CVVT - Gasket and Solindoid Replacement Results

**Antherzoll** · 12-01-2014, 06:45 PM

Hey Guys

So I've been troubleshooting a rhythmic stumbling idle along with some random shudders at times, deciding to throw a dart I went ahead and replaced both the Intake and Exhaust CVVT solenoid and gaskets. When removed, the passage ways had a bit of varnish and the small screen filter on the gasket looked to be blocked up slightly. Just came back from a hour long spirited drive through the city/highway and the idle feels a lot more stable.

Point of this post being is that I think the CVVT solenoid gaskets should not be overlooked as a service item, it only has a tiny screen which can get easily clogged from sludge or debris. The gasket for the exhaust side is the same as the intake side, and should take you no more that 1/2 hour replace both for under $10.

Gasket: http://www.ipdusa.com/products/7183/...id-gasket-cvvt

Here's how it's done:
-Remove the two torx screws on the timing belt cover to gain access to the solenoids
-Disconnect the wire connector from each solenoid
-Remove 4x 8mm blots from each solenoid, solenoids should lift off with minimal force.
-Remove the gasket and clean off the contact surfaces with a gasket scraper, razor blade, or gasket remover. Make sure no oil is left on the contact surfaces.
-Clean the existing solenoids if reinstalling the old ones.
-Position the gasket and set the solenoid in place using the 8mm bolts
-Tighten down the bolts crosswise to 10nm
-Plug in the wire connectors, and go for a drive
-Once warm double check for leaks around the solenoids and if all is OK reinstall the timing cover.

I know I could have probably just tried to replace the gaskets and cleaned the existing solenoids to see if that would help, but i didn't mind replacing the solenoids for hell of it. Because I replaced the solenoid I cannot determine if gasket replacement and cleaning alone would have solved my issue, so someone else can throw that dart

. Anyways, I'll keep you guys posted if my issue comes back, but I feel like this has already helped, or at least it's giving me that feel good feeling.

Anthony

**kutcht1** · 12-02-2014, 11:59 AM

Gotta love that feeling, thanks for the post as I will put it in my pocket for later.
TomK

**vtl** · 12-02-2014, 01:27 PM

Same oil contaminants are killing VVT clutch, it is likely about to fail if you had to mess with VVT solenoid.

**Antherzoll** · 12-02-2014, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by vtl

Same oil contaminants are killing VVT clutch, it is likely about to fail if you had to mess with VVT solenoid.

Please elaborate on the failure mode of the VVT hub. The screen filter on the gasket would keep contaminants out of the hub, the only issue I can think of is that the hub was not receiving sufficient oil pressure, and I'm not sure if that would harm it.

I've just came back from a cross town trip and it's still behaving very well.

**vtl** · 12-02-2014, 03:09 PM

I replaced intake side VVT on 2002 V70 a few years ago, it was resonating at ~1450 RPMs. Solenoid was gunked up badly too, as everything else on oil-side in engine.

**Antherzoll** · 12-02-2014, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by vtl

I replaced intake side VVT on 2002 V70 a few years ago, it was resonating at ~1450 RPMs. Solenoid was gunked up badly too, as everything else on oil-side in engine.

My solenoid looked fine, just a bit of varnish, same with the passages.. As for resonating, was this the hub resonating or a sound from the engine under load?

**vtl** · 12-02-2014, 06:00 PM

Engine, because timing was slightly off on exhaust side for some VVT hub angle. It was a long triage process, but the hub was the culprit.

**Antherzoll** · 12-02-2014, 06:32 PM

Interesting. I do notice a slight resonating on full load at above 4.5k RPM and dissipates before 5k RPM, but I've always attributed this to my exhaust and downpipe combination as I did not notice any resonating with the stock setup. I've not listened for it since changing the solenoids. I guess if I no longer hear it resonating, or if it has changed in any way in that range I can assume that the CVVT was the culprit or I need to troubleshoot further. Will keep that in mind. Thanks

**billr99** · 12-02-2014, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by vtl

Engine, because timing was slightly off on exhaust side for some VVT hub angle. It was a long triage process, but the hub was the culprit.

But you didn't get any kind of CEL?

Thanks,

Bill

**Nightair** · 12-02-2014, 10:00 PM

2006 XC 70 currently having the Exhaust VVT solenoid replaced. Car threw the CEL under hard acceleration' scan carried out and the "Long Term Fuel Trim, Bank One", IT and EX VVT Solenoids (Reset Valve is proper term) codes and MAF code.
Cleared the codes and drove 300 Km's with no issues. Next day in heavy traffic and hard acceleration the CEL again came on and there was a clattering noise from the VVT sols when I parked the car at work. No noise on start up but same issue the next day. Volvo did a scan and pulled same codes as before. Diagnostics came up with EX VVT sol the problem and a PCV test found the "Oil Trap"plugged. I have had the car a year and found the breather tube cracked where it went through the intake manifold ( for how long I don't know), the crank case hole was plugged and upon replacing the breather tube it couldn't breath anymore. The added PCV press made the camshaft seals leak also. The Oil Trap has been replaced as a kit, and the oil pan was removed to clean the oil sump and unplug the breather holes of carbon. Very costly.
Working away from home and on a schedule didn't permit me to do the work myself. The timing belt and cam seals have been replaced at this time. I would suggest people take note of the Oil Traps condition as it can be replaced by them (and the VVT solenoids). Apparently there isn't a way to inspect the crankcase/oil trap hole without removing either the oil pan or Oil Trap. Very Costly. Lol.