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Can you change Variocam Solenoid without removing Camshaft Cover ?

GOOFY

GOOFY

New member
Hi

Faced with faulty solenoid problem on my Boxster.

Background : Car was covered and not used during winter and spring. Started last month and the symptoms began soon after: very uneven lumpy idle, CEL light came on once then off, but engine performs well on high revs. Luckily engine light went off just before MOT and then soon after it went on again and rough idle began ! Seemed intermittent at first but now rough idle but no CEL.

Went to independent who put durametric on it and ELEVEN FAULTS FLASHED UP !! I suspected Variocam solenoid and then asked to switch variocam on and off on the left and right banks using the durametric and sure enough the right hand bank did not make any difference.

So can the solenoid be replaced without removing camcover (MY 1998 2.5) . Also is there a possibility that it could just be a wiring issue, or worse could it be actuator .

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers
 
No, you can't change the valve without removing the cam cover, but you can change the solenoid coil, which is much more likely. Also, it could be the wiring, so definitely worth checking. Look at the fixing screws and lugs on the coil too, as they can crack.
 
It is not possible to replace the variocam solenoid without first removing the cam cover, only my02 engine with variocam plus( i know boxsters don't have the plus features but the construction is the same!) have removable solenoids from outside the cam cover.
agree with Richard ,solenoid is most likely candidate. The short cable leading from the solenoid tends to fracture resulting in first an intermittent fault and then a permanent one.

Christian.............
 
Just to clarify what Christian and I are saying, the adjustment for Variocam and Variocam+ is different.

Variocam has a hydraulic unit on the drive end of each pair of cams, which runs on the chain between the cams. It pushes the chain with a tensioner-type device which effectively changes the valve timing. The hydraulic valve isn't accessible without removing the cam cover, but the coil which operates it goes through the cover, and is accessible from outside.

Variocam+ has two elements. A Vane-type adjuster on the nose of the inlet cam to adjust timing, and a dual-lobe camshaft with two-piece tappets that can select which lobes to use for different valve lift. The two solenoid valves which control these two systems are mounted externally on the head, and are replaceable from outside.
 
Thank you all for your advice ! Always an abundance of knowledge on the forum !

I was going to attempt this myself but read you need a CAMSHAFT LOCKING TOOL to keep the cams in place during removal. Is this tool cheap or can it be hired ?

Cheers.
 
As far as I know, you don't need to lock the cams to replace the coil. The manual says you have to remove the engine, as the coil should be in the vertical position to fit it, but Indies do it in situ. I think it needs care, and if I were you I would get someone to do it who has experience.

Check the connectors and mounting flanges first. This may help: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=585654
 
Cheers Richard ! I'm going to have a look at the state of the wiring. As the car was covered local wildlife (mice, foxes) may have taken a liking to my Boxster and may have nibbled away wiring.

However I think the moral of the story is use your Boxster - even over Winter !. Mine has only covered 36k miles and although I change the oil regularly (every 3k) I have been advised that lack of use is of detriment to car.

Anyways thanks again - once I have omitted wiring as a cause I will take it down to the independent. One comfort (depending on your POV ) is the number of newer Porsches (even 997's) at the independent with issues. The older Porsches seem more reliable, probably as the newer ones are more complex and more to go wrong I suppose.
 
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