If you own a car with an exhaust camshaft, you’ve probably been dealing with problems with its timing for some time now. This is because the timing belt can become stretched or broken over time, leading to incorrect camshaft positions and poor fuel economy. In this blog post, we will show you how to fix exhaust camshaft position timing using a few simple tools and some basic knowledge. By following our instructions, you can restore your car’s engine performance to its former glory in no time at all.
What is Exhaust Camshaft Position (ECP)?
Exhaust camshaft position (ECP) is a system on newer engines that controls timing of the exhaust valve opening. It uses sensors to measure engine speed and camshaft position, and adjusts the timing accordingly. The ECP can be damaged by things like worn or misshapen lobes, lack of lubrication, or old oil. If the ECP is not functioning properly, the engine may not idle correctly, or may run rough. In some cases, the ECP can cause misfires and poor fuel economy.
Symptoms of ECP Oil Leak
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, it is likely that your exhaust camshaft position (ECD) valve has failed: harsh engine acceleration, poor fuel economy, rough idle, and poor emissions. The ECP valve regulates the flow of oil to and from the engine’s camshafts. A leak in this system can cause severe damage to the engine and may even result in a complete loss of power.
To diagnose an ECP oil leak, first check for any obvious signs of damage to the engine. If there is no visible damage, remove the spark plugs and inspect the cylinders for signs of oil leakage. If you are unable to find any evidence of a leak, your next step will be to inspect the ECD valve itself. To do this, remove the valve cover and locate the three bolts that hold it in place. Carefully lift up on these bolts until you can see the ECD valve itself. Once you have located the valve, use a wrench to unscrew it from its mounting bracket. Next, use a flashlight to look inside the chamber where the camshafts rotate. If you see evidence of a leak or if there is anything blocking oil from reaching the camshafts, replace the ECD valve immediately.
How to Fix Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing
If your car has an exhaust camshaft position sensor, it can help diagnose and fix timing issues. The sensor measures the time it takes for the engine to reach full power after the intake valves open. If the sensor isn’t working correctly, this can cause timing problems. Here’s how to fix exhaust camshaft position timing:
1. Remove the exhaust manifold and spark plugs.
2. Check the cable connecting the sensor to the engine control unit (ECU). If it’s frayed or worn, replace it.
3. Clean and inspect all sensors related to timing and combustion (camshaft position, crankshaft Position Sensor [CKP], camshaft Advance Sensor [CAS], etc.). If any are dirty or damaged, replace them as needed.
4. Reconnect all cables and check for proper connection at ECU connector pins 10-12 on engine block (or near where they connect on later model cars).
5. Replace any faulty sensors and connectors. Replace ECU if necessary.
Conclusion
If your car’s exhaust camshaft position timing is off, the result can be rough engine performance and poor fuel economy. In this article, we will show you how to fix exhaust camshaft position timing on a Toyota Camry. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is likely that your exhaust camshaft position timing is off: Poor acceleration Poor gas mileage Rough idle Loud knocking from the engine