Variocam Issue?

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by freserf

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

It`s recommended. Only one side of the cams is held down if you pull the cover which will expose the cams to a single sided stress because of the pressure from the valve springs. The camshafts are basically rigid steel tubes and they may break. The chance is not high that they will break, but they can. And you will need to hold them down once you put the cover back on, so you need a tool. You can get a set for cheap on ebay or amazon, or you can make your own. My build thread has pictures about the set I used, that may give you an idea if you wanna build your own.

Good luck!

[freserf]

Thanks for the info ... I'll be making a camshaft tool tomorrow out of aluminum and have a complete timing kit on the way. I guess I'll be doing right and left actuators and maybe the IMS if I have it down that long. Looks pretty easy to drop the transmission ... there is probably a leaky rear main seal that I may replace also ...

[blue62]

Originally Posted by freserf

Thanks for the info ... I'll be making a camshaft tool tomorrow out of aluminum and have a complete timing kit on the way. I guess I'll be doing right and left actuators and maybe the IMS if I have it down that long. Looks pretty easy to drop the transmission ... there is probably a leaky rear main seal that I may replace also ...

Keep us posted on what you find and how you go.
I am always interested in learning more about the Variocam system, related parts,issues and fixes.

[freserf]

Quick question about timing TDC. I don't appear to have the teardrop hole on my main pulley ... there is however a notch on the edge of the pulley that lines up with an arrow on the block. Is this #1 TDC? I will finally be installing my lockdown tool today and removing the head cover for a looksee and want to make sure I have it at the correct TDC beforehand.