% certain that I'm dealing with a mismatch with the cam & actuator which was caused by a midyear change for 2011 Regal models. There is a VIN split that occurred in the 2011 model year, where early ones received a 2010-design engine, and later models received a 2011-design engine. (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/MC-10114592-9999.pdf)
I'm getting the same codes, noise and driveability issues that are noted in the bulletin and these issues began after a recent engine swap. The seller stated that a reman Jasper engine was swapped in; I don't think this is the case, but rather a used engine or junkyard pull was used.
Yep, have a shortage of time but hopefully I can at least pull the VC tomorrow to identify parts and confirm my suspicion.You're definitely on to something. Looks like the next step for you is going to be pulling the VC to verify what parts you have.
If its Jasper there will be a serial number sticker on one side of the engine, usually above the oil pan railYep, have a shortage of time but hopefully I can at least pull the VC tomorrow to identify parts and confirm my suspicion.
If it is what I suspect (wrong cam & actuator), then the question becomes how do I get the part. GM has discontinued the 12608300 intake camshaft which is what goes in the 2010 and earlier design LAF (2.4L) engines, and I can't find it anywhere. Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain also used this part.
I got it up on the lift and was impressed-- no leaks (just seeping in places), suspension & axles look good, decent exhaust, minimal rust. The underside of the engine looked very clean, so the jury is still out whether this is actually a reman Jasper engine or a used one. There was a huge difference in grime on the underside of the transmission vs the engine, with the engine being almost squeeky clean compared to trans, so the engine has definitely been replaced-- also some wiring harnesses not being tied down and just laid over the exhaust (!) was the other clue.
All in all it's a very clean car for 200K. Right now it sets at 199998, looking forward to get it fixed up right and the rollover being a fresh start.
I half expected the holier-than-thou replies. Are you here to help or judge? If the latter, please refrain from commenting further. Keep tabs on the topic though, because I'm about to school you on how to turn a $1500 project car into a car worth $3K+ that's a reliable daily driver while learning and having fun doing it. Not your thing? Cool, then don't comment.Seems like an interesting project. Hopefully $1500 means little to your friend and he can buy his wife something decent.
If you're dealing with a Jasper, then it will be painted battleship grey and as Timmastertech said, have a red serial tag on it
I don't see it being a major repair and nothing that would warrant engine removal. This engine is different than most DOHC VVT transverse 4 cylinders I've seen. The chain tensioner is mounted externally and can be removed from the back of the engine, and the timing cover only goes up about halfway; very manageable.@ the OP so you have to change the camshaft? I take it, it's a transvers mounted motor, and you have to pull the motor then? Honest question, I'm not saying the car isn't worth it.
Likely because he doesn't have the skills/ability to fix it himself and lacks the time/money/etc. to take it to a place that can diagnose and repair it properly. Easier for people to dump the car and move on-- Some come into money somehow (most often tax time) and want a new ride, others get into a high interest loan on another 5-10+ year old car. That's how most cars end up as mechanic specials, I've seen it more times than I can count.2011 Buick Regal for sale, minor issue, probably a quick fix.
(who believes stuff like that. If it was a quick fix why didn't the owner fix it?
Not me and that's all that matters. Again, I have zero risk here (it's not my car) and have very little time in it so far, other than from the comfort of my computer chair posting on this forum.Who paid for a Jasper engine and a Jasper transmission and labor?)