VVT Failure

[cupraian]

After several posts about poor idling I seem to have got to the bottom of the problem. It seems that my timing is out (the error code said something about poor correlation between cam sensor and crank sensor).

The guy at the garage says it's either a slipped belt (car has done 51k and to my knowledge hasn't had a change yet) or the solenoid that controls the VVT is stuck in one position which would explain the poor idling but OK at higher revs (kinda like a high lift cam). I'm not running the car now BTW.

Haas anyone come across this before and if so is the bill going to make me cry?

Also, is there anything worth doing (apart from a belt change obviously) on the modding front while its in bits?

 

[RobM]

Cambelt, tensioner and water pump change are all worth doing at the same time. No clue about the VVT system though I'm afraid.

 

[cupraian]

Anyone????

Just had prices

If it's JUST(!) the canbelt slipping it'll be £316.47 inc all the hydraulic and roller tensioner water pump and new coolant obviously.

If it is the VVT solenoid well that'll be £744 thank you very much sir. That price includes the cambelt change, new solenoid and chain for VVT.

Does the cam belt price seem about right for a 2002 LC?

 

[Big_daddy]

After several posts about poor idling I seem to have got to the bottom of the problem. It seems that my timing is out (the error code said something about poor correlation between cam sensor and crank sensor).

The guy at the garage says it's either a slipped belt (car has done 51k and to my knowledge hasn't had a change yet) or the solenoid that controls the VVT is stuck in one position which would explain the poor idling but OK at higher revs (kinda like a high lift cam). I'm not running the car now BTW.

Haas anyone come across this before and if so is the bill going to make me cry?

Also, is there anything worth doing (apart from a belt change obviously) on the modding front while its in bits?

was that a local seat garage or your own?

 

[LiCkWiD]

Just had my Cambelt and Waterpump done. Brass impellar on the pump is a must.

Parts were £26 inc. vat. and labour came to £141 at the garage my g/f works at.

I probably should mention I got 75% discount on the parts.

Either way.. that's mega bucks you've been quoted for the belt and pump.

 

[cupraian]

It's at a local VAG specialist. I'm guessing it'll be a standard water pump with plastic impellar too....

 

[RobM]

That's a lot of money you've been quoted. I'd shop around! What part of the country are you in? There might be a good independent around you that you could use instead?

 

[longman]

It's at a local VAG specialist. I'm guessing it'll be a standard water pump with plastic impellar too....

As a reference, my Local Seat Dealer does a Cam belt, Tensioner and Water pump change for £305. it was no more than I expected.

However I only called then for a guide as to the good prices I get from my independant garage down the road... Worth a call if you are in the Kent area!
www.swautos.co.uk

 

[cupraian]

Thanks longman but i'm in stoke!

To be honest the price doesn't bother me too much, i'm just glad to have found the cause of a problem thats been dogging me for a while now.

The thread was really only to see if anyone else had experienced it.

 

[cupraian]

Picked my car up from PSI Tuning in Newcastle last night after having my VVT Solenoid diagnosed as completely fooked.

One of the skids that tension the chain had snapped and jammed causing my timing to be knocked a tooth out. As a matter of course while sorting that side Andy also replaced my cam belt, tensioners and water pump and guess what....

water pump impellor was breaking up too!!

He's now replaced this with the cast brass version.

The drive home last night was like having a new car.

If you're in the area I can't reccomend Andy and the lads from PSI enough.

 

[RobM]

Good news all round then!

The plastic impeller breaking is a common one, you're lucky you caught it early though as if it was already breaking, you weren't far away from an overheating car.

Now that's sorted though and the cambelt is done, you're free to start enjoying it again without those worries