Poor power?
VVT actuator is reponsible for altering the valve timing. It has a number of mesh filters that are easily impaired by slight sludging and deposition of oil sludge inside the actuator. Cleaning it should be considered part of a service. It takes just a few minutes and may radically improve performance of your engine. It certianly makes the car more responsive and reduces the flat spot of the euro 5 versions.
From the pictures you can see its small cylinder on top of the engine. Its held in place by a single hex key set screw bolt. There is one wiring plug that need removing to allow it out for cleaning.
To keep the unit working well ensure the car is driven at 4000 rpm or more for a few short bursts regularly and this will help maintain the acuator in a healthy condition. Don't over do the revving up.
You will find the car pulls better at all speeds once the unit has been cleaned.
VVT actuator is reponsible for altering the valve timing. It has a number of mesh filters that are easily impaired by slight sludging and deposition of oil sludge inside the actuator. Cleaning it should be considered part of a service. It takes just a few minutes and may radically improve performance of your engine. It certianly makes the car more responsive and reduces the flat spot of the euro 5 versions.
From the pictures you can see its small cylinder on top of the engine. Its held in place by a single hex key set screw bolt. There is one wiring plug that need removing to allow it out for cleaning.
- Switch off the ignition.
- Clean the area around the VVT actuator thoroughly.
- Undo the screw and put in a safe place
- Pull the yellow tab on the wiring plug. It is just finger tight and will pull out.
- Pull the plug off the VVT Actuator
- Use a small screw driver between the securing plate and the cam cover, where you removed the bolt and lever the actuator away from the cam cover. Once moving it will pull out by hand and can be lifted away.
- Using carburettor cleaner liberally spray clean the mesh sections until clean. Hold the actuator and you will see its a hollow tube Spray clean the inside. This needs to be thorough and may require 2 or three long sprays until the cleaner is not discoloured.
- Remove any debris from the outside with a pin or tweezers. Take care not to damage or deform the little filters in any way.
- Check the O rings are in good condition and replace if they are damaged.
- Allow the unit to dry for a few minutes then immerse the internal exposed part in clean engine oil. Swish it round until its full of oil. Carrying over / in a piece of paper towel to prevent drips, put it back into the engine. It may be tight as it goes right back. Gently lever it if required until the screw can be replaced and used to tighten it back. The screw must be done up until its seated and then tightened by hand to around 6.8Nm which is enough to stop it shaking loose but NOT over tight. (its a steel screw in an alloy casing!!)
- Put the wiring plug back on securely and press the yellow lock tab back down.
- Take the car for a drive. You need a quiet road where you can hold the revs high in second or third gear. 20 seconds at 4000 rpm. Repeat this a few times to ensure the oil pressure builds up to allow it to activate to its full extend of movement.
To keep the unit working well ensure the car is driven at 4000 rpm or more for a few short bursts regularly and this will help maintain the acuator in a healthy condition. Don't over do the revving up.
You will find the car pulls better at all speeds once the unit has been cleaned.
