What's new
Porsche 911 UK Enthusiasts Online Community Discussion Forum GB

Welcome to the @Porsche911UK website. Register a free account today to become a member! Sign up is quick and easy, then you can view, participate in topics and posts across the site that covers all things Porsche.

Already registered and looking to recovery your account, select 'login in' and then the 'forget your password' option.

Used Porsche Cars for sale in Slough, Berkshire | RSJ Sports Cars

New to me 1998 C2 with Possible Variocam Solenoid issue.

F

Fatal8446

New member
Joined
14 Jan 2016
Messages
12
Hi all,

I have just taken ownership of a 1998 996.1 C2 with 85k on the clock (picks to follow once cleaned and a sunny day), and its thrown a Flashing then solid CEL. downloaded the codes and it turns out to be miss fires et total on bank 2. I know the coils and spark plugs were done 2000 miles ago (albeit 3 years back) as I did them for a friend (who I subsequently bought the car from).

My question having come to the conclusion it is likely the variocam solenoid giving the issue. DO I need to lock the cams to pull the solenoid as it looks simple enough to just pull it, give it a clean and functional test then refit or replace if bad.

cheers

Al
 
Someone will be along sooner or later with a link to the procedure on how to do it, but it's not quite as simple as it looks. Yes, you need to lock the cams, but you also need to remove the cam cover on the affected side as the soilenoid cover that you can see is just that; a cover, not the solenoid itself, and removing it doesn't give access to remove the solenoid.

Once the cam cover is off, I gather it's reasonably straightforward if you're careful and methodical. It can be done with the engine in the car, but the exhaust manifold will need to be removed to give you room to work, as well as the engine needs to be dropped down a couple of inches on a jack to imrove access.
 
Martin996RSR said:
Someone will be along sooner or later with a link to the procedure on how to do it, but it's not quite as simple as it looks. Yes, you need to lock the cams, but you also need to remove the cam cover on the affected side as the soilenoid cover that you can see is just that; a cover, not the solenoid itself, and removing it doesn't give access to remove the solenoid.

Once the cam cover is off, I gather it's reasonably straightforward if you're careful and methodical. It can be done with the engine in the car, but the exhaust manifold will need to be removed to give you room to work, as well as the engine needs to be dropped down a couple of inches on a jack to imrove access.
Click to expand...

cool, might be a good excuse for stainless manifolds then. silver linings and such.
 
Variocam solenoid has nothing to do with ignition timing so the CEL isn't on for that.
 
Alex said:
Variocam solenoid has nothing to do with ignition timing so the CEL isn't on for that.
Click to expand...

what do you suggest? as i'd like pulling the cam cover to be my last resort
 
You could try swapping plugs and coil packs with the otherside, but for all 3 to show as a misfire I'd think it may be something else. :dont know:
 
If the variocam solenoid is causing the misfire then you can verify it by having a specialist plug it into a diagnostic computer and activate the solenoids independently. If the idle note changes for one bank but not the other then you've confirmed the fault.

I have long suspected I have a duff solenoid on my bank 2, and recently did just this to verify it. Another indicator (though not conclusive) is whether you have a loping/pulsing exhaust on the opposite side from where the duff bank is.

The thing is, a misfire confined to just one bank has a limited number of causes. If you're sure the plugs and coils are good, and this is confirmed by the engine running normally at normal driving speeds, then you're into the cam timining, which can only be a worn chain guide, duff tensioner, or duff solenoid. There just isn't all that much stuff that's confined to all the cylinders on one side.
 
was thinking of doing this if the weather holds out tomorrow/Sunday and also give the maf a clean as i have heard they can cause all sorts of weird and wonderful snags.
 
Martin996RSR said:
If the variocam solenoid is causing the misfire then you can verify it by having a specialist plug it into a diagnostic computer and activate the solenoids independently. If the idle note changes for one bank but not the other then you've confirmed the fault.

