Variocam thoughts and questions

[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.

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by 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.

I`m sorry for the outcome, but I understand you don`t want to deal with it any more after this hassle. Are you still planning to submit a claim to BBB?

[sfkjeld]

Thought I’d update my 1341 CEL issue. After spending nearly $2k trying to solve the issue, I gave up. Either I can smog the car for another 2 years or I sell as a parts car. I’ve been driving the car nearly daily since I last chimed in. The car still runs beautifully despite one cam 6 degrees off. The CEL is thrown in exactly the same pattern. Only when the car is fully warmed up and only during City driving. I can still jump on the freeway and drive to LA without throwing the CEL.

As it turns out, I need another CA smog cert this April. The plan is to return to S Car Go in San Rafael. They got the car smogged last spring. Evidently, the smog test itself does not trigger a CEL. The shop obviously can clear the CEL and set the drive cycle readings. So am hoping it’ll still pass.

Finally, I am really amazed the car can run so well with the cam timing so far off. Wouldn’t being off by 6 degrees cause a symptom? Backfiring? Performance issues?