Performance Water Pump Timing Chain & Head Gasket Kit for Buick LaCrosse (2011-2016) 2.4L

Complete Timing Chain, Water Pump & Head Gasket Overhaul Kit for 2011-2016 Buick LaCrosse (Epsilon II)

What it Does: The Performance Timing Chain, Water Pump, and MLS Head Gasket Kit provides a complete mechanical refresh for the 2011-2016 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L to restore camshaft-to-crankshaft synchronization, eliminate cooling circuit failures, and are designed to ensure high-compression cylinder sealing.

The Stock Buick LaCrosse Valvetrain & Cooling Vulnerabilities

The 2.4L Ecotec platform utilized in the Epsilon II LaCrosse frequently suffers from timing chain stretch and oil-pressure-dependent tensioner collapse. Chain slack rapidly chews through nylon guide rails, throwing camshaft phase codes (P0016/P0017) and risking catastrophic piston-to-valve contact. Simultaneously, internal water pump seals degrade over continuous thermal cycles, while factory cylinder head gaskets are vulnerable to micro-fretting and coolant weeping between the water jacket and combustion chambers.

The Engineering Solution

This master engine overhaul kit addresses core Ecotec failure modes by integrating high-tensile link-belt timing and balance shaft chains paired with hardened sprockets and upgraded hydraulic tensioners. The kit includes fresh Variable Valve Timing (VVT) actuator components to restore instant cam phase authority. Sealing is handled by a premium Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gasket that absorbs block deflection and cyclic thermal expansion. Accompanied by a precision-machined mechanical water pump and a full complement of Viton valve stem seals and peripheral gaskets, this assembly restores factory compression and timing stability.

What's Included

• 1 Timing Chain (148 Links)
• 1 Timing Chain Tensioner
• 2 VVT Camshaft Gears (Exhaust)
• 2 Camshaft Position Actuators
• 2 Variable Valve Timing Solenoids
• 1 Crank Sprocket (23 & 42 Teeth)
• 1 Guide Rail (Tensioner Guide, Left and Upper for Cam Chain)
• 1 Timing Chain Balance Shaft (134 Links)
• 1 Balance Shaft Tensioner
• 1 Balance Shaft Sprocket (Intake & Exhaust Side)
• 1 Guide Rail Balance Shaft (Upper, Left, and Right)
• 1 Water Pump with Gasket
• 1 Timing Cover Gasket Set
• 1 Multiple Layers Steel (MLS) Head Gasket
• 1 Valve Cover Gasket
• 1 Set Valve Stem Seals
• 1 Intake Manifold Gasket
• 1 Exhaust Manifold Gasket
• 1 Front Camshaft Seal
• 1 Set O-Rings
• 1 Set Miscellaneous Small Gaskets

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 2011-2016 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L Inline-4 (Gasoline / eAssist)

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the Epsilon II LaCrosse?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2011-2016 Buick LaCrosse equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec (LAF/LEA) engine. Does not fit models equipped with the 3.6L V6 (LLT or LFX) engines.

Do I need to replace the balance shaft assembly at the same time?

Yes, because the balance shaft chain and sprockets sit directly behind the primary camshaft drive, renewing the entire assembly during a single service is required to prevent secondary chain failure and maintain smooth engine balance.

The Buick Reliability Standard

Engineered to restore whisper-quiet valvetrain operation and dependable daily driving performance, this comprehensive rebuild kit maintains the balance of smooth executive comfort and factory mechanical reliability.