is it worth changing the variocam solenoid on my 966 c2 3.4l

after looking in to it a bit more i ve found that the reason (s) my car idles funny is because of coil packs that i have changed so it cant be that or maf sensor or the variocam solenoid has any one ever changed one of these and will it make a big difference ??? cheers guys [8|]

I didn't think the 3.4s had variocam i thought that they brought that in with the 3.6. Feel free to correct me if im wrong tho.

They all have Variocam, but the 3.6 has Variocam Plus, which is variable valve lift and timing. If you search the forum for a post by steveoz32 (?) a couple of months ago, he had some great photos of the Variocam actuator, on which he replaced the gasket.

Hi, i also posted information on issues i was having with my variocam for which Richard helped. It is a very complicated thing to replace as it won't come out when you release the two bolts. The whole item has to be turned 90 degrees or it won't release. Had to go to see the professionals. I think it cost me quite a lot for the relacement solenoid and the whole job was completed for approx £300. Porsche wanted £800. Good luck.

My ears must have been buring - first time on here for a while. Here is the thread with the pics, but I would check the process for actual removal http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=585654&mpage=1&key=&#585797

What does the solenoid do exactly? Had an inspection at OPC and they advised that it was weeping slightly and wanted only £100 to sort it. I assume for that price that this would be just for the seal? Any consequences of leaving it? Its hardly noticable... Craig

AFAIK the actuators modify the timing by changing the tension on the chain. The seals are known as 'lids' in PET, and they are about 12.00 each. No special tools are required to fit, just remove the wheel, undo two m10's, twist off and replace. The inside rubber seal is bonded to the 'lid', it perishes and grows weak over time loosing it's seal. Check my thread to see them being changed. £100 isn't a lot agreed, but if you have a spanner and half hour it can be done with little problem. Cheers, *edit* the oil you will loose will be minimal, not even noticeable I would imagine. I changed both of mine as they were 'sweating' slighly, just because I was being fussy and wanted everything to remain nice and clean after I cleaned the engine up. the biggest problem if the seal is well worn though could be moisture getting into the solonoid, and you don't want that.

Just found this on renlist: "VarioCam VarioCam, the adjustment of the intake camshafts at engine speeds of approx. 1,300 rpm* and 5,920 rpm, produces a major part of the engine output, the engine torque as well as the good exhaust values at idling speed. Engine speeds below 1,300 rpm produce a slight overlap in the valve stroke curves for the intake valves in relation to the exhaust valves. This particularly affects low proportions of hydrocarbons (HC proportions) in the exhaust gas before the catalytic converters. If the engine exceeds the 1,300 rpm mark *, the intake camshafts are adjusted by 12.5° (by 25° if measured a the crankshaft). Adjustment of the camshafts to produce a greater overlapping of the valve stroke curves for the intake and exhaust valves results in improved cylinder charging and thus an increase in engine torque. In the case of engine speeds above 5,920 rpm, the intake camshafts are returned to the basic control times (as for engine idling speed). If the intake valve closes later, additional amounts of intake air can be drawn in. This produces a recharging effect since the flow of air is not interrupted. This also results in improved charging of the cylinders and an increase in performance. * The value 1,300 rpm increases to 1,480 rpm with engine oil temperatures of approx. 133°C." "VarioCam To increase the torque and to improve cylinder charging, the engine has two VarioCam actuators which are installed in the chain tensioners of the camshafts. The two actuators are operated by electromagnetic valves activated by the DME control unit. Functioning When the ignition is switched on, the electromagnetic valves of the camshaft adjusters are supplied with positive potential. If the engine is started, the control unit applies ground to terminal 25 (camshaft adjuster for cylinder line 4 - 6) and to terminal 52 (camshaft adjuster for cylinder line 1 - 3) if the following conditions are fulfilled (VarioCam activated); 1 - Engine oil temperature between -3°C and 133°C 2 - Engine speed > 1,300 rpm 3 - Throttle opening > 5% or 1 - Engine oil temperature > 133°C 2 - Engine speed > 1,480 rpm 3 - Throttle opening > 3.9% The ground potential is deactivated by the DME control unit (VarioCam deactivated) if: Engine speed > 5,120 rpm"

hi steve how do you get the solenoid its self out is it a hard one ???