P1341 and P0430 Codes - Stored, no CEL 2003 S

[JFP in PA]

P1341 Camshaft Adjustment, Bank 1 – Below Limit

Potential causes:

– Short to ground

– Actuator faulty

– Open circuit in triggering wire

– Open circuit in B+ supply

P0430:

P0430 indicates that the main three-way catalytic converter on bank 2 conversion level is too low. Clear the code, then compare the O2 sensor voltages before and after the cat, if the voltage traces are following each other, the cat is toast.

[JZeke]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

P1341 Camshaft Adjustment, Bank 1 – Below Limit

Potential causes:

– Short to ground

– Actuator faulty

– Open circuit in triggering wire

– Open circuit in B+ supply

P0430:

P0430 indicates that the main three-way catalytic converter on bank 2 conversion level is too low. Clear the code, then compare the O2 sensor voltages before and after the cat, if the voltage traces are following each other, the cat is toast.

Right, I have found the P1341 info before - hence why I was considering looking at a new solenoid to start. My understanding with the 986.2 is that with Variocam Plus (oil driven, infinitely variable adjustment) faulty actuators aren't the same as with a 986.1 and its DME-driven actuator. With a Plus engine, my understanding is the oil passage would have to be blocked (potentially with either green bits from a solenoid O-Ring or brown bits from chain guides - something I'm looking for next oil change.)

What I am asking though is if the circumstances that caused these initially haven't been repeated, why would they come back? Could a misfire duration of less than 10 minutes from a poorly seated plug cause cat failure? Just seems odd that 2 specific situations that haven't repeated would result in these conditions.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by JZeke

Right, I have found the P1341 info before - hence why I was considering looking at a new solenoid to start. My understanding with the 986.2 is that with Variocam Plus (oil driven, infinitely variable adjustment) faulty actuators aren't the same as with a 986.1 and its DME-driven actuator. With a Plus engine, my understanding is the oil passage would have to be blocked (potentially with either green bits from a solenoid O-Ring or brown bits from chain guides - something I'm looking for next oil change.)

What I am asking though is if the circumstances that caused these initially haven't been repeated, why would they come back? Could a misfire duration of less than 10 minutes from a poorly seated plug cause cat failure? Just seems odd that 2 specific situations that haven't repeated would result in these conditions.

Blindly swapping parts without actually knowing where the fault lies is waste of time and money. You don't know if it is the unit itself, or a problem with the wiring, which is very common.

The Vario Cam plus system can be test and activated with the appropriate diagnostic tool while still in the running engine, and the unit can actually also be removed and bench tested with a 9 volt battery. As for the oil passages, again, proper diagnostics will show you if that is the case; more than once, we have "saved" a Vario Cam actuator by simply pulling it out cleaning it out, testing it, and then cleaning it out. And these things ain't cheap.

Cats fail for all sorts of reasons, sometimes another fault simply pushes it over the edge, but again, proper diagnostics can tell you if it is bad or not.

[JZeke]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

. As for the oil passages, again, proper diagnostics will show you if that is the case; more than once, we have "saved" a Vario Cam actuator by simply pulling it out cleaning it out, testing it, and then cleaning it out. And these things ain't cheap.

Actuator, or solenoid? Are the Variocam Plus actuators removable without removing the valve cover like on the earlier 986.1? Solenoid removal seems easy; little difference from a plug and coil and an easy access location externally on bank 1 in the center of the valve cover. I may remove that solenoid to play with it (after purchasing a new seal cover), but if there's a link discussing/showing pics of variocam plus actuators as well that would be helpful. Searches turn up everything about the DME-controlled variocam but precious little on the Plus unless I check out 9x7 forums. Doesn't seem to be in Bentley, 101 Projects doesn't discuss it either. The Workshop manual I have is for a 5-chain engine.

I also need a Durametric, can confirm the Foxwell NT530 does not have in the Drive Links or Active Tests submenus any provision for Cam deviation, solenoid activation or the like that Durametric does.

Also, at ~$280 these solenoids aren't terribly expensive especially given the ease of installation. I don't know the part number for the actuators though, and I imagine at that point I would looking at a complete engine teardown to get the timing chain tensioners, pads, and a couple other things done for good. At that point I don't think I would bother though, I'm already into this car for close to double its value - someone else can rebuild it.