Vanos issue after VCG and Timing cover replacement
 

I just replaced the drivers side valve cover gasket and upper timing cover gasket on my 2005 X5 with the N62 V8. 202,000 miles. I went thru the relearn procedure 3 times for the valvetronic motor. It starts right up but after about 30 seconds a knocking or rattling sound begins and code P0021 comes up as a pending code. (Bank 2 timing over advanced or retarded).
So I removed both Vanos solenoids valves and replaced the inner smaller o ring. I had only replaced the o ring in the timing cover on my first try. I also cleaned the valve with parts cleaner and noticed that the screen was partial clogged. I was certain i had found the issue, but on restart and relearn i have the same issue.
I am wondering if i have the Solenoids fully seated. It looks the same as the passenger side but i can see the green o ring.

Any other ideas or things to check? Help would be greatly appreciated.

I did a complete VC and timing cover gasket replacement job on the passenger side with no issues.

Thanks I am out of ideas but have to have it towed to my mechanic but am into this about 20 hours.

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Any info will help
Thank you

Hey NorCalDave,
When I did mine I took a chance and did not do the re-initialization and thankfully mine worked out fine (not that that helps you at this moment).

That said, when I pulled the Vanos and replaced the o-rings I used a chunk of an old 2x4 to reseat mine and I am not able to see the o-ring - I also used parts cleaner to clean mine up without issue so I doubt that's your problem.

Only thing I can think of is that maybe the plugs got flopped on the Vanos solenoids upper for lower / lower for upper? Or that possible one is not seated all the way.

My thought, pull the plugs, grab a 2x4 and gently tap each solenoid to ensure that it is seated all the way, the clips really shouldn't have any real tension on them all they do is clamp the solenoid in place once it's seated.

I used a section of 2x4 maybe 24 inches long and a 3 pound deadblow hammer to seat mine - no real "banging" but few good whacks and they popped right in.

I wish you luck!


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Oh, and I'm sure you know this, line up those I-rings real good with some clean engine oil before reseating them or they may tear.


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Lube... not line...[emoji106]


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Thanks Purplefade,
I found the intake vanos not pushed in all the way.
I removed it and soaked the o ring in oil and with some twisting and force i got in as far as the others. It started and ran great for about five minutes. It then ran rough and thru code P0022 ( it’s was P0021 last time). So I just cleared the codes and tried again . It is running and up to operating temp with no codes.
Road test next.
If all is good I am going to changes the oil ASAP. I am sure some grime got into the engine in the process of replacing VCG and TC gaskets.
Thanks again fingers crossed.

Good luck!! And keep us posted [emoji106]


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You should replace the solenoids too.....they get stuck open,,,,,,,,,it's common with the N62