[pbc1548]

My cab is currently in the shop for its belt service and replacing the vario pads.  My mechanic just informed me that he cant adjust the camshaft timing because the vario-cam chain tensioner is dumping an excessive amount of oil out of the bleed port which is causing the intake camshaft to move back and forth and not hold the timing. 

 

It appears I need to replace the chain tensioner, which I understand is no longer available in NA and has to come from Germany at a cost of ~$2400 plus - yikes! The part number is 944 105 201 AX. 

 

As I try to wrap my head around this and do some research, any thoughts or comments from the Forum would be appreciated.  I am wondering if there are any used tensioners out there, where one could be sourced, or if it's possible to rebuild the one I have.

 

Thanks, Paul

 

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[94SilverCab]

http://www.einmaligparts.com/Chain-Adjus...11326.html

 

Here's one for $2,200

 

Jay

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[unknown4u]

Sent me an pm. I do have a replacement available that is in very good condition.

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[MLB]

I presume the failure is known to be more than just an O-ring seal that needs to be replaced?

I replaced at least one o ring that surrounded a ball valved port on that variocam unit, when i did mine.

Also, the WSM describes setting the timing using air pressure to the variocam, not oil. Is the mechanic following the WSM, or a slightly different method?

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[fleetwood]

DC Automotive (dcauto.com) has had them in stock (used) before for $300.

Cant access their site from work (company server is blocking their site..), but you may want to check.


search under the original part number  (944.105.201.01)

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[pbc1548]

Hello All,

Thanks for replying to my post

Jay - I saw that one on their website for $2200.00; AutoAtlanta has it for $2376.00.  I understand they are rebuilds; cost doesn't include a core charge

Unknown4U - sent you a PM

MLB - don't know how my mechanic is setting the timing but will certainly follow up - great advice

Fleetwood - Will definitely check with DC Auto.

 

Once again, thanks to everyone for your help.  This is what makes this site and the community so great! Amazing what a guy can learn in such a short period of time.  Will let you know how this goes.

Regards, Paul

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[MLB]

Paul, holw many miles on your car?

I would also replace the variocam chain, not just the pads, since the chain will stretch over time.

Make sure no teeth broken off the cam sprockets...

--michael

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[jeffreyedgar]

About eight months ago, a new issue arose. I drove the car to Thunderhill Raceway and parked. I am a driver coach and do not track the car except for coach demo rides lasting a total of 20 minutes. The odometer shows 108k. A couple of hours after arriving, I started the car and heard a rattling noise in the engine compartment which disappeared in less than 10 seconds. Eight months later and at least 3000 miles, I took the car in for service. It was determined that the cam chain adjuster was worn along the cam chain. The engine performs great but it is just a matter of time before calamity strikes. Teeth on the cam gears can break off and then the chain disengages from the cams in some way. Then all kinds of engine damage can occur.

 

Based upon a reference from Bob Frith, I contacted Porsche North Scottsdale. Jamie Waldron jwaldron@penskeautomotive.com responded with cost and availability details. The cam chain adjuster assembly is a remanufactured unit with a core charge of $1022.01. That means PORSCHE really wants your old one and to them your old unit is worth $1022.01. Porsche North Scottsdale uses FedEx ground and delivery to a business is always less than residential. The cost of the adjuster is $1505.01 unless the core is not returned. Then the cost is $2527.02 for the adjuster. Since the adjuster is being sold out-of-state (I live in CA and the dealer is in AZ) there is also no tax.

 

The parts are ordered and will take about three weeks to arrive from Germany. Now I am researching where to buy the intake and exhaust cams. So far the possibilities are RS Barn, Web Camshaft and 944online. Prices differ with the lowest cost for each remanufactured cam being $395 plus a core charge if your cams are not returned. New cams are $800 each. All I can say is check the adjuster pads and monitor the condition of the cam chain. The teeth on the cam change from being round at the tip of each tooth on the cam gear to being more of a peak for each tooth. As the teeth wear, breakage can happen. Around 100k miles, it is usually a maintenance issue meaning the cam adjuster, chain and cams require replacement. Change the cam pads while you are in there. The lower pad wears 2x the top pad so you really can't see how bad it is.

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[type968]

About eight months ago, a new issue arose. I drove the car to Thunderhill Raceway and parked. I am a driver coach and do not track the car except for coach demo rides lasting a total of 20 minutes. The odometer shows 108k. A couple of hours after arriving, I started the car and heard a rattling noise in the engine compartment which disappeared in less than 10 seconds. Eight months later and at least 3000 miles, I took the car in for service. It was determined that the cam chain adjuster was worn along the cam chain. The engine performs great but it is just a matter of time before calamity strikes. Teeth on the cam gears can break off and then the chain disengages from the cams in some way. Then all kinds of engine damage can occur.

 

Based upon a reference from Bob Frith, I contacted Porsche North Scottsdale. Jamie Waldron jwaldron@penskeautomotive.com responded with cost and availability details. The cam chain adjuster assembly is a remanufactured unit with a core charge of $1022.01. That means PORSCHE really wants your old one and to them your old unit is worth $1022.01. Porsche North Scottsdale uses FedEx ground and delivery to a business is always less than residential. The cost of the adjuster is $1505.01 unless the core is not returned. Then the cost is $2527.02 for the adjuster. Since the adjuster is being sold out-of-state (I live in CA and the dealer is in AZ) there is also no tax.

 

The parts are ordered and will take about three weeks to arrive from Germany. Now I am researching where to buy the intake and exhaust cams. So far the possibilities are RS Barn, Web Camshaft and 944online. Prices differ with the lowest cost for each remanufactured cam being $395 plus a core charge if your cams are not returned. New cams are $800 each. All I can say is check the adjuster pads and monitor the condition of the cam chain. The teeth on the cam change from being round at the tip of each tooth on the cam gear to being more of a peak for each tooth. As the teeth wear, breakage can happen. Around 100k miles, it is usually a maintenance issue meaning the cam adjuster, chain and cams require replacement. Change the cam pads while you are in there. The lower pad wears 2x the top pad so you really can't see how bad it is.

i am not sure I understand what is wrong with your vario cam unit. The pads can wear and be shot, I just had to replaced the actuator, not the whole unit for $600 I think. What exactly went on yours?

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