VCT fail + front O2 slow (P1381 P1383 P0133)

[mellephants]

2002 SVTF w JRSC + BBK, still running the FRPP tune, I have PRP, just waiting for enough spare time to start tuning. If this should be in Technical Chat or SVT Performance, please move it for me!

First off, I'm suddenly throwing P1381 and P1383, and car feels slow (especially at higher rpms... eg my car will not spin the tires if I roll to WOT at 4k in 1st, normally that would be a gross waste of tire). I blame the VCT solenoid, because unplugging it has no noticeable affect on power (just throws a P1380, which disappears when reconnected, indicating that the solenoid wiring is fine).

I reset the DTCs, and took a short test drive. Only P1383 came back. Is retardation of the intake cam consistent with my symptoms (lack of upper RPM power)?

I'm thinking about doing Tom's VCT Eliminator, rather not screw with this anymore since the pros and cons are sort of a toss-up. New solenoids are something like $60, and his eliminator kit is $100 I think. I wouldn't necessarily have to buy another cam gear, either; I already have an adjustable exhaust cam gear, at 0, so I could just dig up the OEM cam gear to use.

Secondly, I noticed an EXCESSIVE amount of oil coming from my crankcase ventilation. I was running a JR plate + draft tube, now I've got a bottle on the hose to collect the oil. I get about 3oz from only 5 minutes of driving. I'm thinking my ringlands might be fubared, going out to do a compression check as soon as she cools off a bit. This has been a known issue for awhile now, last time I checked I had something like 90-120-120-120. EDIT: Current compression: 80-130-125-127

And finally, I'm ALSO getting a P0133, which did not return after clearing. Not too worried about it, just gonna wait to see if it comes back... I guess since I'm at 77k now, I might need to order a new Motorcraft sensor. Oh- the FRPP tune runs horribly rich, so it could be causing this, too.

P0133 - HO2S Sensor Circuit Slow Response (HO2S-11)
The HEGO Monitor checks the HO2S Sensor frequency and amplitude. If during testing the frequency and amplitude were to fall below a calibrated limit, the test will fail. Contaminated HO2S sensor.
Exhaust leaks.
Shorted /open wiring.
Improper fueling.
MAF sensor.
Deteriorating HO2S sensor.
Inlet air leaks.

P1380 - Variable Cam Timing Solenoid A Circuit Malfunction
The comprehensive component monitor(CCM) monitors the VCT circuit to the PCM for high and low voltage. If during testing voltage was to fall below a calibrated limit a calibrated amount of time the test will fail.
Open or short VCT circuit
Open VPWR circuit
Damaged PCM
Open or short VCT solenoid valve

P1381 - Variable Cam Timing Over-advanced (Bank 1)
The comprehensive component monitor (CCM) monitors the VCT position for an over-advanced camshaft timing. The test fails when the camshaft timing exceeds a maximum calibrated value or remains in an advanced position.
Cam timing improperly set
No oil flow to the VCT piston chamber
Low oil pressure
VCT solenoid valve stuck closed
Camshaft advance mechanism binding (VCT unit)

P1383 - Variable Cam Timing Over-retarded (Bank 1)
The comprehensive component monitor (CCM) monitors the VCT position for over-retarded camshaft timing. The test fails when the camshaft timing exceeds a maximum calibrated value or remains in an retarded position.
Cam timing improperly set
Continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber
VCT solenoid valve stuck open
Camshaft advance mechanism binding (VCT unit)

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[1turbofocus]

The o2 slow in most cases means the o2 is bad and time to change it , you will find your self changeing them more with FI

With my VCT Elim you will have a VERY LOPPY idle when gears are adjusted right because of the large Cams the SVT has , it will be a MUST to adjust them on a dyno

Tom

[mellephants]

Originally Posted by 1turbofocus

The o2 slow in most cases means the o2 is bad and time to change it , you will find your self changeing them more with FI

Ok, ordering a motorcraft front O2. Thanks.

Originally Posted by 1turbofocus

With my VCT Elim you will have a VERY LOPPY idle when gears are adjusted right because of the large Cams the SVT has , it will be a MUST to adjust them on a dyno

Interesting. I wouldn't expect a lopey idle to mandate dyno tuning... What drawbacks would I encounter doing a street tune without VCT? Just idling issues, or open loop operation too?

Also, do you think I would be it would be a waste of time re-using someone else's used OEM SVTF pistons & rods (cleaned up + new rings) if ringland problems eliminate re-ringing my pistons? If so I suppose I'd be looking at installing forged rods & 9.5 or 10:1 pistons, right?

[1turbofocus]

No way at all or even close to tune the SVT with out a working VCT or VCT Elim set on a dyno
Dont even try it

Tom

[mellephants]

Lame. Well looks like I have to order another VCT solenoid. Luckily I have a few friends with SVTFs that might let me try theirs.

[focusguy87]

Originally Posted by mattellermets

Lame. Well looks like I have to order another VCT solenoid. Luckily I have a few friends with SVTFs that might let me try theirs.

why are you always stealing my parts? LOL

[darkstarmotorsports]

Originally Posted by mattellermets

Lame. Well looks like I have to order another VCT solenoid. Luckily I have a few friends with SVTFs that might let me try theirs.

look for a Escort ZX2 or a Mercury cougar 4 cycl.

Also, if you remove the VCT with "tom's kit" or either "zxTurner's kit" you will still throw a CEL. you would have a special tune to have it turned off. I had one done on my race ZX2, SCT was able to do it.

[illinipo]

Have you logged vct angle yet?

You also mentioned your vct is leaking oil, you may have bigger problems.
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[1turbofocus]

The ZX2 VCT Elim wont work on the SVT , ONLY the SVT solenoid will work on the SVT , the ZX2 and Contour are Diff from what I understand

He has the SCT PRP so he has the ability to turn off the VCT codes

It is very common for the VCT Solenoid to leak oil when they break

Tom

[mellephants]

Yeah, I logged a few VCT items, none of the things I logged were active though. I'll log all of the VCT stuff next time.

I don't have any oil leaks anymore (just the crankcase vent spitting oil like crazy); VCT solenoid o-ring was shot, got a new one from Advance for 49 cents, worked perfect.

I might have to upgrade the 20oz mtn dew bottle to a 2-liter to make it over to the farm, charles... Or stop a few times to empty it.