Variable Valve Timing Actuator: Adjustments
Variable valve timing unit, checking and adjusting
Note! Some variation in the illustrations may occur, but the essential information is always correct.
Special tools:
999 5451 ADJUSTMENT TOOL 999 5451 Adjustment Tool
999 5452 CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT TOOL 999 5452 Camshaft Adjustment Tool
Installing and adjusting the variable valve timing unit/timing gear pulley on the camshaft
Note! This procedure must be carried out with precision as any deviation could generate a fault symptom.
Installing the crankshaft adjustment tool
Remove the starter motor mounting screws. Pull out the starter motor and put it aside. Remove the plug of the gauge hole. Rotate the crankshaft slightly clockwise. Install: 999 5451 ADJUSTMENT TOOL 999 5451 Adjustment Tool. Make sure that it bottoms against the engine block.
Aligning the crankshaft
Turn the crankshaft counterclockwise to its stop against the crankshaft adjustment tool. Check that the marking on the crankshaft timing gear pulley aligns with the marking on the oil pump.
Installing the variable valve timing unit on the camshaft
Note! Some engines have double VVT units/belt pulleys. If this is the case, the method is to be performed on both.
Note! Oil the center screw before installation.
Press the variable valve timing unit/timing gear pulley onto the camshaft. Install the center screw (1) that holds the variable valve timing unit to the camshaft. Do not tighten yet.
Slacken off, but do not remove the screws (2) which secure the timing gear pulley to the variable valve timing unit.
Position the upper timing cover.
Turn the timing gear pulley so that the screws at the oval holes are in the limit position. Continue turning clockwise until the timing gear pulley's marking is 1 tooth before the marking on the upper timing cover.
Check that the timing gear pulley is still in the limit position in the oval holes.
Tighten the center screw (1) in the VVT unit to 120 Nm.
Check that the variable valve timing unit does not rotate when tightening. Install the center plug and tighten to 35 Nm.
Install the belt pulley on the intake camshaft: Install the belt pulley on the intake camshaft with three screws; do not tighten yet.
Turn the timing gear pulley to the marking. Check that the markings on the timing gear pulley/intake camshaft and upper timing cover correspond.
Installing the timing belt
Install the belt in the following order:
1. the belt pulley on the crankshaft
2. the idler pulley
3. cam wheel, intake camshaft
4. water pump
5. belt tensioner.
Turn the variable valve timing unit clockwise to the stop.
Note! Hold the VVT unit fixed in the limit position clockwise when the belt if fitted.
Check that the markings on the belt pulley and the upper timing cover align.
Install the timing belt (continued)
Fit the timing belt over the exhaust camshaft's cam wheel.
Tighten the timing belt
Adjust the belt tensioner
Note! This adjustment is done on a cold engine. A suitable temperature is approximately 20° C/68° F.
At higher temperatures (with the engine at operating temperature or a high outside temperatures for example) the indicator is further to the right. The illustration shows the position of the indicator when aligning the timing belt tensioner at different engine temperatures.
Tension the timing belt as follows:
Fix the belt tensioner center screw in position and turn the belt tensioner eccentric counterclockwise until the tensioner indicator passes the marked position.
Then turn the eccentric back so that the indicator reaches the marked position in relation to actual temperature.
At the same time, ensure that the center screw remains fixed. At 20° C/68° F, the indicator should be centered in the window.
If the indicator is not in the right position, the adjustment must be repeated.
Note! The variable valve timing unit must not be released from the limit position until after the timing gear pulleys have been tightened.
Tighten the screws (2) on the timing gear pulley for the exhaust camshaft to 10 Nm.
Tighten the screws on the timing gear pulley for the intake camshaft to 20 Nm.
Remove:
- the camshaft adjustment tools 999 5452 CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT TOOL 999 5452 Camshaft Adjustment Tool
- the crankshaft stop 999 5451 ADJUSTMENT TOOL 999 5451 Adjustment Tool.
Install the plug with a new sealing washer. Tighten to 40 Nm.
Checking the markings and belt tension
- press the belt to check that the indicator on the tensioner moves easily
- install the upper timing belt cover
- turn the crankshaft 2 rotations; check that the markings on the crankshaft and timing gear pulleys align
- check that the indicator on the belt tensioner is within the marked area.