I have long suspected I have a duff solenoid on my bank 2, and recently did just this to verify it. Another indicator (though not conclusive) is whether you have a loping/pulsing exhaust on the opposite side from where the duff bank is.

The thing is, a misfire confined to just one bank has a limited number of causes. If you're sure the plugs and coils are good, and this is confirmed by the engine running normally at normal driving speeds, then you're into the cam timining, which can only be a worn chain guide, duff tensioner, or duff solenoid. There just isn't all that much stuff that's confined to all the cylinders on one side.
Click to expand...

Not listened to the exhausts to be fair. Will have to find my local specialist and get it plugged in. It drives ok but idles like crap.
 
My duff solenoid never put the CEL on.
 
So unplugged the MAF and cleared the codes, would you adam and eve it. the failt is cleared and it idles like a dream. now need some torx bits with a hole in the middle........ damn you porsche ...... making me buy more tools
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Chasing rough running issue - 3.4 C2 - new stuff!
2 3 4
Replies
45
Views
10K
Shalmaneser
S
Porsche Car Sales

Latest posts

New Threads

Porsche Model Range

Porsche 911

Porsche 992: 2018- Porsche 992: 2018- Porsche 991: 2011-2019 Porsche 991: 2011-2019 Porsche 997: 2004-2012 Porsche 997: 2004-2012 Porsche 996: 1997-2005 Porsche 996: 1997-2005 Porsche 993: 1993-1998 Porsche 993: 1993-1998 Porsche 964: 1989-1993 Porsche 964: 1989-1993 Porsche Carrera 3.2: 1983-1989 Porsche Carrera 3.2: 1983-1989 Porsche Carrera SC: 1977-1983 Porsche Carrera SC: 1977-1983 Porsche 930 Turbo: 1975-1989 Porsche 930 Turbo: 1975-1989 Porsche Early 911: 1964-1977 Porsche Early 911: 1964-1977

Porsche Hypercars

Porsche 918 Spyder Porsche 918 Spyder Porsche Carrera GT Porsche Carrera GT Porsche GT1 Porsche GT1 Porsche 959 Porsche 959

Other Current Porsche Model

Porsche Taycan : (2019-0%) Porsche Taycan : (2019-0%) Porsche Macan : 2013- Porsche Macan : 2013- Porsche Panamera : 2009- Porsche Panamera : 2009- Porsche Cayman: 2005- Porsche Cayman: 2005- Porsche Cayenne: 2003- Porsche Cayenne: 2003- Porsche Boxster: 1997- Porsche Boxster: 1997-

Porsche Legacy Models

Porsche 928 Porsche 928 Porsche 968 Porsche 968 Porsche 944 Porsche 944 Porsche 924 Porsche 924 Porsche 914 Porsche 914 Porsche 912 Porsche 912 Porsche 904 Porsche 904 Porsche 550 Porsche 550 Porsche 356 Speedster Porsche 356 Speedster Porsche 356 Porsche 356

Forum statistics

Threads
124,596
Messages
1,441,958
Members
49,029
Latest member
ccosh

porsche insurance porsche parts porsche sales porsche car sales porsche for sale
porsche classic sales porsche tuning porsche sold porsche specialist porsche engine rebuilds porsche driver training porsche car sales porsche exhausts

Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2024 XenForo Ltd. XenForo theme by xenfocus

www.911uk.com @Porsche911UK THE DEFINITIVE PORSCHE FORUM Copyright © 911UK 2002-2024 All rights reserved.

911uk.com is not associated and is wholly independent of Porsche Automobil Holdings SE, Dr. Ing.h.c.F.Porsche AG, Porsche Cars GB, its subsidiaries and offical Porsche centres. Any word, phrase or graphic that in any way resembles anything to do with the Porsche name or organisation are registered trademarks of Porsche Automobil Holdings SE and Dr. Ing.h.c.F. Porsche AG.

Back
Top