Vario cam tensioner pad

[thstone]

Here is the DIY for replacing the cam tensioner: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Camshaft Upgrade / Chain Tensioner Replacement - 986 / 987

Looks somewhat difficult (to me) but I'm sure that some of the guys on this site would have no problem doing it.

[imjustdad]

Hey guys,

Just bought '99 Boxster, 134k. First thing I did was oil change & drop the oil sump. Found a bit of brown plastic in the bottom, pictured...

1. I'm guessing it's likely Variocam pad/shoe wear? Does that sound about right?

2. There's no telling whether that's an accumulation from the last 500 miles or the last 50k, so I have no idea of the rate of decay. The IMS was upgraded to LN 3-4k ago, but previous sump gasketing/surrounding dirt looked much older than that.

3. If it is Vc pads, is this something a moderately competent amateur could do with the engine in the vehicle? I do 80% of the family fleet work myself, but not equipped to drop motors.

I'll have to do a deep dive into the timing chain domain at some point, I understand that. But I don't want to be over-reactionary and go all perfectionist on it. This isn't the space shuttle. Having said that, I certainly do not want, however, to let something go that will -- not might possibly potentially, but will -- cause me more grief and $$ down the road.

Thanks in advance for the input. My first post on this forum... and it feels good to be back in the Porsche business...

[blue62]

Originally Posted by imjustdad

Hey guys,

Just bought '99 Boxster, 134k. First thing I did was oil change & drop the oil sump. Found a bit of brown plastic in the bottom, pictured...

1. I'm guessing it's likely Variocam pad/shoe wear? Does that sound about right?

2. There's no telling whether that's an accumulation from the last 500 miles or the last 50k, so I have no idea of the rate of decay. The IMS was upgraded to LN 3-4k ago, but previous sump gasketing/surrounding dirt looked much older than that.

3. If it is Vc pads, is this something a moderately competent amateur could do with the engine in the vehicle? I do 80% of the family fleet work myself, but not equipped to drop motors.

I'll have to do a deep dive into the timing chain domain at some point, I understand that. But I don't want to be over-reactionary and go all perfectionist on it. This isn't the space shuttle. Having said that, I certainly do not want, however, to let something go that will -- not might possibly potentially, but will -- cause me more grief and $$ down the road.

Thanks in advance for the input. My first post on this forum... and it feels good to be back in the Porsche business...

You should check your camshaft deviation numbers.
They will give you a better idea of Variocam pad condition.
I think the spec. is plus or minus 6 degrees.