Variocam thoughts and questions

[flmont]

I would give them the chance to refund some of the $$,.If you don't get the parts you requested ( I forgot ) isn't your problem,.so I think you should be compensated, I know modern engines can be difficult to diagnose but that's their world I'am not sure why they would charge you 500.00 to clean your engine,( seems a bit greedy).But that solenoid should have been in the trunk !

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by flmont

I would give them the chance to refund some of the $$,.If you don't get the parts you requested ( I forgot ) isn't your problem,.so I think you should be compensated, I know modern engines can be difficult to diagnose but that's their world I'am not sure why they would charge you 500.00 to clean your engine,( seems a bit greedy).But that solenoid should have been in the trunk !

I agree, I would get it all refunded. The solenoid plus the labour. This particular part is very easy to inspect, even in the car, no need to remove it. So, they pull it (allegedly), and then instead of testing they just toss the old one, and then charge it on the customer... Amazing. Great service. At least now you know a reliable shop in MV. And we know which shop to avoid. Give them a chance to refund and if they disagree just go straight to BBB.

[sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by Homeoboxter

I agree, I would get it all refunded. The solenoid plus the labour. This particular part is very easy to inspect, even in the car, no need to remove it. So, they pull it (allegedly), and then instead of testing they just toss the old one, and then charge it on the customer... Amazing. Great service. At least now you know a reliable shop in MV. And we know which shop to avoid. Give them a chance to refund and if they disagree just go straight to BBB.

Getting my case in order to go back to the original shop. I just scanned thru this thread because I thought I read somewhere whether you need to r/r the cam cover to replace the solenoid. Can’t find it. Can the solenoid be replaced externally? Thanks again.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by sfkjeld

Getting my case in order to go back to the original shop. I just scanned thru this thread because I thought I read somewhere whether you need to r/r the cam cover to replace the solenoid. Can’t find it. Can the solenoid be replaced externally? Thanks again.

The cam cover has to be removed to replace the solenoid.
There is a writeup and good pictures on the pelican parts site that should be of help.
Looks like once the cam cover is off that there are two bolts holding the solenoid in place.

[sfkjeld]

Originally Posted by blue62

The cam cover has to be removed to replace the solenoid.
There is a writeup and good pictures on the pelican parts site that should be of help.
Looks like once the cam cover is off that there are two bolts holding the solenoid in place.

Thank you Blue62. Wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but thank you.

[flmont]

Also if the old part is gone,the receipt for the new part should be available a profit for service is fine..a profit for ripping...is not..

[sfkjeld]

This is the end of the saga for now am afraid. I made a mistake (again) with interpreting a diagnosis. This time from Modermann in Palo Alto. I thought “Needs adjustment, that’s all” (my words, not theirs) was a straightforward procedure. Like adjusting valves. I learned later it means, pull the cam cover off then start looking for the problem. Which can range from an additional $500 to $4-5k. And since there are no symptoms suggesting tensioner or chain rails, the problem is likely on the more expensive end. Decided I am just going to drive it until it requires a smog cert. And since it just passed smog after S Car Go cleared the CEL, maybe it will again next year. If not, sell as is for peanuts.

In the meantime, the car starts and runs beautifully. Tho the cams being 6deg off, I expect the engine must not be too happy. And staring at the CEL lit up is annoying.