Norfolk Zed Rescue
- Thread starter enuff_zed
- Start date
Devon
Dr_Tripwire
Member
enuff_zed said:
@enuff_zed are you still open to helping out with issues? I'm in Ipswich and have had my local indy try to resolve the P0171 & P0174 issue on my coupe (3.0si N52) twice - the first time they replaced the VVT gasket, the second time they replaced the VVT rocker gasket but no luck...I've had the car off the road for a few weeks (only as I use a smoky old Saab as a daily) but want to make use of it again. What do you reckon? Would you be up for a visit for some help?
Attleborough, Norfolk
Dr_Tripwire
Member
enuff_zed said:
Fantastic thanks! I may see if I can get a local garage to do a smoke test if I can get an appointment with them this week to at least rule out a leak but will keeo an eye out on here for your thoughts on a potential visit - much appreciated.
Well Colb immediately suggested a smoke test as the codes do suggest lean running and as it is both banks it would suggest something on the intake side rather than a sensor issue on the exhaust side.Dr_Tripwire said:enuff_zed said:
Fantastic thanks! I may see if I can get a local garage to do a smoke test if I can get an appointment with them this week to at least rule out a leak but will keeo an eye out on here for your thoughts on a potential visit - much appreciated.
Bigwinn also found suggestions it may be the MAF or the CCV.
Is your engine silver top or black top?
Dr_Tripwire
Member
enuff_zed said:
Ah ok, so I've gotten in touch with a garage to get it booked in for a smoke test so that's a step in the right direction. I also read that having both codes appear would mean it's less likely to be oxygen sensor related... It's a black top
Dr_Tripwire
Member
enuff_zed said:
Thanks... I guess it'll be a case of seeing what comes from the smoke test, then the MAF (the connector and plug are clean and corrosion free), then if all else fails the CCV - having done a bit of a read up I'm hoping it's either a vacuum leak or worse case, the MAF as I think you're right about the CCV being under the rocker... Hopefully I'll know more in the coming days!
Thanks again!
But you can buy a brand new rocker cover with all the seals etc for under £100. Not too difficult to change either.Dr_Tripwire said:
How much is a MAF? Decent make?
To check the MAF you can disconnect it, clear the codes and see if they come back. The DME will run the engine on a default map instead.
Dr_Tripwire
Member
enuff_zed said:
Oh...I thought the CCV job would be more expensive than that. Looking on Autodoc the MAF sensor prices vary from as low as £55 to almost £300. That said, I'm looking on eBay at an OEM sensor (Continental OEM 13627520519) for around £50 brand new).
Thanks for the advice on how to check it... Silly question but if I disconnect it, clear the codes and run the engine, if the EML comes on that would indicate that it's not the MAF?
When I've cleared the codes before, the EML has stayed off for quite some time, so I may have to leave the sensor disconnected for a while and drive it for a period of time (this is why it's been a bit of a slow burner to look into - both times the garage attempted to resolve the problem, they told me they had found a leak, fixed it but wouldn't know if it's fixed the problem until it's been driven around for some time)...
Dr_Tripwire
Member
Or I could bite the bullet and get the replacement MAF and rule it out as being the issue...
Colb explains it better than me, but basically when you do a reset it puts all the system back as it should be. If there is an air leak after the MAF it makes the mixture weak so the DME adds a little more fuel.
Then it starts checking again. After a while, still weak, so adds more fuel. And so on. Eventually it runs out of adjustment, cannot add any more fuel, so puts the warning light on.
So your symptoms seem to point to an air leak.
Smoke test first I think.
Then it starts checking again. After a while, still weak, so adds more fuel. And so on. Eventually it runs out of adjustment, cannot add any more fuel, so puts the warning light on.
So your symptoms seem to point to an air leak.
Smoke test first I think.
Dr_Tripwire
Member
enuff_zed said:
Hopefully all will be revealed tomorrow... I've got an evap smoke test arranged for the morning and talking with the chap earlier, he sounded like he knows what he's talking about... Fingers crossed
Dr_Tripwire
Member
So I had a smoke test done... The VVT gasket work the garage have done doesn't appear to have been done and tested...I took a video but not sure I can upload it here.https://photos.app.goo.gl/tUYT4krr3eu2QZTV6
Not sure how to embed a photo but have added a link to one...This is the best I could capture as a still image from the video but there's quite a lot of "smoke" coming out with you're stood at the car.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/x4duCjYpdMw9xpd69
The chap was very good, cleaned the MAF sensor while he was at it but wasn't wanting to attempt repairing the issue other than to tighten the bolts a bit more. This didn't make any difference though.
I'm not sure where I stand with the garage, their investigation and 2 attempts to repair have cost over £200 and I'm wondering if they would agree to a no charge repair as goodwill (as it was 6 months ago that they did the work but I've not driven the car since).
