I'm pulling the head off of the Solstice (2006, 2.4L Ecotec LE5), and would prefer not to have to remove the timing chain cover to get the timing set correctly. The last time I did this, the engine was out of the car. I would prefer not to pull the engine just to replace the head gasket, and getting the front cover off with the engine IN the car will be nontrivial.
Any suggestions on a way to keep the chain tight against the crank sprocket / guides / etc. while the head is off of the engine? I see the EN timing chain tools - $150 for something that looks like it should cost $20 - mentioned in the service manual. I have the OTC GM 4-cylinder cam tool set, which has timing chain holders, but the illustrations indicate that they're braced against the head. Which is coming off.
Help?
Edit
For those that are curious, here's what the GM chain holder tool looks like:
I think it would work well if just doing some cam work, but wasn't helpful at all when removing the head. The threaded rod goes into the plastic clips, which have teeth that engage the timing chain. The whole thing gets wedged between the timing chain and the upper chain guides.
Way overpriced (over $100 USD).