After testing with Datascan - the Drivers side VTC is working, however the passengers side isn't. The ECU side of the loom seems to be fine - so I'm picking its the solenoid - or beyond that (blockage in the cam oil gallery or Cam gear). Is it possible to change the solenoid without pulling the plenum again? Access shouldn't be an issue with the IACV removed, but I can't remember how they are sealed in there.... VTC is (was) fairly quiet in operation - the engine had just had a 100k service in Japan before being written off, and it has the later model Series 1 intake cams on it - as per these on CZP so I wouldn't have expected them to have failed in about 20k..... Any other suggestions?
That sux - only had it off last weekend to do the Injectors Have just confirmed by pluging in a spare VTC unit the wiring is fine - it activates ok sitting on the plenum when switched with datascan - so its got to be the unit unless there is something else going on with the camshaft or cam gear thats jamming it....
The VTC soleniods are not too bulletproof. Most of the ones I have seen on engines have had the resin melted out the back of the housing. They have a pretty hard life. Only other thing it could be is the valve on the cam back not working. Can you hear the other one pulling in? Put a screwdriver on it and listen to see if it works.
The other one is 100% working - can hear it, and it makes a difference when the engines running. Guess I pull the plenum - swap solenoids and test it while its out to see if the old solenoid was working. Good thing I have an RDO Friday and a couple of spare plenum gaskets