Not sure how to embed a photo but have added a link to one...This is the best I could capture as a still image from the video but there's quite a lot of "smoke" coming out with you're stood at the car.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/x4duCjYpdMw9xpd69
The chap was very good, cleaned the MAF sensor while he was at it but wasn't wanting to attempt repairing the issue other than to tighten the bolts a bit more. This didn't make any difference though.
I'm not sure where I stand with the garage, their investigation and 2 attempts to repair have cost over £200 and I'm wondering if they would agree to a no charge repair as goodwill (as it was 6 months ago that they did the work but I've not driven the car since).
I wonder what quality seal they used?Dr_Tripwire said:
It is actually a very simple job to fit a new seal.
Speak to the garage first and show them your video, but if they won't step up then we can qwuite easily buy a new seal and fit it.
I could come to you for that if you dson't want to drive the car.
Of course, cannot guarantee that will fix the fault, but until you cure that leak you can't move forward.
Dr_Tripwire
Member
enuff_zed said:
Sorry for the delayed reply - I've done a bit more reading up and it seems like a common problem as the OEM gasket isn't great - https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1798605.
The mechanic who did the smoke test has suggested some alternatives - one being gasket material and K2 gasket maker/sealant. He's offered to help with the fix and will do another smoke test to make sure it's all ok - but I really appreciate your offer - thanks very much.
I've decided to write off what hte garage has done as I'll never get to see them do the work again even if they did agree to do it and my concern there is that they will hand it back to me and I'll face the same issue.
If this doesn't resolve the issue with the errors/EML and hunting revs at start up, I'll go get a replacement MAF sensor and see if that does it. I also read up about the CCV and one suggestion as an eay check is to remove the oil cap with the car idling and see if there's strong resistance/suction - apparently that's also a sign off an issue with the breather...that'll be the last thing on my list to repair if the VVT and MAF work doesn't!
Once this is done, I'll be working on the rest of the small list of things - the drivers window regulator decided to go bad so I have another on order and I'm planning to look into the reason why when engaging D or R (Auto box) I get a clunk....I think it's something to do with the auto transmission position switch but I'm yet to further investigate
Sounds like you've found a better mechanic! Keep him onside.Dr_Tripwire said:enuff_zed said:
Sorry for the delayed reply - I've done a bit more reading up and it seems like a common problem as the OEM gasket isn't great - https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1798605.
The mechanic who did the smoke test has suggested some alternatives - one being gasket material and K2 gasket maker/sealant. He's offered to help with the fix and will do another smoke test to make sure it's all ok - but I really appreciate your offer - thanks very much.
I've decided to write off what hte garage has done as I'll never get to see them do the work again even if they did agree to do it and my concern there is that they will hand it back to me and I'll face the same issue.
If this doesn't resolve the issue with the errors/EML and hunting revs at start up, I'll go get a replacement MAF sensor and see if that does it. I also read up about the CCV and one suggestion as an eay check is to remove the oil cap with the car idling and see if there's strong resistance/suction - apparently that's also a sign off an issue with the breather...that'll be the last thing on my list to repair if the VVT and MAF work doesn't!
Once this is done, I'll be working on the rest of the small list of things - the drivers window regulator decided to go bad so I have another on order and I'm planning to look into the reason why when engaging D or R (Auto box) I get a clunk....I think it's something to do with the auto transmission position switch but I'm yet to further investigate
Dr_Tripwire
Member
enuff_zed said:
Definitely... a final update on this one... Got the K2 black gasket sealer today, applied it to both sides of the original gasket, wound the VVT back in (which didn't seem to be wound in properly when we went to take it out as there was some considerable play once removing the 2 bolts... Which I'm really surprised that a BMW specialist had not even put it back properly) and secured it with the bolts... And hey presto, the smoke test showed no leaks, the diagnostics showed no issues, started the car and no hunting revs at start up! So (fingers crossed), winding in the VVT and applying gasket sealant to the gasket looks to have resolved the issues!
Btw the gasket is wafer thin and so the sealer is a good call as it's so thin that there's no possibility for compression to ensure a good seal just by tightening the bolts.
Thanks again for all your help - much appreciated
Zedsdeadbaby
New member
Hi, I'm new to the forum and been to track down Norfolk Zed Rescue and found reference to it here on a Google search. Not sure if enuff zed is still active but on a really wet day last year a card was left under my wiper, it was pretty soggy by the time I found it and the number was unreadable. Would be good to make contact. Thanks
Ah, that'll probably be my better half. She is always handing them out for me.Zedsdeadbaby said:
To be clear, I am not a business, just an enthusiast who is happy to help other owners whenever I am able to.
I'm in Attleborough and as I took early retirement I am fairly flexible.
I'll PM you my contact details, but you may need three posts before you can reply.