Chain changed but 'does not rev up correctly'

Matt

sg1009 said:
Right just got through to the garage (he did say he was working today).
Timing chain kits were:
Lucas FAI TCK2 V2.2 16V
LTCK67003 TIMING CHAIN
Included all the pulleys guides and all the bits.

That is a decent kit they have fitted (we also sell the FAI kits here).

sg1009

That's nice to know Matt, thank you.

After talking to the garage yesterday they think Vocky was right and could see how it happens. Something to do with the tensioner being sprung but the hydraulic pressure only kicks in when the engine is turned over.

vocky

I also release the tensioner BEFORE fitting it, the method of releasing the tensioner 'in-situ' is plan stupid.

sg1009

I have news at last. He's confident the chains are timed up correctly but has noticed that one of the valves isn't following (touching) the cam the full cycle. He says it must have been caught by the piston. Kicking himself here because a compression test would have spotted this.
The next stage is sending the head away for new valves and a skim I believe. He did say if there are any suggestions for taking the head off in that cramped space he'd appreciate the help? His words were how to 'take the exhaust manifold off in situ'.
Pic attached if it helps. I think the valve in question has the roller off.

vocky

make sure the valve guide is also replaced, it will be cracked and cause smoking if not replaced.

as for removing the head with the clam on, I know it can be done but have never tried to do it myself. Access for the exhaust manifold is from the wheel arch, but he might be better off just leaving it attached to the head.

sg1009

Thanks Vocky you're a good man. I'll pass that info on.

sg1009

Just keeping this up to date...

The garage sent the head off yesterday to an engine specialist who I've contacted direct. It not only needs a skim and new gaskets but all the valves replacing. The bill for this is £580 not including refitting.

I'm rather perturbed that I didn't go to them in the first place and always at the back of my mind I know the car was out of time but drivable as I dropped it off. I wonder at what point the valves got bent!

sg1009

Overhauled head delivered to the garage for fitting later this week.

Does anyone know the labour time it will take to get it back together again?
I'm wondering on a rough idea of the total cost too so that I don't faint if I ever get her back and working? (55 days away today)

vocky

depends how much they removed, but personally I would allow myself 5-6 hours to complete that job

sg1009

Cheers Vocky. I'm hearing all sorts from people that have never worked on a VX before. I get the feeling that you have to take rather a lot apart to get the head out. In my (limited) experience of working on cars it only takes one bolt to spin or shear and you've lost an hour.

sg1009

Some good news, after a disgusting 63 days in captivity and 8 hours labour charge by the garage (not to mention £500 head rebuild elsewhere) the VX is back. The first try turning her over yesterday he worked out the 'it was 180 degrees out', but after I showed him the picture vocky posted earlier he quickly corrected this and she's running again.

Now all I'm concerned about is a lumpy idle I've never noticed before:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1160574/LlumpyIdle.mp4 (~=1MB)

vx-chris

That sounds a bit like mine does. Mine is caused by a leak on the exhaust manifold (well I hope that's the only reason lol) did they tighten up all the studs/nuts enough? Did they put a new gasket on?
Not saying it is that but it's worth a try maybe 🙂

sg1009

Thanks peng, I think you could be right.
It does sound bloody awful but sticking my head in the engine compartment the revs seem quite consistent. It's outside the car it sounds lumpy so I'm now thinking it's resonating with the exhaust or under-tray. I would have thought if the timing was 'a little out' there would be a noticeable loss of power or the ECU would light up. I'll have to have a listen again this weekend. :-)

vocky

doesn't seem that bad, you should try stage 1 cams :LOL:

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