Please help me diagnose this noise with my VT2-625

wrecklessfool · 02-07-2015, 11:15 PM

I just completed my DIY install of the ESS VT2-625 kit today and fired up the car for the first time. I let it idle for a few minutes and it started making the noise you can here in the video below. Best way I can describe it is that it sounds like a helicopter in my engine bay. It is not constant; it comes and goes. I do not know how to make it happen/not happen so that makes it difficult to diagnose to a specific component. It sounds like it's coming from either in the intake manifold or just below it, but since the manifold is aluminum it could be carrying the sound from another part of the engine. It is most pronounced when I put my ear to the manifold, and pressing my hand on top of the manifold seems to dampen the noise just slightly. I am going to call ESS tech support on Monday, but would like to know if anyone here has experienced this before. My car is a 2012 E92 with 12,300 miles and ran flawlessly prior the the ESS kit being installed. Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

P.S. There are no warning lights on the dash to indicate an issue. Car seems to drive ok as well. Haven't really pushed it, but up to 4.5K seems to have good drivability.

BzsBimmer · 02-08-2015, 12:03 AM

Sounds like something tapping when a pulley is spinning. Does the sound increase in timing when applying the accelerator?

wrecklessfool · 02-08-2015, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Sounds like something tapping when a pulley is spinning. Does the sound increase in timing when applying the accelerator?

Not as far as I could tell. Sometimes if I give it a quick rev to 2k from idle the sound stops during the time the revs fall and starts right back up again. But there are other times when even when the revs are coming back to idle to ticking persists.

godmachine · 02-08-2015, 12:41 AM

Tensioner pulley or another pulley. Just had mine replaced with that exact noise and symptoms

wrecklessfool · 02-08-2015, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by godmachine

Tensioner pulley or another pulley. Just had mine replaced with that exact noise and symptoms

With 12k miles and it functioned just fine before installing the kit? Seems unlikely but I guess it's possible

BIGW0RM · 02-08-2015, 01:21 AM

Do injectors make those noises?

IMG · 02-08-2015, 03:07 AM

That's odd. Where are you located ?

Ezio · 02-08-2015, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

Do injectors make those noises?

they make more of a tick like sound.

wrecklessfool · 02-08-2015, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMG

That's odd. Where are you located ?

Virginia

AlpineE92M3 · 02-08-2015, 09:24 AM

That is not normal, Something is hitting something. And its vibrating with the engine...double check everything is tightened down, pullies, clamps, make sure nothing is touching something that it's not supposed to be touching.

wrecklessfool · 02-08-2015, 11:06 AM

The more I read in different forums (Mustang, Subaru, supra, etc) it seems like a pulley issue. I am going to remove the belt and check for anything loose. I had to remove a pulley from the A/C belt system but I know I tightened it down good. I'll post my findings here.

wrecklessfool · 02-08-2015, 05:16 PM

Checked all hardware and pulleys. Everything is good to go. Contacted ESS and their initial diagnosis is my valve train is causing the noise. Unacceptable answer when my car has 12k miles and functioned perfectly before the kit went on. The ESS tech even said there could be something in the cylinder and asked if maybe a dropped something in on the install. Really?!?

I consider this unresolved at this time.

wrecklessfool · 02-08-2015, 06:32 PM

Parked in the garage tonight after a short drive and grabbed the flashlight again to attempt to diagnose. Listened to the valve covers with a screwdriver to my ear and it sounded like a smooth whirring. Definitely not a valve train issue. Listened to the intake manifold, knocking sound present. Listened to the bypass valve, knocking extremely present! I had my suspicions earlier about the bypass valve and removed to inspect but all looked just fine to me. I even called ESS to verify I had installed it properly and I had. With the knocking noise present, I pinched the vacuum line closed to the valve with my finger. Voila! Knocking stops. Release the line, starts back up. Did this about 5 times with the same results. If I pinched the line and SLOWLY released my pinch it felt like air was "pulsing" through the line and it was in the same rhythm as the knocking which would take over for the pulsing once the line was released. Call ESS and informed them of the issue and they are sending me a replacement bypass valve tomorrow. I asked for expedited shipping since my car has been down for so long so my fingers are crossed on that. I will not drive the car anymore since I don't know what a failed bypass valve is capable of damaging. Could possibly over pressurize the manifold if not working correctly? This seems like a simple case of a defective component from Vortech. Guess that happens from time to time.

