Cams not working.
 

So the other day my SLOFRS was on the dyno and Bill from Delicious Tuning couldn't get more power out of her. Supposedly the cams weren't opening the valves enough and there wasn't a code either. On my way to work I scanned the car with the torque app and P0018 powertrain popped up. I have a newly built engine from Crawford Performance. Has anybody had this problem?

You answered your own question, Crawford performance built engine.

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb2...hots_Fired.gif
http://i.imgur.com/pm6KalW.gif
http://i.imgur.com/KHrYwJr.gif

On a more serious note. Will be interesting to see the outcome...

I don't understand, the valves/cams are mechanical, not pneumatic or like the Fiat AIR engine.


I can see not being able to adjust the TIMING of the cams being a problem.

whats wrong with Crawford ? I know they are reputable ?

Many many things. If the vvti isn't working it's 100% an assembly problem. Either the assembly wasn't installed correctly or maybe they broke the solenoids installing the engine. Usually the vvti issue with these cars affects one, maybe two cams but not all four. Crawford's amazing build quality lol, how quick is the catch can filling up?

Wait.... WHAT??!?
So crawford offers variable valve lift options?

Yeah didn't you hear they made VTEC for the fa20?! Am I to understand you have built heads and cams but stock springs....???

Would probably be more helpful if Bill was in this thread. Is the VVTI working at all? You said it's not opening the valve enough, does that mean not opening it enough given the VVTI advance? P0018 is the only code?

With other Subarus this is a crappy one to diagnose. There are a few options:

1) Timing chain isn't correct
2) Oil issues are causing VVTI to not actuate correctly, do you have an oil pressure gauge?
3) Bad oil control valve, my guess since it's happened to others
4) Bad sensor or bad wiring. Check the plugs to those sensors.

Have you contacted Crawford about the issue? Posting this here is just going to turn into an internet game of whisper down the lane. Soon enough this single experience will turn into "Your cams wont work if Crawford builds your motor"


To me it sounds like something is off with the variable cam timing. Something small enough that the engine still runs fine but just not at full potential. If your having this issue right off the bat after getting your engine built it should be no contest to have Crawford investigate. Did Crawford build and install?

I have contacted Crawford. Was waiting to hear from the man lol. I need to first get in there and clean the sensors out and go from there. Just wondered if this has happened to anyone else.

The new catch cans were filling up pretty quick. I've even spotted some white almost lotion consistency from the driver side catch can. Pulled the can right before the last dyno and there was a good amount of fuel in them.

No built heads and stock cams. Yes they are stock valve springs lol. They seem to work fine in the Crawford BRZ so Quirt didn't see a need to change them out.

They are probably the weakest part of the heads, it's the first thing people replace. I can't see doing new valves without doing new springs, it makes no sense.

Does your car run okay, stumble at all? When the AVCS system on the WRX/STi acts up in similar manners the car runs like crap.