Variocam Issue?

[freserf]

Thanks ...Depending on what I find with the bank1 variocam ... I'm pretty sure that something is amiss inside causing the P0341 when the solenoid is activated ... my best guess is one or a combination of problems. Variocam actuator, timing out of time, or lastly, or, etc.

I'll visually check the timing first and then proceed from there ...

[Homeoboxter]

A simple check is if you just pull the green plug at the cam position sensor and take a peek onto the variocam with a mirror and a flashlight, or borescope if you have one. If the pad is disintegrated or badly worn you should be able to see that. In my car it was completely broken off and caused the timing jump.

[freserf]

That does sound correct ... I was getting my old smartphone out so I could attach my endoscope camera ... I'll post the results ...

[freserf]

Dropped the oil cover today and found signs of wear ... one piece of aluminum. I also noticed tiny, tiny particles of metal in the oil ... most likely from the cover sump area itself collection over time. I also noticed the fingerprints of whomever was the last person to install the cover.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by freserf

Dropped the oil cover today and found signs of wear ... one piece of aluminum. I also noticed tiny, tiny particles of metal in the oil ... most likely from the cover sump area itself collection over time. I also noticed the fingerprints of whomever was the last person to install the cover.

The plastic looks to be the color of the Variocam actuator pads.
The metal particles and possibly the piece of aluminum could be from an actuator as well.
Looks like cam cover removal is next

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by blue62

The plastic looks to be the color of the Variocam actuator pads.
The metal particles and possibly the piece of aluminum could be from an actuator as well.
Looks like cam cover removal is next

Yep, don`t bother with the camera...

[freserf]

Is it necessary to hold the cams in place to remove if I have to pull them anyways?