Hey all looking for some advice on anyone that has had experience opening up the VQ37VHR down to the cams.

QUICK STORY:
-2011 M37s (133k miles)
-car constantly going into limp mode
-P0345 codes (replaced both CAM sensors)
-swapped sensors, problem remained on bank 2.
-dropped oil pan, found paper gasket in the oil pick up and in the pan
-I had also tested oil pressure at idle, and 2000 RPMs and was way below the preferred values found online.
-opened up engine and set it to TDC
-found loose screws holding galley gasket in and replaced both hardware and gasket with z1 kit. (Will dimple screws as well)
-found a lot of sludge build up behind the intake cam sprockets
-figured the gasket was the culprit of the issues causing the low oil pressure, but after tons of research online (And the presence of sludge behind the intake cams) I am almost thinking the intake cams were starved of oil from the galley gaskets and are sticking.
-Consult would have helped to actuate them, but we are here now

I did a BOAT LOAD of researching online about the VVEL system and what not, but I cannot figure out if this is normal!!! I can freely move the intake cam on bank 1, and there is a rattle in the upper bar for the rockers that is not apparent on bank 1. PLEASE COPY AND PASTE LINKS TO VIEW ON U-TUBE for some videos for everyone check out









Hopefully someone can advise me, because this is the last thing holding me up before I can put her back together.

 

I'm only a lowly motorcycle mechanic.
And haven't been into the top end of my G yet.
but the fact that only one bank has slop is worrisome.
Unless someone who knows can tell you otherwise.
I'd be looking into a new cam actuator.
​​​​​or the pair if budget allows
​​​​​​

 

that was my initial thought.
Then I was thinking, is bank 1 harder to move because the number 1 piston is on that side and is basically on compression?
That rail guide where the rockers attach to on bank 2 side has some play...which is really weird if that is supposed to be stationary. Almost like it needs an entirely new head...I don’t know....

only other thing attached to the CAM at this point that is electronically controlled is the VVEL motors on the rear, or the solenoids on the Cam covers.

Problem is that I was not getting any codes for the VVEL motors or anything else but P0345.....So I don’t know what the heck is going on LMAO