How can I tell if my Cam Tensioner has been replaced??

[944S Boyeee]

Was just looking at the records of my 944S and see that the water pump, timing belts, toothed belts (?) and cam tension belt have been replaced about 30,000 KLMS (not miles - Kilometres) ago. Is the cam tensioner belt the same as the cam chain tensioner??

I don't have the part numbers with me, but it says "Cam Tension Belt" on the invoice. Is this just part of the timing belts or has the Cam Chain Tensioner been done also???

I know the lil' plastic piece that the cam chain runs over should be replaced on the "S", as well as the entire tensioner area because the hydraulic pump that pumps oil to the tensioner can fail. Has anyone done this yet and how involved is it???

[ChrisBennet]

The chain tensioner and the cam belt stuff are different things so no changing the belt wouldn't normally involve going anywhere near the chain tensioner. The cam belt "connects" the crank to one cam and the cam chain "connects" the two cams thus driving the 2nd one. While the ramps (at least the up one) are available separately, I replaced the whole tensioner and the J-tube that feeds oil to it. This a very simple project that must be documented somewhere.
-Chris 944S2 w/120K+ miles

[RPM'S S2]

How many miles does your car have? As a general rule if you are over 100k (miles) then you probably need to inspect the cam chain tensioner and replace if necessary.
After having done the job I am not convinced there is any reason to replace the entire tensioner assembly. I think that was only necessary before the individual pad was available from ZIMs. This job obviously requires removing the cam cover, so you will want to have a new gasket as well. I would only recommend you try this if you have a fair amount of technical knowledge - the tensioner assembly gets a bit complicated and is covered in oil - beware small washers! A torque wrench with a low range is also necessary if you want to get the cover and tensioner bolts correct - 7lbs!
At 115k my upper tensioner pad was developing a serious crack. The lower was fine and the tensioner assembly was in great shape. I also inspected the chain carefully. Entire job took several hours but I was very methodical. Lots of small parts.
There are several good threads on Rennlist that detail the procedure and 944 S2 Central has a good procedure although it is sometimes unavailable
944S2 Central
I am convinced that this is not something that 16 valve owners can put off. After looking at the old pad I was relieved to know that my engine was not longer relying on it.

[944S Boyeee]

Thanks RPM's!!! My S has 124,000 kilometres on it, I think that is around 75,000 miles.

At that interval, what maintainance should be done (besides timing belts and water pump, which was done at 94,000 KMS)?

I know the car needs a new Idle Stabilizer Valve (my RPMs drop off at stoplights and the car almost stalls sometimes, but it does it on and off), spark wires and plugs (I saw a small burnt mark on the underside of my hood from arching), cap, dist., etc (may as well do it all at once), a new female wire for my rear defrost....the lil' one that goes from the shock to the window (don't really need this as it is a Summer car, but I want everything working), some new floor mats and perhaps a new air filter or something........

......but other than that, what should I look for?? The clutch seems good (I know the "S" tranny isn't as fragile as the N/A) and all the suspension seems fine. I do know motor mounts are in the near future.....I feel no signs yet, but at idle, it does seem like there is a very minute shake. They haven't been done, so I know I'm due soon.

It has new brake pads all around and a new ThermoValve Switch also.

Concerning the Cam Tensioner, how long would it take a Porsche mechanic to do this?? If he only does the rails (top and bottom, or can you get both rails?), replaces the gaskets and installs the spark wires, etc - what is the length of time he should need to complete this?? My uncle owns an exotic car dealership and I use his mechanic at only $25 per hour (his name is Hans and he was on a Porsche race team crew in his past), so I'm not to worried about taking the car to him, moneywise - but I don't want him overcharging me for labour time.

Also, do you know how long it takes to change a Idle Stabilizer Valve???

944SBoyee