My nightmare continues...
Quick summary: 2013 BRZ with JR supercharger showing P0018 and P0016. Already completed new OCVs, ECM, sensors, and oil flushes. Decided to replace the intake cam sprockets.
As expected, upon removing both intake sprockets the plate that retains the internal VVT spring fell right out. Looking at it closely, Subaru's ingenious idea to retain this plate was to simply peen over in two spots. This is clearly an insufficient design. Retention of this plate needs to be integral or cap-screwed in.
Upon putting everything back together per the service manual, I still must have screwed up the timing because the engine starts but runs really rough. I shut it down after 3-4 seconds. Question for rusty959, I spent a significant amount of time ensuring the blue chain lined up with the crank key and the pink chains lined up with the sprocket indicators. I am 100% sure everything was right. I rolled the engine over a few times by hand to make sure there was no interference. Is there any scenario where something could be off?
Lastly, I haven't changed the ECM yet. As discussed, I'm assuming the codes are still going to be burned in even after getting all the mechanical stuff straightened out. I just want to prove this first.
Lessons learned for me:
1.) Never buy a vehicle within two years of it's first release.
2.) Definitely never modify a vehicle inside of warranty.
3.) I'll never buy another Subaru.
4.) From what I've read, our cars are susceptible to these CELs while using JDL UEL headers. Not sure why but it seems to be a common theme.
5.) Be careful messing with the advance on the intake sprockets (I first got the codes when data logging for a Delicious tune). Root cause in my mind is due to excessive oil pressure on the peened in retention plates. This pressure must be pushing the retention plates out.
6.) It might be good insurance to change oil filters more frequently. And always use synthetic 0w-20, rather than 5w-30 (I always did but this is a common mistake).
