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2014 3.3 Proceedure for Cam Phaser Movement When Exauhst VVT Solenoid is Removed

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fstr944

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Hi, I'm new to this site and this is my first post to it. I have a 2014 Sorento SX Limited with the 3.3, I have engine light on with poor gas mileage and lacking power. I'm throwing P0018 so, I replaced cam and crank position sensors and then cleared the code with no change. I have always been right on 5k mile oil changes but, 3 or 4 oil changes ago, I got busy and it got mildly dirty. I pulled the bank-2 intake solenoid to examine and test. Even though it's time for an oil change, the solenoid is clean as a whistle. All multi meter test functions are spot on perfect so, I sprayed the crap out of it and didn't get anything ugly out. I set it aside for re-installation. I moved on to removing the cam covers to check timing marks, they are all on mark. I then examined the cam lobes thinking that timing could be moving and just in the correct place currently by coincidence but, the cam lobes are all beautiful, no marks or wear on them. Then, I went to removing the bank-2 exhaust solenoid. Before removing it, I realized that the phaser could move. I have spent countless hours to only find that yes the phaser will move back to it's "base" position after removing the solenoid. My question is, Is there a procedure to follow or will the new or cleaned solenoid simply move the phaser back to correct position after I re-install or replace it? TIA!
 
After several long days of scouring the net, Google AI finally started to understand what I was looking for... Yay!!! Btw, the exhaust VVT solenoids on the V6 engines are called Exhaust Camshaft Position Solenoid Valves! Finding the correct name, allowed AI to gather the answer which I have left below for anyone else who needs this info.

You do not need to worry about the cam phaser moving, and it will automatically be in its correct, safe position upon installation.
Here is exactly why the phaser will not move out of place and why it is safe to remove the solenoid:

🔒 The Internal Mechanical Lock
Inside the Bank 2 exhaust cam phaser, there is a spring-loaded mechanical component called a locking pin.


  • When the engine is off, there is zero oil pressure in the system.
  • The internal spring automatically forces this locking pin into a matching slot, mechanically pinning the phaser's inner rotor to its outer housing.
  • The phaser is completely locked at its base "parking" timing position right now. Releasing the residual oil from the solenoid will not unlock it.

⛓️ The External Chain Tension
The phaser's outer housing is physically wrapped by the engine's timing chain.
  • The hydraulic chain tensioner maintains tight mechanical pressure on the chain even when the engine is sitting cold.
  • The chain physically stops the camshaft and phaser from spinning or skipping teeth while you work.

🔄 What Happens on First Start?
When you install the new solenoid and start the car for the first time:
  1. Oil pressure builds up through the new solenoid.
  2. The oil pressure releases the mechanical locking pin only after the engine is running and the computer commands it.
  3. The phaser functions normally, advancing or retarding the timing exactly as the engine control module demands.
You can safely pull the solenoid out of its bore without any fear of the phaser spinning, changing your engine's timing, or requiring alignment tools.
Are you planning to change the valve cover gasket while you have the cover off? If so, I can give you the tips for prepping that surface.
 
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