surfdwn

Has anyone replaced their variocam solenoid and actuator themselves? I recently bought a '99 Boxster that is now showing a 1531 code. I see that a lot of people have had the dealers handle this, but my closest dealer is over 100 mi. away.

I have always done my own maintenance and want to tackle this, but am not yet very familiar with the car.

Thanks for the help.


David Nolen
'99 Boxster
'70 911T

Dave H.

you have to pull the cam covers off to get to the solenoids out.
the cam covers hold the cams to the head, so you need special tools to remove them and keep the cams in place.

Macster

The passenger side in my 02 Boxster was replaced, both the solenoid and actuator. I had this done at the dealer.

Budget for at least one exhaust manifold fastener snapping.

The camshaft cover bolts should not be reused.

The proper sealing of the camshaft cover to the head is critical for not only ensuring there are no external oil leaks but that there are no internal oil leaks as well. Also, that the camshaft cover is bolted securely and correctly to the head to form perfect camshaft bearings. Once you get the cover off you'll see what I mean.

flyingpenguin

This job is best done with the engine out...

Macster

Not sure I agree with that statement at all.

The passenger side VarioCam solenoid and actuator were replaced in my 02 Boxster with the engine in the car and the tech did a fine job. He never even mentioned taking the engine out.

Dave H.

shop did both of mine with the engine in.

surfdwn

Thanks for the feedback. I will get the cam holding tool and proceed. I see that the cam cover sealant is "special". Are there easily purchased equivalents?

Macster

I do not know. But I do not care to try to find one.

In the case of my Boxster the original sealant kept the camshaft covers oil tight and the oil pressure contained where it should be for over 200K miles of use.

I expect the sealant the tech used to reseal the camshaft cover after he replaced the solenoid and actuator to do the same or better.