What are the symptoms of a faulty VVT pulley?
2 Answers
When the engine's VVT pulley is faulty, the symptoms include: unusual noises, unstable idle speed, poor acceleration, significantly increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to the engine. It is recommended to repair it immediately and avoid driving. Below is some related information about VVT (Variable Valve Timing) technology: 1. VVT technology refers to adjusting the timing of the intake valve's opening and closing under specific conditions to regulate the intake and exhaust volume and the size of the valve overlap angle. This improves the intake impulse and efficiency, thereby enhancing engine power and torque. 2. The VVT technology commonly used in domestic applications is mostly a hydraulically-driven VVT system. Its key components include the phaser, engine oil control valve, actuator, and regulator.
The VVT pulley in my car broke down, and it was really unsettling. At first, the engine only had a slight shake at idle, but the symptoms gradually worsened: lack of power during acceleration, especially when climbing hills or overtaking—stepping on the gas felt much more sluggish than usual. Noise was also a major issue, sometimes hearing a 'click-click' abnormal sound, particularly noticeable after driving for a while at low RPMs, making the driving experience very uncomfortable. Fuel consumption also skyrocketed—previously, a full tank could last around 450 km, but now it barely reaches 400 km, wasting money on gas and disrupting daily commutes. What's even more annoying is that the check engine light kept flickering on and off. The repair shop scanned the fault code and diagnosed it as a VVT phaser failure, resulting in a hefty repair bill. It's recommended to get it checked early to avoid chain reactions—delaying repairs like this could even affect the engine's lifespan!
