968 variocam circuit amperage
 

I have a pretty specific question and would be very happy if anyone one could answer. What is the amperage needed for the solenoid that activates the variocam system in a 968? Do solenoids typically require a relay circuit or can they usually be handled by a simple switch? Thanks alot.

please, doesnt anybody out there own a 968

I have a 968 but I don't know the answer to your question. Electrical stuff is a bear. Good luck. I'd be interested in what you find out.

Harvey

it may help if you tell us why you need the information for ?

I am hooking up an MSD window switch to the solenoid so that i can turn it on or off at any RPM that i chose. I would also like to know which of the terminals on the plug is the negative/ground and which is the positive, or does it not matter? Thanks alot to anyone with any input.

so you want to turn "off" the vario-cam ?
is that right ?

why ?

I dont think that is advisable (if I am correct)

There should be a circuit diagram floating around. Ask your OPC, they are happy to supply diagrams, if for a small fee.

Mine do that and dont charge !

adrian - yes, it needs to go on and off at various RPM's. I guess the words "on" and "off" are kind of confusing, "cam advance" and "cam retard" would be more accurate. On and off refer to the solenoid that controls chain position. turn on the solenoid, the cam moves to one position, turn it off, and the cam moves to the other position.

I have a 968, and i would like to think i'm pretty good with wiring, but your question is a pretty obscure one. There's no real need for anyone to know the amperage draw, other than what you're doing. If i had to make a guess, i would say less than 2 or 3 amps. It's a small solenoid. probably more like 1 amp. Anyone know for sure? Wilk?

Just measure it.

Well the MSD unit came and we tried it on the solenoid and it made a pretty satisfying click so im pretty sure it was able to supply enough amperage, ill let everyone know for sure after the test drive. The MSD unit is rated at 2.5 Amps max so it looks like the solenoid is somewhere below that as Mike suggested.