968 Variocam parts?

MikeLee · 10-30-2004, 07:13 PM

I have read that around 100k miles you should look at replacing the cam chain and variocam "pads" on a 968. Problem is my local friendly Porsche dealer says that the pads are not available seperately, only the complete variocam mechanism for $$$$$.

Can anyone confirm the need for such maintenance, and if so, any source for the pads, or part # if my dealer is wrong)? Also, anyone with an estimate about how difficult this is to do? Thanks.

carsontc · 08:45 PM

this just came up on another board...

plastic 'pad' or 'guide' part number is 944 105 509 00.

top pad and bottom pad are the same p/n...order 2 and replace both

this might help (for an S2):

http://boerger.golden-tech.com/images/cam_chain_tensioner_replacement.htm

MikeLee · 10-31-2004, 10:01 AM

Thanks for the info.

mike944 · 10-31-2004, 09:02 PM

I can definitely confirm the need for this maintenence. the chain links wear and the now elongated chain can and does wear the cam sprockets. the sprockets are in integral part of the cam and the cams are VERY expensive. The wear pads themselves can become worn as well. I've seen pads fail as low as 58K miles, and i also know of cars with 140K on them and the pads have not been replaced. The chain wear is harder to detect than pad wear, but look for undercutting of cam sprocket teeth (or worse, broken-off teeth). The wear of both parts seems highly dependent on the quality of oil used, and regular changing of the oil.

Take a look at this picture, sorry the quality isn't very good. On the left is a new wear pad, second from left is a used, but still servicable pad, 3rd from left is a well worn pad, in need of immediate replacement, and the right, is obviously, a broken pad. Notice the deep wear grooves, and pitting of the plastic surface in the 2 right-most pads.

You can inspect these pads by only removing the valve cover. You will be looking directly at the top pad. SLide the chain slightly to the side to look for wear marks. You'll need a small mirror-on-a-stick to see the bottom pad, but unfortunately, the bottom pad seems to wear more than the top pad, so it definitely needs to be inspected as well.

josephsc · 10-31-2004, 10:53 PM

I believe Zims keeps them in stock (www.***********)

bazar01 · bazar01's Garage

Zims only sells the top pad that is removable. The bottom pad is not.
The bottom pad is not the tensioner so the wear is very minimal. The last time I opened mine at 140k miles, the upper pad was only showing some shallow grooves from chain contact but I went ahead and changed it with the one from Zims coz it looked brittle. The bottom pad has no chain marks but due to age of the car and as well as engine heat, I'm planning to replace the whole chain tensioner at 150k. The chain tensioner is $300 without the chain and replacement can be done by a home mechanic. Just watch the torque specs on the aluminum head as you can easily strip the threads in the oil fittings and chain tensioner bolts.

mike944 · 11-01-2004, 11:05 AM

There is definitely a difference in the S2 tensioner and the 968 tensioner. On a 968, the bottom pad usually wears more than the top.

On the S2, I didn't even know there were 2 pads, i thought there was only one.

mike944 · 01:08 PM

found an excellent inspection procedure for the variocam parts off a link on 968.net.

http://www.968s.com/DIYPDF/Procedure%20for%20inspection%20of%20Porsche%20968% 20Camshafts.pdf

mike944 · 11-01-2004, 01:07 PM

I don't know why the direct link won't work, but use this one instead. (the link is in the second post down)

http://65.61.16.109/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9686