Vacuum pump broke

[Havemar]

I need help. I have a 2018 Chevy Equinox with a 1.5 turbo engine, and the vacuum pump broke. We cleaned up all the pieces and replaced it. Everything else looks fine. When I try to start the car, it won't start and it's showing a P0017 code. If I disconnect the output camshaft position sensor, the car starts and sounds fine, but it still shows the code. I replaced the sensor, and it's still showing the code and will only start if I disconnect it (in reduced power mode). Do I need to replace another part (camshaft, VVT valves, etc.) or is it just out of time?

 

[PoManNox]

If it runs with the exhaust cam position sensor unplugged, this means the reluctor wheel on the exhaust cam that this sensor reads off of has rotated out of position. This commonly happens when the vac pump coupling breaks and jambs against the reluctor wheel. The official fix is to replace the exhaust cam. I've seen videos of techs/people re-clocking the reluctor wheel by heating and tapping it to the right position. The key is you need to have the cam timing lined up perfectly to do so. Same with replacing the cam.

 

[Havemar]

Thanks for your help. We checked and it looks fine; we might have missed something. If you could help me with a few questions: Is there a specific tool for this engine to lock the VVT valves in position? Will it be necessary to disassemble the entire timing system to change the camshaft? Can I check the timing on the crankshaft? Should I only change the camshaft or some other part?

 

[PoManNox]

Thanks for your help. We checked and it looks fine; we might have missed something. If you could help me with a few questions: Is there a specific tool for this engine to lock the VVT valves in position? Will it be necessary to disassemble the entire timing system to change the camshaft? Can I check the timing on the crankshaft? Should I only change the camshaft or some other part?

I hate to sound like a broken record here, but again, if the engine runs perfectly fine with the exhaust cam position sensor unplugged (codes will be present), this means the reluctor wheel on the vac pump end of the exhaust cam is spun out of time. The cam cover has to be removed to verify this and fix this. I believe tools exist to hold the timing chain in place should you decide to replace the exhaust cam. Lots of videos exist on youtube in regards to vacuum pumps causing this problem.

 

[Big Papi]

cam has jumped a tooth on the timing chain. Here is a similar situation

 

[PoManNox]

cam has jumped a tooth on the timing chain. Here is a similar situation

I'm with ya and it could be, but if it runs perfectly with the exhaust cam position sensor unplugged, mechanically, the valve timing should be OK. The weakest link on these cams is the pressed fit reluctor wheel. The broken bits from the vac pump jamb against it and knock it out of position.

 

[Havemar]

I found this video, I think this is what's happening. On Monday I'm going to open it again and check this out, I'll let you know and I'll try to take some pictures. I'll see if it can be straightened or if I'd have to replace the camshaft.