Swapping the valve should only take about 15 minutes when it comes in so I will be sure to keep this thread updated.

BIGW0RM · 02-08-2015, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrecklessfool

Parked in the garage tonight after a short drive and grabbed the flashlight again to attempt to diagnose. Listened to the valve covers with a screwdriver to my ear and it sounded like a smooth whirring. Definitely not a valve train issue. Listened to the intake manifold, knocking sound present. Listened to the bypass valve, knocking extremely present! I had my suspicions earlier about the bypass valve and removed to inspect but all looked just fine to me. I even called ESS to verify I had installed it properly and I had. With the knocking noise present, I punched the vacuum line closed to the valve with my finger. Voila! Knocking stops. Release the line, starts back up. Did this about 5 times with the same results. If I pinched the line and SLOWLY released my pinch it felt like air was "pulsing" through the line and it was in the same rhythm as the knocking which would take over for the pulsing once the line was released. Call ESS and informed them of the issue and they are sending me a replacement bypass valve tomorrow. I asked for expedited shipping since my car has been down for so long so my fingers are crossed on that. I will not drive the car anymore since I don't know what a failed bypass valve I capable of damaging. Could possibly over pressurize the manifold if not working correctly? This seems like a simple case of a defective component from Vortech. Guess that happens from time to time.

Swapping the valve should only take about 15 minutes when it comes in so I will be sure to keep this thread updated.

No shit? I have a pulsating issue with my kit too. I'll ask about my BPV. Thanks for the update.

Sered · 02-09-2015, 07:18 AM

I was about to say, the symptom of it going away when you rev the engine tells me its the valve in the BOV fluttering. Spring is too weak.

Patrón · 02-09-2015, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrecklessfool

Parked in the garage tonight after a short drive and grabbed the flashlight again to attempt to diagnose. Listened to the valve covers with a screwdriver to my ear and it sounded like a smooth whirring. Definitely not a valve train issue. Listened to the intake manifold, knocking sound present. Listened to the bypass valve, knocking extremely present! I had my suspicions earlier about the bypass valve and removed to inspect but all looked just fine to me. I even called ESS to verify I had installed it properly and I had. With the knocking noise present, I pinched the vacuum line closed to the valve with my finger. Voila! Knocking stops. Release the line, starts back up. Did this about 5 times with the same results. If I pinched the line and SLOWLY released my pinch it felt like air was "pulsing" through the line and it was in the same rhythm as the knocking which would take over for the pulsing once the line was released. Call ESS and informed them of the issue and they are sending me a replacement bypass valve tomorrow. I asked for expedited shipping since my car has been down for so long so my fingers are crossed on that. I will not drive the car anymore since I don't know what a failed bypass valve is capable of damaging. Could possibly over pressurize the manifold if not working correctly? This seems like a simple case of a defective component from Vortech. Guess that happens from time to time.

Swapping the valve should only take about 15 minutes when it comes in so I will be sure to keep this thread updated.

is there any chance you can link or post a pic of what bypass valve your're talking about?

i don't remember if you posted your other mods. are you using any cat deletes in your exhaust system?

sales@ESSTuning · 02-09-2015, 12:19 PM

Try disconnecting the line from the bypass valve during idle and see if the sound goes away. If you already did this or If you pinched off the hose and the knocking went away you have an issue with vacuum pressure in your line and it is causing the bypass to knock. Check your T connection under the manifold or you can adjust the tension set screw if you believe your lines are all ok.

