Performance Water Pump Timing Chain & Head Gasket Kit for Buick Regal (2012-2017) 2.4L

Complete Timing Chain, Water Pump & Head Gasket Overhaul Kit for 2012-2017 Buick Regal (Epsilon II)

What it Does: The Timing Chain, Water Pump, and MLS Head Gasket Kit provides a complete mechanical overhaul for the 2012-2017 Buick Regal 2.4L engine to eliminate timing chain rattle, restore compression sealing, and prevent catastrophic valvetrain desynchronization.

The Stock Buick Regal Ecotec Valvetrain & Cooling Vulnerabilities

The factory GM Ecotec 2.4L (LEA / LUK) platform within the Epsilon II chassis is widely known for premature timing chain stretch, hydraulic tensioner pressure loss, and nylon guide rail brittleness caused by thermal cycling. As chain slack develops, erratic variable valve timing codes and chain slap trigger premature wear on the VVT camshaft phasers, risking piston-to-valve contact. Simultaneously, factory water pump internal bearings degrade and OEM head gaskets suffer micro-abrasion from thermal expansion between the aluminum head and block, leading to coolant loss and compromised cylinder sealing.

The Engineering Solution

This master overhaul kit resolves these core failure modes by utilizing high-tensile, heat-treated alloy steel link chains engineered for superior fatigue strength and minimal elongation. Upgraded composite guide rails resist embrittlement from elevated oil temperatures, while heavy-duty hydraulic tensioners ensure calibrated take-up under high-RPM loads. Combustion sealing is reinforced with a premium Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gasket engineered to handle high cylinder pressures and lateral shear. Complete with replacement balance shaft assemblies, VVT phasers, actuators, solenoids, and a high-flow water pump cross-referenced to OEM 12680750, 9-4201S, and HS26517PT, this kit restores accurate cam phasing, balanced rotating harmonics, and cooling performance.

What's Included

• 1 Timing Chain (148 Links)
• 1 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 & Right)
• 1 Water Pump with Gasket
• 1 Timing Cover Gasket Set
• 1 Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Head Gasket
• 1 Valve Cover Gasket
• 1 Set of Valve Stem Seals
• 1 Intake Manifold Gasket
• 1 Exhaust Manifold Gasket
• 1 Front Camshaft Seal
• O-Rings & Assorted Ancillary Small Gaskets

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 2012 Buick Regal 2.4L L4 Naturally Aspirated / eAssist
• 2013 Buick Regal 2.4L L4 Naturally Aspirated / eAssist
• 2014 Buick Regal 2.4L L4 Naturally Aspirated / eAssist
• 2015 Buick Regal 2.4L L4 Naturally Aspirated / eAssist
• 2016 Buick Regal 2.4L L4 Naturally Aspirated / eAssist
• 2017 Buick Regal 2.4L L4 Naturally Aspirated / eAssist

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the Epsilon II Regal?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2012-2017 Buick Regal equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec inline-4 engine; it does not fit 2.0L Turbo (LTG/LHU) models.

Are specialized timing tools required for installation?

Yes, GM Ecotec camshaft locking tools and balance shaft alignment procedures must be strictly observed during installation to prevent phase mismatch and mechanical timing errors.

The Buick Reliability Standard

Manufactured to meet or exceed OEM engineering tolerances, this comprehensive assembly delivers smooth idle stabilization, factory-correct oil control through the VVT system, and sustained high-mileage dependability.