I desperately need ideas to get my car running

[jolepatrol]

Well got it to the mechanic...replaced the timing belt and the tensioner, all is well (or almost) since she starts/runs, but I get a P0011 and it still takes a few cranks to get it started and it is rough for a few minutes after turning on.

[JDS60R]

P0011 refers to camshaft out of time.

Check the timing belt alignment.
Did you get compression test results from the mechanic?

[boosted5cyl]

The symptoms you describe are classic "timing is out" ones. "just" lining the marks up on these cars is not enough. The timing will only be correct if you set the VVT unit correctly with the rear of the cams locked into position, parallel to the seam on the head. Without this you are chasing you own tail. Pull the freeze frame data to see when its throwing the P0011.

Another cause of the code can be a sludged up VVT solenoid, but given what you describe, I'm running with the timing not set correctly.

Heres some stuff from another post that I typed regarding setting of the VVT

Well, you'll need to go though the whole process of checking the timing...

The end goal is that all the notches should line up and the VVT unit (inner part of the cam pulley) will be turned fully clockwise to its limit position. Therefore the three small bolts on the pulley should be in their rightmost position. I'm not a mechanic by trade so the info below is E&OE, at your own risk with no warranty implied.

Basically, consider it to be a three stage process:

Stage 1
Forget the VADIS proceedure for now and whatever you have tried so far

Stage 2
Have the crank locked in position on its mark. Drop a 6" 3/8 extension into the hole near the starter, turn motor counter clockwise by hand until it hits the stop.
Cams should locked in position, in line with seam in head.
Ensure all all notches are lined up on the cam pulleys with the timing belt cover.
Timing belt sould be on.
Inner bolt on cam pulley that fixes the unit onto the camshaft should be torqued down (Circa 88Ft Lbs, please verify).
The three bolts for the cam gear to VVT unit should be loose
VVT unit should be turned fully counter clockwise (bolts will be on the left of the holes in the toothed pulley when this is done).

Stage 3
Keep cams locked, pulleys at marks amd crank locked\at mark.
Fit the outer "cap" onto the VVT unit (T60 torx), no need to torque it yet.
Rotate the VVT unit clockwise using the cap with a T60 torx until it hits its limit.
Lock the three outer pulley bolts.
Torque the VVT cap (25 lb/ft I think, please verify).
You should now be in a position where all marks line up and the three pulley bolts on the VVT unit are on rightmost part of the holes in the toothed gear.

** Have a beer **