Camshaft deviation

[Ptriggiani]

I am new to this forum and Porsche ownership, I look forward to participating in discussions as I learn more about the subject. My ride is a 2000 S , Ocean blue over Savanna leather, 1 owner , full service records, new clutch, IMSB, water pump, tires, and other new parts, 100K
My question today involves camshaft deviation. I took my car to a local independent Porsche shop for an oil change and going over. Everything looks good except for camshaft deviation, -5.5 and -8.4. The car runs very strong, rock solid idle, no noise at cold start up, no codes. The shop is recommending replacement of the adjusting mechanism. I would appreciate any comments from the vast knowledge of the members of this forum.
Thanks in advance, from an old guy with an awesome new ride.

[NewArt]

It most likely just needs new chain ramps. These are plasticky pads that the chains run on and are activated by aforementioned adjusting mechanism. The pads are quite cheap but the labour cost is high which is why I did mine myself. A great learning experience! Search this forum for cam deviation and you will find your answers.
Oh, and welcome to the forum!

[recycledsixtie]

Welcome to the forum. I sold my 2001 Boxster base last August. I sold as is full disclosure with letting prospective buyer know that it had code P1341 showing. The CEL light was on steady, codes read etc and then the light was out after reset. Was assured that the light would eventually come back on.

What was wrong? It could have been many things. It could have been camshaft solenoid,
or a sensor. The local mechanic started to replace the easy stuff. No change. Second indy shop could not fix it. Third shop stated replace ims, rms etc. Quoted around $5k Can.
When I pulled the oil filter I found little green pieces in it. I am surmising that it could have been the chain rail guides breaking down. Not sure though.

Anyway the 3 year ownership was fun but was expecting it to be expensive which it was.
This year I was not willing to spend any more $$ on it.

Make sure you find a good Porsche technician. I would start with the cheapest fix first.

Hope this helps. Driving with camshaft deviation out of tolerance is not recommended. I would get it fixed asap before you get complete engine failure.
All the best, Guy.

[Ptriggiani]

Thank you both for your comments. I checked the forum for other threads regarding this issue. The readings were taken on a cold engine, just after an oil change, still in the shop. I am not sure if I should ask for another reading on a warm engine. I was there for the inspection of the oil filter element and nothing at all was found and it had been over 10k on the oil and filter. As previously mentioned there have not been any codes, rock steady idle, strong power.

[Jake Raby]

You can't effectively test cam deviations on a cold engine. Only test with oil temp at 160 and coolant temp at 160, these are minimum temperatures.

If you test cold, you'll get whacky values for phantom reasons.

[Ptriggiani]

I think it is time to buy my own Durametric tool , there is no way the car was at full operating temp, it was only running for a few minutes after sitting for several hours in the shop following an oil change. I have a hard time believing I have a problem ,the car runs too strong , idles rock smoothly with no noise at start up. Thanks for the information regarding the necessity for full operating temp to run the test.

[NewArt]

A Durametric enthusiast version will pay for itself over and over!

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

You can't effectively test cam deviations on a cold engine. Only test with oil temp at 160 and coolant temp at 160, these are minimum temperatures.

If you test cold, you'll get whacky values for phantom reasons.

Amen to that!

Durametric Cam Shaft Deviation Change