VVT actuator position reinstall

jsilva

jsilva

Greenie N00B Member
I had loosened the VVT actuator and took it off to replace the friction washer, but I hadn’t seen anything about marking the position it was in prior to removing it (until just now). When I went to put it back on it seemed like it should have a position. I noticed there are two holes on the camshaft which could line up with holes on the actuator, but I wasn’t confident that’s how it should line up. There are 4 holes on the actuator.

Does anyone know how to align it properly?
 
I found this video. He talks about the position at about 2:20:

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Does that seem right? With the camshaft in the timing tool the one thing points up. How much precision is necessary?
 
Raider said:
Read the how to. Gotta use the tools. Hopefully this helps
https://www.mazdaspeeds.org/index.p...eed-3-mazdaspeed-6-cx-7-vvt-the-roku-way.855/
Click to expand...

Thanks Raider, although that link says to just mark the position of the VVT actuator before removing. I’m asking what to do if you don’t know what position it was in.

I did happen to have a photo of the camshaft before I took off the VVT, so I can see the position. One thing that confuses me is that it’s not quite in the same position as in the link you provided, nor the video I linked to, or another video I saw.

Also, the VVT is not at all in the same position as the other camshaft I have:

B4C8796C-91E4-4892-97A8-1412643F2889.jpeg
 
I always thought it didn't matter. The oil passages have galleys so there isn't really anything to line up. But I have never done a bit so don't do it just because I said so
 
Another video, and the VVT is in a different position. At about 3:30 you can see:

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I wish it was clear what the reasoning is.

And another video specifically saying what orientation to install it and it’s at a completely different place than others :)

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So we have video and photographic evidence of the vvt "needing" to be installed in like 6 different orientations
 
I didn't line it up to anything and it seems to be working without issues. Been driving it for quite a while. I did read one place where they did it the same as they took it off but I didn't ever get a good reason why. I don't think it's directional and you can just tighten it down.

Let me look at my garage parts and see.
 
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Why would orientation matter? The cams and crank lack key ways or pins. They are locked in position with the tools when doing the service. We all know to keep the bolts for the sprockets loose in order to spin the sprockets by hand to equalize tension for the chain as well. The hole in the top of the actuator must be for bleeding off excess oil inside the actuator or to release the oil inside when it is commanded down by the solenoid.
 
I am surprised more people dont mention this either?!

The cam gets locked with the timing plate, but the VVT actuator has an operating window to advance or retard valve timing. Doesnt that window need to centered in order to keep full VVT adjustment available once you torque/lock the sprockets?

Maybe I am missing something, but it seems relevant. Or I am getting this vavle timing actuator confused with the one on the mustang?
 
It uses oil pressure to advance/retard the cam relative to the timing chain. Since it's all spinning in the same direction it shouldn't matter
 
Easter Bunny said:
It uses oil pressure to advance/retard the cam relative to the timing chain. Since it's all spinning in the same direction it shouldn't matter
Click to expand...

I know how it works. Maybe the operating window is just that large in case of oil pressure operating fluctuations?
 
I went through this same situation years ago.
The answer is it does not matter what the orientation is.
There's multiple arbitrary parts of the procedure that do not matter, such as the "dark link", the exhaust cam gear mark, and the orientation of the vvt actuator (aka intake gear).

Because of the keyless design, everything is independent, and the oil passage for the vvt actuator is 360°. So as long as everything is tightened in the correct position with the timing tools, the engine will work just like any other in any random gear orientation.

Sent from my SM-N975W using Tapatalk
 
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