Checking out the VVT in the Boosted MIata

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Thanks for a well done demonstration. This video opened my mind to the likelihood that the ticking I hear as my 2001 Miata warms up is emanating from a mechanism that is fairly simple to clean, rebuild or replace. Thank you again!

[@giantenemycrabX]

great video. really high audio and visual quality.

[@vaughnc]

Very nice, working on a 2002 and was checking your video to see what part of the VVT actual rotates before painting it. Love the blue cover, very pristine motor. Mine's taken a ton to cleanpup the aftermath of leaking seals, and everything's getting fresh paint.

[@Seandoestech]

Cool, thanks! I just refreshed the valve cover tonight actually with another coat of the blue wrinkle paint. Looks good.

[@Waffles24]

Good video! Been trying to learn more about the VVT engine since I bought my '01 LS, but like you said, hard to find info.

[@melody3741]

I got my miata together finally with the turbo, started it, and it started pouring oil out... Make sure the vvt screws are tight!!!

[@Sirrom-ii9wm]

At 12:00 You said this was a boring video, WRONG! This was awesome. No one else is talking about this VVT system. I'm about to pull the valve cover and until I saw your video I had no idea what this tube on top of the cover was or how to deal with it. I was in school for thirteen minutes. Picture and audio quality was top notch also. Where did you get the VVT o-rings from? Never mind, Just saw the same earlier question.

[@Seandoestech]

Glad you found it helpful. Here's the rebuild kit miataroadster.com/miataroadster/miataroadster-vvt-system-viton-seal-rebuild-kits/mrvvtrk/i-1964289.aspx

[@Sirrom-ii9wm]

At 2:29 you discussed the banjo bolt but not the torque, where did you find that spec? After watching your video, we purchased the Haynes manual & I am reading it, but does not seem cover the VVT system. Before your video we had not started the valve cover replacement. But due to your guidance we are almost done. I plan on driving this car before sun down & with that torque I will!

[@Seandoestech]

+Sirrom0206 first of all make sure you're using new OEM copper sealing washers on that banjo bolt. Then it needs to be really tight I'm not sure about the torque spec but I'm guessing easily 40 foot pounds of torque.

[@stephenbarr7165]

Great video. Any info on the sizes/sources of the o-rings? I'm getting the P0012 code and am thinking to replace some of the O-rings as a first effort. I found a $50 total kit but am not too interested in taking apart the actuator as it is reported to be very tricky to put back together. Thanks!

[@Seandoestech]

Stephen Barr I got my o rings from a Mazda dealer. the bigger o rings for the actuator gear, I bought at my local hardware store.

[@ferrarione22]

Any progress with that? I am getting the same on my 03 Miata even though it is running just fine. I find the P0012 issue frustrating as there doesn't seem to be a consensus regarding the matter.

[@Seandoestech]

I ended up replacing the entire VVT actuator gear with a used unit. I suspect as these VVTs get older, the internal apex seals start to wear out and replacing the entire gear with either a new or used unit is the only solution. Of course, you should attempt to replace all the O rings in both the valve solenoid and actuator first and see if that helps, just don't take the apex seals and springs out of the actuator - it will likely never work again if you do that.

[@stephenbarr7165]

No code in 4 months. Bought a pack of Viton O-rings off Amazon and replaced all four of the brittle rubber o-rings on the solenoid. The small filter was clean but I cleaned it anyway and carefully spread the plastic grippers so it would stay on better. It may have fallen out and reduced oil flow. That's all I did. Did not take anything apart. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NSHBRQI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@ferrarione22]

Thanks for the help, I think I'll do the same. Just to clarify, the valve solenoid only has one O-ring. Do you mean the four O-rings on the "vertical valve" under the valve cover ?

[@NoGrip]

Well like you said, very hard to find info. Very useful info :)

[@Seandoestech]

+No Grip thanks!

[@Unwitnessed]

Hey Brian, I always come back to your videos and it looks like I need to buy those o ring seals for the VVT actuator. Where did you source them if you remember?

