2300cc

Hello,
So it seems on the 3.4's that the cams have to come out to replace the variocam solenoids. But is this true for the 3.6's? I can't seem to find the answer.

And as far as the actuators can those be replaced without removing the cam covers for Variocam Plus? Thanks!

logray

Responded on RT.org, yes on a 3.6 you can replace them without removing cam cover.

2300cc

Thank you!

Macster

My first hand info -- after going through this with my 02 Boxster -- and my second-hand info with a few quick replies to my questions to some Porsche techs regarding the other engines -- is the cams have to come out of the engine -- the engine can I believe stay in the car (at least this was the case with my Boxster) -- to get to the actuators.

The cams remain in the head when replacing the solenoid, with the cams being held down with special holddowns.

The holddowns are needed because the camshaft covers are the upper half of the cam bearings and hold the cams in place so when the camshaft cover is removed the cams need to be secured to prevent possible damage or loss of proper cam timing.

Roughly 9 hours of labor is needed -- per cylinder bank -- to get in and out when doing a VarioCan actuator job.

I do not know if the 3.6l engines require the camshaft covers be removed to get at the solenoids like the 2.7l engines do.

Sincerely,

Macster.

logray

On 3.6 engines the variocam solenoids for lift and timing are external to the cam covers and can be removed and replaced without removing the cam cover.

sandersd

Correct, I just replaced both a couple of weeks ago. A fairly easy job...

ltusler

Can you just put 12v and ground on the pins to test fire them?

logray

You should be able to activate them via Durametric, PST2, or PIWIS at warm idle with a/c running.

Or go for a drive and log your actual angles values, you will be able to monitor the variable timing change while at idle all the way up through the rpm range.

Macster

That's a plus. At least one can replace the solenoid without much cost and then see if the actuator is ok.

Sincerely,

Macster.

bigchunk

Just changed my variocam solenoid for cam adjustment on the left bank on my 2002 3.6 (the one nearest the front of the car), wheel off, heat sheild off then two allen key bolts and it just pulls straight out, replaced mine due to an oil leak (leaking through the plug on the solenoid), took me 20 mins max.

logray

Sometimes this makes me want to buy a Porsche with a 3.6L engine.

On the 3.6L the solenoids and actuators are one in the same. When Porsche introduced the 3.6L engine they changed the design of the variable timing and lift mechanism, the camshafts & lifters are advanced/retarded based on a lot more variables than just on/off as in the 3.4L... instead more like how your turbo works. The actuators/solenoids (all one unit) directly control lifter range and camshaft movements.

Here is a good read about variocam through the ages (including how variocam plus works):

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-a-primer.html

ltusler

Won't quite work with mine. Its a 2002 engine in a 99 chassis. They are fired by RPM switches. I've been getting an occasional P0341 error, and just wanted to test fire them.

logray

Yes you can still monitor actual angles regardless of engine type, just connect your Durametric, log the data for actual angles and then go for a drive or just leave it parked and then throttle up. You'll see the actual angles change depending on RPM/temp/etc.

ltusler

Thanks, I'll try that out.

Dharn55

If you read through the primer on the systems you will see that using a simple rpm switch on the VarioCamPlus (3.6) system really misses out on a lot that it has to offer. The VairoCam (3.4) is basically an on/off function based on a certain rpm range. On at about 1,500 rpm and off again at about 5,500 rpm and the amount of advance is set. One variable is the engine temp.

With the 3.6 system it varies both the lift and the timing on the intake cam/valves based on several input variables. And it is not just on/off with regard to the advance of the cam itself but has the ability to vary the amount of advance.