Vct Noise After Solenoid Actuation

[M E S O G L E A]

Right after the throttle plate opens, the VCT solenoid actuates allowing oil to advance the intake cam.

I hear the solenoid, then a tapping/grinding noise for a second or two. I think the oil is not flowing to the VCT system or it slow for some reason. I figured the solenoid went bad so I swapped it out with a spare. Now I think there must be a blockage somewhere because I disconnect the solenoid connector and the sound disappears. It has Tomei Poncams and a recent oil change.

The cam gear is tight, verified it today. The timing belt holds the cam gears but the VCT allows cam will move a few degrees with a wrench applied to the main bolt. I am unsure of the mechanical working of the VCT so I dont know if the movement is normal.

Any ideas?

[M E S O G L E A]

I think the lifters are just old.

It makes stupid noises untill 75 degressC and then its all good excepts for the VCT noise.

Runs great and no real issues.

I think i should have replaced all the lifters when I rebuilt it but they are 4400 yen each.

[Fastrotor]

Hey,

when moving the cam bolt with your wrench (i assume you mean remove intake cam front plate with the 4 * 6mm bolts and put a socket onto the single cam bolt directly ????)

Anyway, if thats what you moved, was the movement clockwise smooth ????? Or , with lots of sticking points. ? Return, anticlockwise smooth ???

Just want to check mine against someone else... mine is very sticky going clockwise.... reasonably smooth return.

Oh and yes, its meant to. When oil flows into it, it advances the cam 20 degrees.

Gary