Vanos repair

[kayger12]

I've gone the Beisan route twice and was very happy both times with both the product and the service.

My reservation with Dr Vanos was that I was getting a vanos in unknown condition. Sure the bearings and seals are new, but what about the intake/exhaust solenoids and the pistons themselves? You're essentially getting a random vanos in unknown condition-- at least that's how I looked at it.

At least when I rebuilt mine I knew the condition of the unit, solenoids, and internals.

In fairness to Dr. Vanos, I've never read a bad review here or elsewhere to suggest that my concerns were valid.

[KevinC]

My reservation with Dr Vanos was that I was getting a vanos in unknown condition. Sure the bearings and seals are new, but what about the intake/exhaust solenoids and the pistons themselves? You're essentially getting a random vanos in unknown condition-- at least that's how I looked at it. ....
In fairness to Dr. Vanos, I've never read a bad review here or elsewhere to suggest that my concerns were valid.

Well.. let me be the first.

When I bought my ZHP 2 years ago, it had a stumble that sounded like VANOS seals and/or DISA issues, so I decided to pony up for a rebuilt VANOS unit and DISA Gold from GAS. I then dropped my "new" car at my indy for Inspection 2, and included these parts. I got a call that afternoon stating that the VANOS was throwing codes. Based on the codes, it appeared the solenoids were sticking. It had to be pulled and returned to the good doctor, while he 2nd day'd a replacement to my indy. The car was down an extra couple of days, and I took on additional labor costs, which I mitigated between my indy giving me a break and the doctor helping - though I should have leaned on him to take care of the entire extra cost and inconvenience. Bottom line - the unit was not rebuilt properly, with the solenoids not being properly attended to. All is well since and to this day, but that was not a stellar experience.

This was a long time ago and I've also not read any other complaints about the doctor, so I'm willing to accept that this was an isolated incident.

[kayger12]

Well.. let me be the first.

When I bought my ZHP 2 years ago, it had a stumble that sounded like VANOS seals and/or DISA issues, so I decided to pony up for a rebuilt VANOS unit and DISA Gold from GAS. I then dropped my "new" car at my indy for Inspection 2, and included these parts. I got a call that afternoon stating that the VANOS was throwing codes. Based on the codes, it appeared the solenoids were sticking. It had to be pulled and returned to the good doctor, while he 2nd day'd a replacement to my indy. The car was down an extra couple of days, and I took on additional labor costs, which I mitigated between my indy giving me a break and the doctor helping - though I should have leaned on him to take care of the entire extra cost and inconvenience. Bottom line - the unit was not rebuilt properly, with the solenoids not being properly attended to. All is well since and to this day, but that was not a stellar experience.

This was a long time ago and I've also not read any other complaints about the doctor, so I'm willing to accept that this was an isolated incident.

Great info. Glad it got squared away.

[Sockethead]

I've had the Dr. Vanos in for couple of years with no issues. The only thing worth mentioning is that on every Dr. Vanis I've seen, the solenoid housings rust up. Probably from media blasting.
So, if you go with Dr Vanos, hit the solenoids with some clear or aluminum colored silver before you put it on.

[Vas]

I read reviews about Dr.Vanos and decided to try it. No issues from the unit.

[Simmsled]

I've had the Dr. Vanos in for couple of years with no issues. The only thing worth mentioning is that on every Dr. Vanis I've seen, the solenoid housings rust up. Probably from media blasting.
So, if you go with Dr Vanos, hit the solenoids with some clear or aluminum colored silver before you put it on.

Interesting. This is good to know. Thanks!

[ELCID86]

Just got my Dr. V in the mail today. Not sure what Rob means about "hit the solenoids with some clear or aluminum colored silver". Can you please explain what you'd recommend using?

[328ioc]

Just got my Dr. V in the mail today. Not sure what Rob means about "hit the solenoids with some clear or aluminum colored silver". Can you please explain what you'd recommend using?

He is saying the solenoids may rust over time but the rest of the unit won't. So you may want to hit then with paint to protect them.

However. One my my solenoids had a little rust and it was OEM so I don't think its related to anything DR. V does. Just the conditions the car lives in.

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[ELCID86]

He is saying the solenoids may rust over time but the rest of the unit won't. So you may want to hit then with paid to protect them.

However. One my my solenoids had a little rust and it was OEM so I don't think its related to anything DR. V does. Just the conditions the car lives in.

Thanks. I assume "paint" above :-)

[328ioc]

Thanks. I assume "paint" above :-)

Yes....and fixed. Lol

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