MacinTek

Can anyone tell me if something's missing from this picture, specifically, the check valve components? Or is that the ball at the bottom of the shaft?


If it's missing, where can I get replacements without breaking bank on a new VarioCam actuator?

kwikt

If I recall, the check valve is below that green 0 ring. Use a magnet to remove.

FRporscheman

First of all, excellent pictures!

That looks wrong... the check valve is missing. Here's a pic from the variocam DIY thread:



I seriously doubt you can buy this separately from Porsche. Check the PET. Maybe if you're lucky you'll find someone who has had a variocam unit failure who will sell you the check valve. Are you certain it didn't stick to the j-pipe and then fall down into the head or something?

MacinTek

Pretty sure it's gone. Not stuck to the J-pipe. I've looked all over my garage and inside the cylinder head with a flashlight and a magnet.

The part number for the Check Valve is 944.105.508.00 .
BTW, the pix were shot with my iPhone 4.

savvas944

you will be breaking the bank
that little thing costs 130 usd.
from porche .

FRporscheman

Wow, that's really cool that Porsche sells it separately.
Wow, that's a lot of money for a little sleeve and ball.
Wow, the iphone4 camera is great.

RajDatta

It is quite common for the check valve to fly out when the cams are seated. The pressing of the variocam pressurizes the check valve and it can fly out. I would check the oil galleys in the cylinder head with a magnet. I am sure it's lodged somewhere.
It is so small, so it's hard to find if it drops. Good luck.
Raj

FRporscheman

Hmm, or maybe it could have fallen into the oil pan and got stuck behind a baffle?

RajDatta

Arash, not sure if it would actually make it all the way to the bottom. I would even try draining the oil to see if it pours out. Maybe fish a magnet thru the oil drain plug. It has to be in there somewhere.
To be honest, I am not sure throwing a new check valve is a better solution. You might want to figure out where the check valve ended up. It could potentially cause other issues if it gets lodged in the wrong place.
Raj

Lord_Galva

+1 on the magnet.
I dropped mine twice.
Are you going to be removing the head?

MacinTek

Unfortunately (for me), the magnet didn't find anything. My guess is that it dropped down the bottomless pit of a journal. I drained the oil but to no avail. I ordered a replacement from dC Auto which was interesting... only one guy there knew what the part looked like... I only hope it's on its way here.

RajDatta

It might be caught in the baffles. If you ever drop the oil plan, you might find it there.
Raj