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

What would you recommend as an OBD2 dongle type code reader for a Miata? I have a 2001. One that supports the Miata proprietary codes. Hopefully one that has real time timing capture capability. BTW I took apart my VVT actuator and used 3200 grit cloth to clean up the piston action. Glued the cloth around a short dowel and took my time to polish as much surface that I could I think it improved the VVT function. The power kicks in pretty smoothly around 4-4500 RPM. But I would sure like to watch the timing in real time. Not going to upgrade to Mega squirt system/ECU. A great kit for finishing abrasives is made by Micro Mesh. Starts at 1500 grit and graduates to 12000 grit.

[@Seandoestech]

Charles Mcgehee great knowledge on that VVT rehab, thanks for that. Not sure about the OBD2 reader. I know the generic torque app does not capture the VVT data as far as I know.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

I have decided not to deal with the slight ticking I hear. It goes away after a few minutes of warm up. I am thinking the bullet shaped filter screen is a possible culprit. I will deal with it when I do the timing belt replacement which is coming up.

[@poncho828]

Will a bad vvt actuator make a grinding/rattle sound on a cold start?

[@Seandoestech]

Yes, but may still function ok. O ring Seals are worn, oil drains out and the phaser rattles on cold start up.

[@poncho828]

@@Seandoestech On my miata it only makes that sound on a cold start but it still functions properly after that. Is it safe to drive it like that or replaced immediately?

[@Iseekoutthetruth]

I just bought my very first 2001 Mazda Miata For $200 for my 16 year old Son. I have no clue about anything about this car, all I know is the girl who I bought it from said it had a VVT and a LSD rear end. Hoping to learn more about these cars so I can teach my son how to fix it. right now it will not start and I just found out there are no injectors in it at all LOL.

[@Iseekoutthetruth]

@Sam S I sold it for $600

[@Iseekoutthetruth]

@Sam S I know how to work on cars, I even got this Mazda running. Sorry to hear about your Ford problems but there is no quality in America anymore.

[@alexjapanski6806]

Lots of great info on your channel , the only thing that is lacking is some 0-60 pulls and you driving that beast on some videos. Go kick some V8 ass man !!!

[@Seandoestech]

LOL - Thanks. I'm getting there...

[@mainoffender1]

Can that part cause the timing to jump a tooth?

[@Seandoestech]

No, If it stops working you simply lose cam timing advance. It won’t cause anything to make the belt jump.

[@davidostos506]

Could you post a video on how to take the valve cover?

[@dennischiswick9257]

Great video... subscribed!

[@jamhardproductions9400]

if the apex seals are naffed, you will get oil by pass and not much happening. Apex seals and housing must be clean and sealing. good spring tention, no burrs or wear.

[@nless222]

Does anybody have a video of the characteristics of a vvt failure?

[@maxp8892]

Do you have the part number for the rebuild kit?

[@Seandoestech]

Try this miataroadster.com/miataroadster/miataroadster-vvt-system-viton-seal-rebuild-kits/mrvvtrk/i-1964289.aspx

[@Geeios1]

I bet the rebuild kit comes with INSTRUCTIONS that tell you how to put it back together. That alone would be worth the $50.

[@melody3741]

can I take the oil feed to the solenoid off with the engine still full of oil?

[@melody3741]

to anyone wondering the answer to this is yes

[@coreydotnc]

Where are you sourcing your oil from, for the turbo

[@Seandoestech]

Oil galley from the back of the head. There's a 1/8 pipe plug there.

[@jacobsas167]

what does a vvt do exatly

[@Seandoestech]

+jacob adjusts the intake valve timing to optimize power, better in the low end.

[@jacobsas167]

Oh okay thanks. Good luck with the channel im gunna be watching.

[@emanuelramos9976]

I really like your videos. Please show us how to put a VVT in the Miata engine. Do a full video of what parts do we need to build a VVT Miata engine step by step. I will be waiting for your video man. 🙌🏻🏎🐌🔥