Variocam Actuator Replacement
 

'99 996 Coupe with manual transmission.

CEL came on and the car coded Cam adjustment Bank 1.

Can the driver's side actuator (solenoid) be replaced with the engine in the car??

Any insight before I climb under the car would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, it can be replaced in the car (albeit with great difficulty) You are going to need a few special tools to replace it though. The valve cover needs to come off, which requires special tools, and the timing chain tensioners will need to come off as well - again, more special tools.

AFJuvat

Thanks AF . . . I guess I should have factored in the price of all the special tools before I bought the car :(

You need special tools to take off the valve covers? Holy smoke I did not know that. Don't they use standard allen head bolts?

Cheers,

Mike

Yes, but the valve cover is the upper bearing surgace for the camshafts - without a special tool to hold them in... they pop pop out.

AFJ

Ah, I see. These cars are sure not DYI compliant. I think I will stick with my 993.

Cheers,

Mike