Variocam solenoid bench test
 

I've done a bunch of searching but haven't found a definitive answer. I was at the track last Thursday and after my very first session (of course) it was running really rough. I checked the codes and I had one for bank 1 intake deviation or something like that (I was a bit flustered and didn't make note of it before I cleared it). It was cleared but still running really poorly at idle, but just driving it normally was ok. I checked the codes again and had a bunch of misfires, but not the bank 1 error. When I checked cam deviation bank 1 was at 17 and bank 2 was -0.2. I checked the wiring to the solenoid and unplugged and replugged it and made it back home. Last night I checked the Ohms and it checked out ok, and I also put 12V to the plug and it would click, but just a 'light' click. I did the same on bank 2 and the sound was distinctly different, it sounded like it went in and came back out, as I would expect. I took the solenoid out and when I apply 12V I get this Does that look like correct operation? And if so, I guess I'm pulling the actuator to see if the plunger is stuck?

Another question, does this look like an actuator that is working?

actuator

From disassembly videos I have watched, the piston should just slide out, but mine doesn't, it does move in about 2 mm though, which seems to match the solenoid movement.