05-19-2024, 10:44 AM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: South Cairo, NY
Posts: 4
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1998 Boxster camshaft adjustor solenoids -- help!
Greetings! Recently my 1998 Boxster has shown "check engine" codes -- sometimes P1531 and other times P1530, which my mechanic says are caused by faulty camshaft adjuster solenoids. He said the codes indicated that both solenoids were bad, but was hesitant to do the job because the solenoids are roughly $900/each, and he could not guarantee that the problem isn't caused by something else -- like a bad seal or something.
The mechanic (whom I trust) said that the car could be driven regardless, however I have read that this could cause engine failure. Does anyone have any advice on (1) what could be causing these engine codes, (2) places where I could find less expensive parts, or (3) whether continuing to drive could harm the engine? I don't really have $2,000 to get the job done, unfortunately.
THANKS!! -- Jon
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05-20-2024, 07:04 AM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,448
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 98BoxsterNY
Greetings! Recently my 1998 Boxster has shown "check engine" codes -- sometimes P1531 and other times P1530, which my mechanic says are caused by faulty camshaft adjuster solenoids. He said the codes indicated that both solenoids were bad, but was hesitant to do the job because the solenoids are roughly $900/each, and he could not guarantee that the problem isn't caused by something else -- like a bad seal or something.
The mechanic (whom I trust) said that the car could be driven regardless, however I have read that this could cause engine failure. Does anyone have any advice on (1) what could be causing these engine codes, (2) places where I could find less expensive parts, or (3) whether continuing to drive could harm the engine? I don't really have $2,000 to get the job done, unfortunately.
THANKS!! -- Jon
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The codes indicate that either you have a wring problem going to the Vario Cam units, or the adjusters themselves are bad; but as it is unusual for both to go out at the same time, it may be a harness issue. You need to find a shop with a Porsche specific scan tool (PST II, PIWIS, Durametric) which is capable of testing each actuator individually.
__________________
“Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
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05-25-2024, 05:43 AM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: South Cairo, NY
Posts: 4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JFP in PA
The codes indicate that either you have a wring problem going to the Vario Cam units, or the adjusters themselves are bad; but as it is unusual for both to go out at the same time, it may be a harness issue. You need to find a shop with a Porsche specific scan tool (PST II, PIWIS, Durametric) which is capable of testing each actuator individually.
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Do both various cam units do essentially the same thing, so can I drive with one working?
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05-25-2024, 07:09 AM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,448
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Not advisable.
__________________
“Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
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05-30-2024, 05:23 PM
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#5
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98 Arctic silver 986
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 1,452
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A Durametric is a nice tool to have.
Last edited by tommy583; 06-02-2024 at 08:08 AM.
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