car will not idle (posting this in a few spots)
 

So did in frame rebuild on engine so all new pistons rings bearings, time chain etc. 180 compression all the way across. but car will not idle runs down road fine but if you dont keep you foot on the gas it dies. It is throwing no codes,was throwing cam retard code but since I installed two new vanos it has not done that. It was weird though before engine would fire up and sound very smooth and quite. Then it would get loud like lifters and valves were rattling and I would get the cam retard code. But it would idle like this but just sounded terrible. But drove down the road fine and idled fine.


Looks like it is running rich by looking at plugs.





I have changed

Both oxy sensors

Both vanos

Both cam sensors

and temp sensor




thanks for any ideas

Vacuum leak? Did you install new intake manifold gaskets? Shoot some starting fluid or brake cleaner down around the manifold and vacuum sources. If rpm changes you have a leak. Also listen for a hissing sound for source of leak. Unmetered air will cause an idle stumble or burbles.

Hi I tried do doing that today with my wife its very hard to get it to do a steady idle you have to keep your foot super still its like balancing a bowling ball on a pencil...anywyas she could not keep it at a steady idle,,,i was spryaing carb cleaner but she was moving the idle up and down so it was impossible to tell :(

I think you need to check the timing again and that you have the correct cam locking tool. Some of the cheaper chinese ones are a bit slack and can leave it out of timing. You can pack loose cam/tool with feeler guage blades if this is the case. use a slim 27mm spanner to hold the cam whilst tightening the cam bolt. With the sooty plugs and idle troubles it does sound like you are out a few degrees. Anywhere you can get live data read? that would show you your timing/vanos readings if you don't want the hassle of timing check?

I have a scanner that gives me live data but not sure what im looking for in the data ? I do have cheap Chinese tool but it fit super tight. I had to actually grind it a little so it would slip over but anything is possible.
also last night i was taking of throttle body and pulled valve cover as well and my cam followers are all jacked up rubbing against cam etc. The grey plastic guide they run on are worn look chewed this looks recent as I do not remember them being like that when put the head on.

heres a pic
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...d5a5fd880d.jpg

Dont run that engine until you figure out what's wrong with the rockers. Something's not right with them.