replacing blacktop vvti

[sick_ke]

Hey guys well basically my vvti is stuffed so my bzg isn't very fun to drive at the moment Was told by the mechanic that it's the pulley (intake cam gear?) that's the problem and it will cost over $1000 to fix. Apparently this is quite pretty common problem with 20v 4ages so I want to ask does that price range seem about right to you guys? Seems like a lot to me to be honest but then again I'm not too aware of how much work is needed to replace this.

What are the parts required to replace vvti just the pully itself or is there more to it? How much should I be looking at getting this replaced? Thanks for you responses.

[AE82 FXGT]

The cambelt needs to come off to replace the Intake cam pulley.

So essentially you're looking at removing the tappet cover, all drive belts, an engine mount, cambelt covers, removing the cambelt (which you may as well replace, along with the cam and crank oils seals while you're there, and maybe waterpump?), then they can replace the intake pulley and put it all back together.

[touge_ae101]

Very rare for VVT gear to be completely stuffed. It is common to make noise but will continue to work. sounds like your garage has no idea/trying to rape you.

If vvt isn't working then it is most probably electrical or the solenoid itself. check codes and work it out using the knowledge on here..

[AE82 FXGT]

Yes good point would be good to be sure of the fault before going ahead and replacing all this stuff. For such a job it wouldn't be bad idea getting a second opinion.

[sick_ke]

Cheers for your responses so far guys might have to look into getting a second opinion my workmate swears by this mechanic but I haven't had any previous experience with with him he seems pretty legit but could be talking out his ass for all I know. 4age is definitely stuttering particularly when I try and give it a bit of crap but seems to be alright when I nana it's also displaying a bit of rattling at startup. How do I go about checking codes? Thanks.

[Mr Revhead]

Very rare for VVT gear to be completely stuffed. It is common to make noise but will continue to work. sounds like your garage has no idea/trying to rape you.

If vvt isn't working then it is most probably electrical or the solenoid itself. check codes and work it out using the knowledge on here..

Actually its not at all uncommon for the pulley to fail.

Did you get an itemized quite? Seeing as the belt has to come off it would be a.good time to replace it, and the water pump. If he quoted rrp on the pulley that would probably explain the price. Try contacting the forum Toyota sponser for a price

[touge_ae101]

From that explanation your timing is way retarded. most garages $&#$% it up cause they don't realise you got to cross E1 and TE1 to set timing. Timing should be bout 14deg advanced when setting timing like this.

also check your plugs and ignition leads and dizzy cap.

I assume you haven't been running it on 91 or anything stupid?

[AE82 FXGT]

When my vvt pulley failed, the only thing I noticed was that it sounded like shit at idle. Almost like a diesel. I sold the car as it was just a run about anyway. The person I sold it to staked it about a month later.

[sick_ke]

From that explanation your timing is way retarded. most garages $&#$% it up cause they don't realise you got to cross E1 and TE1 to set timing. Timing should be bout 14deg advanced when setting timing like this.

also check your plugs and ignition leads and dizzy cap.

I assume you haven't been running it on 91 or anything stupid?

Ran fine for a couple months before the problem started, plugs and ignition are fine as I recently did a plug change nah no way wouldn't waste my time with 91 lol nothing but 98 for my car.