Just retimed Vanos, Won't run
 

I just replaced my timing chain guides and used my special tools to the tee to reset the Vanos. The battery had gone dead while it was out of commission so I had to jump start it. It fired right away and roared before idling beautifully for about 5 minutes then the rough idle started. i touched the gas and it died. Now it won't start without theMAF sensor unplugged and then it idles horribly! I have the battery out now on a trickle charge. Any ideas before I start all over again?

Charge the battery all the way, then check for codes. you maf might be shot if its not the battery.

Sounds like vacuum. Check connections.

+1 check CCV and hoses.

I trickle charged the battery for about 18 hours. With the MAF unplugged I got a code for MAF. It would idle at about 400 rpm but die if I hit the gas. I cleared the code, plugged the MAF back in and started it. It starts, sputters then dies. I ran the codes and got no codes. While it was running i traced all vacuum lines and sprayed the lines and fittings with carb cleaner with no effect. Also sprayed along the intake gaskets. Nothing. CCV hoses look fine. Any more suggestions would be appreciated!

Which parts did you install that were not OE?

And did you take out the battery to charge it? Why do that? Is it possible the car now thinks there is a new battery.

I replaced the timing chain guides and piston style tensioner. Not sure about OEM. When the timing chain guides went bad, first I tried the camshaft position sensor on the passenger side. Not OEM.:( I did remove the battery to recharge it.

Ok now disconnect the battery again for about 15 min. Also put back your OE cam sensor if you have it. Connect battery and try again.

I dont have the other oem sensor, but I'm going to swap sensors side to side and see what happens while I disconnect the battery again.

Sounds like a vacuum leak. Check all the hoses, and anything else that can leak air after the maf or throttle body.

Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

And yes i have to agree with others, it does sound like a vac leak. Just can't suggest what to check.

OK! Here's what happened. I tried that oil in the spark plug hole trick. I poured about a capful in each cylinder. I cycled the key about 5-6 times thinking maybe I needed to prime the fuel system. And VWOOM....purred like a kitten(and smoked like a demon. After about 5 minutes it sputtered and died. I about cracked!! I noticed the fuel was pretty low so I added about three gallons and tried again(cycling the key again). Started but immediately CAUTION LOW OIL light came on. Added a quart and a half of oil and VOILA!!! Running like a date raped ape!!! Thanks for all you guys' help and suggestions and hope this helps someone else!

Holy shit really? It's always something simple. I sort of presumed you changed your oil after doing the guides. No way could any of us had guessed this would be the problem. Wow.

I had changed the oil, but I think the 8 1/2 quarts doesnt take into account how bone dry it gets. Vanos, solenoids, filter housing etc. Now I just need to sell my timing kit so I can fix my passenger side mirror and door handle!

Possibly.

How much was the timing kit anyway? How do I check if it will work on the 4.8is? And how much do you want. I might buy it for my friends shop. I'll ask him.

I paid around $400 for it including S+H. I'd sell it for $275 and pay the freight anywhere in the continental US. I'm not sure about it working on your 4.8. I couldn't even find a listing for timing tools for that engine.

damn, that sux.