Vvc mechs sound knackered to me

 

They actually do sound knackered lol. Very rattly...... Is it expensive?

 

I know theyre not cheap but thats about it. Im sure someone else will be along shortly with better info

 

The ECU has logged a VVC fault

VVC ECM Fault detection
If the ECM detects any faults with cam period
measurement during start-up and initial running, the
ECM will attempt to drive the VVC mechanism to the
minimum cam period.
If the ECM loses the cam period signal during
running, the cam period will remain frozen at the last
valid period. Engine speed may be limited to as low
as 5500 rev/min, depending on the cam period when
the fault occurred. The engine idle speed will be
raised, and will remain raised until the engine is
switched off.
NOTE: A camshaft period measurement
fault will only be recorded by the ECM if
the fault is detected at start-up or during
initial running. Camshaft period measurement
fault codes are stored by the ECM and can be
retrieved using TestBook.

However if there has been any head work it would be worth checking that the wiring connections are correct.

More here: http://forums.mg-rover.org/showpost.php?p=4317658&postcount=2

 

Idles perfectly, runs smoothly, no loss of power only at said rpm it, the guy I bought the car from had taken the head off to fit a mls head gasket the head had already gone and repaired when he got the car, new plugs oil change (although I have had to top it up) which did make a difference for about 70 miles, new coolant. He said he buys and sells rovers an mgs as a side job (registered trader) I did check him out and found this to be true just hoping it is wiring connections! Would a vvc fault turn on the eml?

Thanks

 

It should register on the EML if there is a fault with the VVC, as said above though its either the plugs on the wrong wat (2 min job to check) or the mechs are fubar'd. Dont worry too much about the sound of them, they are a noisy anyway.

Has the car always done this or is it something that has developed recently?




Cheers,
Matt

 

Could be due an oil change, this can often happen with the incorrect oil I believe, so if the oil is knackered it could be failing to operate properly.

I'm sure if I'm wrong someone can tell me.

 

When I topped the oil up it did get so much better, thinking about it though wh en I checked the dipstick before topping it up it did seem pretty thin and since topping it up it hasn't lost any hmmmm maybe I'll do an oil change I have some performance 10w40 anything is worth a try

 

Was like it when I got it, don't think it's got any worse just I'm paranoid about noises lol if I have the window even slightly open I can't hear it, I only really hear it when the windows are shut and there isn't any traffic around, would it be really loud then if it was really knackered?

 

It should be quite, if it's not it's pretty well shot.

Again, oil??

 

Ive never heard a "quiet" VVC... Mine certainly isnt, Ive used the correct oil for the 6 years ive owned it and had it dyno'd in April and its nearly spot on for its age (12 years.) so I wouldnt presume because its noisy that its broken.

But yes the oil does make a difference. You could also try running some diesel oil of the same grade for a couple of thousand miles to give it a clear out. Wynns hydraulic lifter cleaner works a treat but that will only sort the tappet noise not the VVC... But that could be some of the noise you are hearing as well as the VVC unit.











Cheers,
Matt

 

Well it'll be a good start, I would buy a decent engine cleaner also. Check the VVC plugs are ok and in the correct places.

It could have had a head gasket repair and been plugged back up wrong.

 

Ok well thanks for the pointers I'll have something to do tomorrow now even if it is raining

Cheers

 

I doubt it would be oil in such a short space of time. My money is on a connection fault.

 

The switches on the VVC mechanism are quite renowned for failing also.

I do believe they are the same as the temp sensors.

I thought he also said it has been like it since he had it. Oil can give at anytime when it's knackered.

 

Just found a google image of the connections to check with instructions (well handy) I'll have a go tomorrow check all connectors, wiring, I'll do an oil change anyway as its only gonna cost me the price of a new filter so if all that is in order then I'll just have to accept that it's gone

Cheers for your help

 

Halfords are selling castrol gtx for £18 this weekend.

Well worth the money

 

I've met a few quiet vvc's

 

I was told that vvc were clattery so wasn't too bothered until today when it just had nothing at 5500+

 

The most common reason is that the connectors on the HCU solenoids have been swapped over.

A failed camshaft sensor will cause limited RPM but will show as a fault code

The oil temperature sensor on the HCU housing won't cause an RPM limit, the ECU will substitute a default oil temp, engine response will be affected though.

 

^^^bang and the dirt is gone,

Told you someone would put it right.

 

The 160 I picked up has the quietest mechs i've heard. Whereas the BRM I picked up sounded like a tractor under full load!

 

Ok so I did an oil change new filter just went to the tip and back (around 3 miles) the noise has definitely improved but here's a vid of what it sounds like hopefully I'm just being paranoid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Pe4PMhPzI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Comments welcome

Thanks
Ryan

 

Did it still limit it to 5800rpm?

 

Didn't try it to be honest you have to go through the town a lot of police around today for some reason, the eml is on so I need to get that reset

 

Hmm, I would suspect this may relate to your VVC mechanism.

 

I'll try and get the light reset this week then try getting it to the limiter I suppose it will have one of two outcomes

1- it will get to 5500 then limit and bring the eml light back on?
2-will be fine and go all the way

If the light come back on and limits it will this mean that the vvc mechs are probably knackered or could it still be a connection issue I think they are as they Should be

 

Worn or noisy mechs won't bring the MIL light on.