VIDEO: VVT Actuator Rattles On Cold Start
Andrew Markel helps diagnose a customer complaint of a rattle or clunk from the engine when the vehicle is started in the morning, and how oil pressure could affect the variable valve timing system. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VANOS BMW: Variable Valve Timing Diagnostics
Diagnosing a VANOS system does not require that you speak German. What it does demand, however, is knowledge of how the actuator adjusts the camshaft, how the solenoid controls the actuator and when the engine control module changes camshaft timing. As for tools, you will need the appropriate tool set to lock the crank and camshaft. You will also need a scan tool and a scope to observe the crankshaft and camshaft signals to accomplish more advanced diagnostics.
Variable Valve Timing Diagnostics: 2009 Murano Case Study
It was a scenario to which we can all relate. A long-time customer passed away and his vehicle was being gifted to his granddaughter. The 2009 Murano was dropped off by the grandmother, who asked us to give the car a really good look over since she didn’t want the granddaughter to have any problems or expenses with the gift.
5 Timing Chain Warning Signs And Symptoms
Here are the top five things you should be checking to resolve a timing chain problem before it breaks.
Timing Chain or Belt: How Can an Engineering Change Affect Your Shop?
Like it or not, modern technology dictates how the modern independent import repair shop does business. Case in point, the first “rubber” timing belt I saw was in 1968 on a domestic-manufactured single overhead camshaft, six-cylinder engine. Given our experience, we had quite a laugh over the prospect of these gear-toothed “rubber” timing belts lasting
Standard Motor Products Announces Standard Pro Training’s 2017 On-Demand Training Schedule
Developed with input from working master technicians, the on-demand classes give technicians the ability to train anytime, anywhere.
Variable Valve Timing
One of the ways automakers squeeze more horsepower and torque from an engine is by adding variable valve timing (VVT) to the valvetrain. A conventional camshaft has fixed valve lift, duration and timing; so, the grind is always a compromise between fuel economy, performance and emissions. But with VVT, duration, valve overlap and timing can be changed on the go to optimize engine performance at different RPM, loads and operating conditions.
Import Oil Specification Primer
As engine technology has evolved and fuel efficiency standards have tightened, oil specs have increased in importance. Using the wrong viscosity could set a fault code in some applications or interfere with the normal operation of the variable valve timing system. VVT engines not only require a specific oil viscosity, but also require an oil that keeps the pulse-modulated variable valve timing solenoids clean, lubricated and free of small air bubbles.