BIGW0RM · 02-09-2015, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roman@ESS

Try disconnecting the line from the bypass valve during idle and see if the sound goes away.

I think he did Roman. Or something similar.

"I pinched the vacuum line closed to the valve with my finger. Voila! Knocking stops."

sales@ESSTuning · 02-09-2015, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

I think he did Roman. Or something similar.

"I pinched the vacuum line closed to the valve with my finger. Voila! Knocking stops."

I just read the OP's first post

wrecklessfool · 02-09-2015, 07:21 PM

At the request of ESS I have adjusted the BPV to lessen the tension on the spring. Just sitting at idle in the garage (inclement weather didn't allow a drive today) the knock seems to have all but disappeared. The true test will be a nice drive, but at this point I am optimistic that the issue has been resolved. I'll post an update on Wednesday evening if the weather permits a drive.

Patrón · 02-09-2015, 07:31 PM

That's great news.

BIGW0RM · 02-09-2015, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrecklessfool

At the request of ESS I have adjusted the BPV to lessen the tension on the spring. Just sitting at idle in the garage (inclement weather didn't allow a drive today) the knock seems to have all but disappeared. The true test will be a nice drive, but at this point I am optimistic that the issue has been resolved. I'll post an update on Wednesday evening if the weather permits a drive.

Right on dude. I am so happy for you. Im glad your issue got resolved.

