flow conduits 40 42 that fluidly connect an engine oil pump not shown to the first and second passageways 33 34 and is pressurized at a pressure level of the oil pump the unidirectional flow conduits 40 42 each include at least one check valve 36 38 that permit the flow from the engine oil pump to the passageways 33 34 while preventing backflow to the engine oil pump any fluid leakage that occurs through the system e g through the variable cam phaser 18 is supplemented by flow of oil from the engine oil pump not shown into the system through one of the unidirectional flow conduits 40 42 leakage in the system may flow out of the variable cam phaser 18 through a drain line 17 to an engine sump not shown each of the check valves 36 38 preferably include a design feature wherein opening response of each valve is delayed when pressure in the first or second passageway 33 34 drops below pressure in the flow conduits 40 42 from the engine oil pump not shown implementation of the design feature of delayed opening response of each check valve 36 38 increases the pressure drop across the variable cam phaser 18 and improves responsiveness of the variable cam phaser 18 design of flow conduits and check valves is known to one skilled in the art the invention also comprises a method of.