RE: [alfa] 87 Spider VVT troubleshoot

["Jeff Greenfield" <alfaguy@xxxxxxxxxx>]

There is not much information in the manual on this.

The test is as follows ...

Remove the large plastic plug from the end of the VVT solenoid. With the
engine running, ground one lead, and energize the other with a jumper wire.
The engine should run rough or die.

If it behaves as above then the solenoid is ok.

The next test would be to back probe the harness connector to verify that it
is receiving a signal from the ECU when it should to activate. I forget at
what engine speed this should occur.

FWIW, the large plastic plug on the end of the VVT solenoid contains some
circuitry. I've replaced more than a few of these which seems to cure the
non-functioning VVT system. This seems to be a fairly common failure.

HTH.

Happy Holidays,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of Dean
W. Cains
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 2:30 PM
To: alfa@domain.elided
Subject: [alfa] 87 Spider VVT troubleshoot

Hi Group:

How does one troubleshoot a non-operative VVT system, specifically on an
'87 Spider?  I can't see or hear the solenoid moving as the engine rpm's
increase, although I'm assuming that I should.  I've just replaced the fuse
holder, also cleaned the contacts of the 3-wire connector on the solenoid
leads.  I've got 14.5v on the green/black wire, and the other two wires
appear to be grounded, although I only checked with a continuity meter, not
an ohmmeter.

I've only had this Spider about a year, and since it feels like it always
has, I'm guessing the VVT hasn't worked since I've had the car.  This is
also the only Bosch Spider I've ever driven, and thus I have no point of
reference to know how it should feel.  So, what should I check?  Does the
VVT solenoid commonly fail?  Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's
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