Installing a "Diesel Switch"

[Chad_Dugan]

@NewfoundlandDude

So I have the dreaded/inevitable/harmless VTC rattle.

After pulling the valve cover again today to make sure everything was in order, I still had what I thought to be a timing chain rattle.
The tension/tensioner was fine, so I searched a little more to find the VTC issue.

I was getting this intermittently, mostly on decel/shifting to neutral to coast/etc. for the past week or so.
This evening I unplugged the VTC, and it was perfectly quiet, and I even noticed some more oil pressure (although this might have been because the car wasn’t fully warmed up).
I stopped, plugged it back in…and the noise came back during driving, along with the lower oil pressure.

I want the VTC performance, but am annoyed with the “diesel” sounds.
I don’t want to replace the sprocket and solenoid, as it’s real expensive, and only a temp fix…i.e. it seems to happen again quickly.

Hence the “diesel switch”…
I can switch on the diesel noises and the performance when I need it, then switch it off for daily driving.

I haven’t came across any real fix for this, besides replacing everything (~$800USD at least). Has anyone found a fix that I haven’t found?
If not, I’m going for the switch…lol

the solenoid is 160 USD and the Sprocket is 280 USD and its a better fix than anything else… cleaning the original cam gear is much harder because it is too intricate inside and you will really never get it fully clean. i have 2 spare solenoids i can ship you but it would be easier to buy new… that is your best bet i think dude