02-07-2015, 11:15 PM	#1
wrecklessfool First Lieutenant 23 Rep 386 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (14)	Please help me diagnose this noise with my VT2-625 I just completed my DIY install of the ESS VT2-625 kit today and fired up the car for the first time. I let it idle for a few minutes and it started making the noise you can here in the video below. Best way I can describe it is that it sounds like a helicopter in my engine bay. It is not constant; it comes and goes. I do not know how to make it happen/not happen so that makes it difficult to diagnose to a specific component. It sounds like it's coming from either in the intake manifold or just below it, but since the manifold is aluminum it could be carrying the sound from another part of the engine. It is most pronounced when I put my ear to the manifold, and pressing my hand on top of the manifold seems to dampen the noise just slightly. I am going to call ESS tech support on Monday, but would like to know if anyone here has experienced this before. My car is a 2012 E92 with 12,300 miles and ran flawlessly prior the the ESS kit being installed. Thanks for any help you guys can provide. P.S. There are no warning lights on the dash to indicate an issue. Car seems to drive ok as well. Haven't really pushed it, but up to 4.5K seems to have good drivability. Last edited by wrecklessfool; 02-07-2015 at 11:27 PM..
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02-08-2015, 12:03 AM	#2
BzsBimmer Major General 3274 Rep 6,723 Posts Drives: '23 G80 FO M3, M3 & MY Tezzy's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nor. Cal iTrader: (32)	Sounds like something tapping when a pulley is spinning. Does the sound increase in timing when applying the accelerator?
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02-08-2015, 12:41 AM	#4
godmachine New Member 2 Rep 20 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Tensioner pulley or another pulley. Just had mine replaced with that exact noise and symptoms
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02-08-2015, 01:21 AM	#6
BIGW0RM You got my money? 3158 Rep 4,646 Posts Drives: Ice Cream Truck Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: ///OC iTrader: (14) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [9.50]	Do injectors make those noises? __________________ 2022 G80 M3 Competition X / 2020 Range Rover Sport P525 / 2023 Ford Raptor
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02-08-2015, 03:07 AM	#7
IMG 1122 Rep 7,690 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Track car,Ess E90 M3 DD Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Location iTrader: (6)	That's odd. Where are you located ?
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02-08-2015, 09:24 AM	#10
AlpineE92M3 Currently Driving 269 Rep 1,426 Posts Drives: BPM tuned '13 AW ZCP E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Rochester, NY iTrader: (9) Garage List 2013 BMW E92 M3 [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	That is not normal, Something is hitting something. And its vibrating with the engine...double check everything is tightened down, pullies, clamps, make sure nothing is touching something that it's not supposed to be touching.
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02-08-2015, 11:06 AM	#11
wrecklessfool First Lieutenant 23 Rep 386 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (14)	The more I read in different forums (Mustang, Subaru, supra, etc) it seems like a pulley issue. I am going to remove the belt and check for anything loose. I had to remove a pulley from the A/C belt system but I know I tightened it down good. I'll post my findings here.
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02-08-2015, 05:16 PM	#12
wrecklessfool First Lieutenant 23 Rep 386 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (14)	Checked all hardware and pulleys. Everything is good to go. Contacted ESS and their initial diagnosis is my valve train is causing the noise. Unacceptable answer when my car has 12k miles and functioned perfectly before the kit went on. The ESS tech even said there could be something in the cylinder and asked if maybe a dropped something in on the install. Really?!? I consider this unresolved at this time.
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02-08-2015, 06:32 PM	#13
wrecklessfool First Lieutenant 23 Rep 386 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (14)	Parked in the garage tonight after a short drive and grabbed the flashlight again to attempt to diagnose. Listened to the valve covers with a screwdriver to my ear and it sounded like a smooth whirring. Definitely not a valve train issue. Listened to the intake manifold, knocking sound present. Listened to the bypass valve, knocking extremely present! I had my suspicions earlier about the bypass valve and removed to inspect but all looked just fine to me. I even called ESS to verify I had installed it properly and I had. With the knocking noise present, I pinched the vacuum line closed to the valve with my finger. Voila! Knocking stops. Release the line, starts back up. Did this about 5 times with the same results. If I pinched the line and SLOWLY released my pinch it felt like air was "pulsing" through the line and it was in the same rhythm as the knocking which would take over for the pulsing once the line was released. Call ESS and informed them of the issue and they are sending me a replacement bypass valve tomorrow. I asked for expedited shipping since my car has been down for so long so my fingers are crossed on that. I will not drive the car anymore since I don't know what a failed bypass valve is capable of damaging. Could possibly over pressurize the manifold if not working correctly? This seems like a simple case of a defective component from Vortech. Guess that happens from time to time. Swapping the valve should only take about 15 minutes when it comes in so I will be sure to keep this thread updated. Last edited by wrecklessfool; 02-08-2015 at 08:12 PM..
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02-09-2015, 07:18 AM	#15
Sered Major 146 Rep 1,201 Posts Drives: 08 E90 335i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (3)	I was about to say, the symptom of it going away when you rev the engine tells me its the valve in the BOV fluttering. Spring is too weak. __________________ '08 E90 w/ just boltons '09 Z4 sDrive35i w/ just boltons
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02-09-2015, 12:19 PM	#17
sales@ESSTuning 391 Rep 3,149 Posts Drives: ESS M3 / M4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: AZ iTrader: (6)	Try disconnecting the line from the bypass valve during idle and see if the sound goes away. If you already did this or If you pinched off the hose and the knocking went away you have an issue with vacuum pressure in your line and it is causing the bypass to knock. Check your T connection under the manifold or you can adjust the tension set screw if you believe your lines are all ok. Last edited by sales@ESSTuning; 02-09-2015 at 12:24 PM..
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02-09-2015, 07:21 PM	#20
wrecklessfool First Lieutenant 23 Rep 386 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (14)	At the request of ESS I have adjusted the BPV to lessen the tension on the spring. Just sitting at idle in the garage (inclement weather didn't allow a drive today) the knock seems to have all but disappeared. The true test will be a nice drive, but at this point I am optimistic that the issue has been resolved. I'll post an update on Wednesday evening if the weather permits a drive.
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02-09-2015, 07:31 PM	#21
Patrón PAZUZU 545 Rep 2,058 Posts Drives: '15 M4 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [10.00]	That's great news. __________________ 2009 M3 DCT ESS625+ SOLD 2015 M4 BSM/Silverstone F4LCON @texasMclub IG @jagemoets
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