TORSPD: NEVR

Never logged the VVTi with the Haltech until today. Map having worked on my friend's truck, I figured it would turn out well, then with refinement be even better.

Had time to log today. Interesting stuff. Seems the actuators can barely change the phase angle. The cams hover around -0.6° to 0.0°. No matter what the duty cycle changes are. No matter what inputs are modified. They stay there.

Rev the engine up, and they'll lazily list to the 1.2° advance.

I know that they can move. Just that the commands won't have an effect without increased oil pressure from the engine being revved up.

This is why it still feels a little laggy in the low end. Not enough advance for low end torque. None to be exact.

This leads me to believe one of two things. Either it is something that I am overlooking in the tune, for which I'll call Haltech and get them to remote in and verify.

Or two, the fact that I had to reassemble the actuators that were disassembled to make the custom ones, are effectively sticking or "locked." Looked and searched but could not find a torque spec which bolts the phaser to the gear.

Should #2 be the case, then I'll have to order a new pair, and install them.

 

Calling Australia is expensive. Going to cost me almost $350.

 

Made a handy test device to test the solenoids today. This way I was capable of testing known good solenoids to compare to the ones in the engine.

 

Holy crap!

 

Got my proofs. Then testing the ones on the engine. Both with the engine off, then with the engine running. While watching the cam angles of both banks, I would pulse the solenoids directly to the battery. No change on the computer and no change in engine noise.

Suspicions confirmed and actuators are stuck in place.

 

Only because we confirmed that I need new VVTi actuators. Lol.

 

Those on call consultants right?

 

All the time.

 

You'll wake them up. Maybe.

 

Called them right after they opened, at 9:30 Ante Meridiem Monday. Sounded like he was still a little tired, but was ready as ever to troubleshoot. They've always been incredibly friendly and helpful.

 

all us Aussies are incredibly helpful mate

 

I just admire and enjoy the overall spirit you guys have, in general. Just right welcoming.

 

I was going to say with the Ecoboost we have a similar issue with VVTi. If any dirt gets into the solenoid it gets stuck open and causes more issues. At least that's what I remember the engine builder telling me. Could be completely wrong

 

Yup. That was one of the test procedures. Engine idling, activate each solenoid with my jumper wire. Clear and audible clunking sound when it would change states. No engine change. No angle change witnessed on the laptop. Held revs at 3k, and repeated. No change again.

Having to re-bolt together the clover to the gear without a know torque spec could be the cause. Having sat for so long in a box could be the cause. Who knows. New ones ordered from Rock Auto with a discount code. A lengthy process in my near future, but worth it.

 

Intake cam gears arrived today. The brand Standard Motor Products, on Rock Auto, are VERY nice. Maybe I should pull them apart and take a peek inside at all the wizardry.

 

Sounds like a good way to end up needing new new cam gears.

 

I always wondered if they really were as helpful as everyone made it seem. Id assume that your expected to at least somewhat know what your doing, but its nice to know they are willing to help diagnose issues like that.

 

Man, it has always been a pleasurable experience. Plus even made sure that my configuration settings for VVT operation were correct. All that I need now is a few days of clear weather.

 

I've got a lead from my Thailand friend. He has a new, higher flowing VVTi solenoid that may allow for faster actuation. More info to come!