I recently changed the timing chain kit on my R56 JCW, so following an experts advice I decided to throw some new cams I purchased from his shop in there since it was just a bit more labor time. After finishing everything up the car started throwing codes, 287d & 287e to be exact which has to do with the VANOS Solenoid & actuator. After putting a new solenoid in there it still throws the same codes & now a CEL. Any advice?!?!?!

 

Did you run an adaption program like from AutoLogic?

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

I don't know if an adaptation program was ran but my ecu was flashed w manic stage 0 to see if that would fix it, no luck!

 

*bump*

 

When I put my schrick cams in, nothing like that happened. Ran rough for a couple minutes til all the lifters filled up. After that it was good.

 

Yeah i have a feeling it's something to do with the cams cause everything was fine until i put those in there. Timing is correct and every other diag leads me to believe the camshafts are the problem.

 

Don't jump to conclusions to quick. I feel the 3 most highly regarded shop for these cars are way motors works, Eurotechs and helix. Give the guy you got the cams from a call first. It's not like we have a lot of options. It could be as simple as the vanos solenoid or the vanos itself.
If he sold you schrick cams. I ain't the cam I would think.

 

I guess, then again the solenoid was changed and the problem still remained. Now in regards to the cams they are made by him and only been out on the market for about half a year so I understand they are experimental and what not but it says on the website a tune would not be needed and he told me himself that no problems would arise. I was not planning on changing the camshafts on the vehicle in the first place but he recommended it since i was doing a timing chain kit.

 

What has Way said when you told him about the issues that you are having?

 

You can always put the other cams in and change only the other cams. Do nothing else but swap cams. Are you positive you have everything plugged into the correct locations. The cam sensor is over there as well. Not plugged in will cause a cam code. Not sure which one tho.

 

He told me to check timing and then follow normal diagnostics which I have done. Everything is plugged in correctly, i just dont have the time or money to do the whole job all over again.

 

We have sold and installed several of the cams with NO issues so I don't know what you have going on there. The most important thing is to recheck the timing with the factory timing tool kit and make sure it is 100% correct as it only need to be off slightly to cause codes. We have also seen issues with slightly loose China made timing tools causing codes so that would be an issue. We set the timing, then turn the engine by hand a few revolutions and recheck it anytime we are setting timing to make sure it is right as these cars are really sensitive.
Clogs in the oil for the vanos can cause vanos issues, also if the vanos sprocket isn't on correct it can cause an issue so all of these normal diag checks need to be done.
If you want to bring the car to our shop we are happy to diagnosis and fix it but without seeing it we are just guessing.

 

And don't forget, because I never see anyone post this when checking timing. Assuming everything is lose already. Cams installed, tools in place, tensioner installed in the back of the head, tighten the intake vanos bolt, tighten exhaust cam bolt then tighten the crank bolt. If not there will be slack on the long side of the exhaust and you will t know it. Between the cams must be tight as well. Rotate it around a couple times. I know I've heard some people saying never turn it backwards but I did. Then checked it again. If that cam tool drops in place and it fits right in the crank, as Tony Beats says, well dare sha is. Dats it.

 

@WayMotorWorks PM'd

 

Someone asked me how this worked out. Well I worked with the shop that did the cams and even sent them a vanos unit to help them diagnosis the issue. Turned out the issue was the $5 oring on the inlet cam, he said he put a new on and fixed it. Test drove and he said it pulled hard with no more lights.

 

That's awesome! I want to run my car up to your shop when its time to do a timing chain replacement, thinking about doing a manic swap as well rather than the AP I'm using. Nice update man, I love when the shops help out like this.