VVT Installation

[pure2k7]

I'm hoping one of you could help me. My wife and I purchased an 07 CX7 brand new in 07 and have had the "common" problems happen to the car : VVT , Compressor both went out around 20k miles.. both were replaced under warranty. Well the car now has 70k on it and VVT is making noise again along with the timing chain. Got the new parts and started the repair myself as Mazda would not warranty it.. Here is my problem, according to the shop manual it says to line the timing marks on the cam to the marks on the back of the new VVT however there are no timing marks I see on the cam to line up with on the VVT. So , does the VVT need to go on a certain way to the camshaft? Does the oil ports from the camshaft and inside the VVT need to lineup? I have the timing tools installed so the cams are locked I'm just concerned if the VVT needs to be installed / put in time with the camshaft. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Alpha Wolf]

I have not done this repair. But on all the normal timing chains or gears I have changed or installed the cam sprockets usually have a line or dot on them. Then there will be a mark on the case/head etc that need to be lined up when the cranks sprocket is lined on with its mark. Must be done as this is how you synch cams with crankshaft position. Get it one tooth off an you may have valve strikes.

[FORZDA 1]

Look closely and you will see a notch on the VVT actuator. Just note the same notch on the new VVT and put it back into the same position relative to the camshaft. If the VVT is turned in such a way that you can't see the notch, then count teeth from a specific spot on th eold VVT, like the pin boss or similar, then transfer the new one into same spot.....

[Raider]

I would do the timing chain if you go for it. Those also are known to fail on early ones, and the VVT is a symptom.

Also, if you donate to the forum for VIP,the speed3 service manuals are there to download. Same general motor.

[pure2k7]

Appreciate the replys. The problem is I removed the VVT and lost any position on where it was prior to loosing the bolt , one reason was simply in the manual it states that lines in the back of the VVT lines up to the camshaft but there are no lines. I marked everything else but this.

Forzda are you talking about the notch in the front of the VVT? Actually in the same area where the bolt goes in? If your putting a new motor together there has to be a way to set the VVT 0 per say? A keyway would solve all of this.

Raider , I am doing the chain , already have the new guides and such in just trying to figure out the VVT to finish it off. Also I'm going off of Alldata as I have that, is the manual you speak of any different?