While going thru the process of replacing all the timing chains on my 1998 xj8 (aj26) I kept seeing a reference for the vvt and exhaust sprockets needing to be out of phase, but no instructions on how to check or verify that they are. please enlighten. Also, Is there a way to bench test the vvt units? I also noticed a timing mark,on the engine side,of both the primary and secondary sprockets on the vvt. What is their purpose? thanx.

 

If you have the correct tools and the cams and engine is locked with them, then you dont need to worry about anything else. If you dont then youre asking for trouble. why would you need to bench test vvts(you cant unless you can supply oil to them. but you dont take them off and there is no phazing to be done, thats why the cams flats are to be locked down

 

thanks brutal.I do have all the proper tools,cams are locked as well as the crank. So all that is left is to wedge the primary chains, tension the exhaust sprocket, torque the vvt bolt, then the exhaust bolt and not worry about anything else? The vvt's were removed as per jtis. I'm still curious about those timing marks on the vvt's. Thanx again john.

 

has to do when building a motor, and little late but you didnt have to remove the VVT's. We dont follow JTIS much because it and other manualls can lead you down the primrose path and alot of unneccessary work. Good for DIYer without experiance and "referance" but includes many a uneeded procedures

 

thanks again brutal, While searching thru the threads/posts I have run across referrences about making sure the vvt's are in full retard position. How is this done? Thanks john

 

when theres no oil pressure applied to them theyre retarded,,,er mentally challenged

 

again, you have proven to be a gentleman and a scholar! Thank you. I noticed you live in Sugarland,Tx. Just so happens that my wife and I are thinking about relocating into the Housto area or there about. Any input would be helpful. Thaks again, john

 

It was voted the 3rd best city to live in 3 on 2006, and ide agree. But where are you gonna work, cause houston is a very large city to drive across

 

After 36 years of driving truck (32years with Yellow Freight) I decided to retire in june of '09 so work is not a top priority at this point. This does not mean I would turn down a job if it interested me. Right now we are more interested in making some changes in our lives/lifestyles. start a new adventure. That sort of thing. After searching the net, looking over endless real estate markets, we discovered the Houston area as being quite affordable as far as housing goes. An example ; the Alexander Hamilton House is listed for a mere 300k!!!!! It amazes me what you can buy for 150k!!! Why is there so much on the market. so cheap, down there? High taxes? Catrina? perhaps you could shed some light on this. Thanks, john

 

property taxes are high. My parents pay less than I do in St Louis for a 600K house than I do for mine @220k We dont have state income tax, but if you dont have income then Ide rather have lower property tax

 

hey brutal, sorry it took so long to reply. We have been looking pretty much on just outside of the 610 loop. Seems to be some nice areas and decent pricing up around Cypress ect. I spent some time yesterday looking in your neck of the woods and found Sweet Land to be quite nice. Maybe we should check it out when we come to take a closer look-see sometime after the new year. I also noticed you are a firm believer in the "ain't no substitute for cubic inches" brotherhood!! Bravo!! I've built a few big cid hi-horse engines myself. Mostly gm but some ford and mopar too. I'm currently working on a matched pair of bbc marine engines(one reverse rotation). Should work out to around 400hp each. Not huge, but respectable, with a little reliability thrown in. Anyway,thanks for the chat, hope to hear fron you again. john