OBD2 Fault Code P1325-Inlet camshaft bank 2

[jpflip]

I think we got now a specialist in troubleshooting the variocam plus! Again keep us inform of your finding and also if you had to replace the hydraulic valve.... Thanks Andres for your post and valuable information.

[Iceyankee-Tsi]

Well guys:

At this point it is very sad for me to tell you that I made some additional troubleshooting and I have tracked down the problem to the variocam mechanical section of the system. I have gotten into this conclusion after been able to remove the camshaft adjustment solenoid(#23 in the PET) of bank #2. I made a special tool that worked just right for the soloenoid removal. The solenoid was clean and I had the chance to actuate it outside the engine and it did what it was supposed to do. Since I still had a little doubt, I then removed the variocam adjustment solenoid of bank #1, checked it, actuated it and both had the same behavior. Finally, I switched the actuators positions and assembled everything back. I started the engine and with the durametric, I activated the Bank #2 camshaft adjustment with no success. Of course I tested also bank #1(since I made a solenoid swap) and it activated as expected.

To be honest, at this point I know that the engine needs to be removed and that at least bank #2 variocam actuator needs to be replaced or its oil passages need to be cleaned or who knows if it could be worst. :(

I may be looking at some second and third opinions regarding the problem fix, but I have to admit that I am afraid to taking the car to any mechanic since just looking at a 911 turbo they see a huge money pit. This dream is starting to become a nightmare. l will let you all know how it turns out.

Best regards to all,

Andres

[jpflip]

I am very sorry for you. I don't have any other suggestion. Thanks a lot for keeping us informed and I wish you good luck for the rest of this saga.

[Chuck Jones]

Andres: No one can fault you for your perseverance or effort in trying to track down this problem. I'm truly sorry that you weren't able to correct the problem, but you literally did just about every trouble shooting procedure that was available. If it tuns out to be internal, you are still to be commended for a valiant and very conscientious effort....and commendation to the guys as well for all the input they gave you in trying to help. It's things like this that make this forum so valuable.

[Iceyankee-Tsi]

JPFLIP and Chuck:

Nothing else to say that thank you for those encouraging and kind words. It is always a pleasure to have people with such a high level of empathy and willing to help another Porsche brother with their knowledge and good wishes. :) At this time I am in the process of talking to some of the known Porsche mechanics here in PR that may be able to quote me a reasonable price for the repair. Since the car is running and the engine is operating pretty smooth I guess I will use it occationally for short distances until I may be able to gather enough money to do the fix. I noticed that once the BANK #2 code check engine is lit, the ECU disables Bank #1 vario cam functions as well. So even though I may not have an operational vario cam system, I may still be able to use the car without pushing it. Even though, to be honest a check engine light is so annoying that I will try to fix it as soon as I can. I will let you know the conclusion of this novel.

Best regards, Andres

[jpflip]

You show a lot of mechanical knowledge so far. Why don't you pursue the adventure and at least take the engine out yourself ?

[jpflip]

I am looking into the system and if the oil pressure conduit is not blocked the only other possibilities is the actuator itself directly onto the cam. The item 4 on the first picture. It is an expensive component as you can see....

[jpflip]

May be I should come down and give you a hand. It is -15F in Montreal today and in Puerto Rico almost 90F.

[Iceyankee-Tsi]

Ja ja ja. It would be a pleasure to have you around JP!!! We can work something out if you wish. :) I admit that at this point I am seriously considering this as an alternative. The only thing that makes me hesitate is that I understand there are some special tools needed to remove the engine timing section required to make the vario cam actuator replacement. I definetly agree with you that there are a few alternatives to fix this up:

1. Oil passages to the vario cam clogged. Solution= cleaning throughfully.

2. Variocam actuator damaged, stuck, etc. Solution= unit replacement

3. Excessive clearance between the oil supply section to the camshaft and the variocam actuator. Solution= replace worn out parts.

As you presented, I should expect to pay like $750 to $850 for a new vario cam unit. But for example, what tools I would need for the disassembly/assembly procedure in order to be sure not to screw up the engine timing? In terms of engine removal, the manual is not that detailed in the steps they suggest for removal. Any good site with pictures that could enlighten my path?

Thanks!!!!

Andres

[jpflip]

When you look at the engine removal on "Imagine Auto", there is a lot of tools needed for that job. Especially the tool to adjust the cams chain tension...I don't know if we can do anything without those special tools and my experience with Porsche is limited to engine removal and clutch replacement on a 1974 Carrera. May be somebody on this site did the job in the past and can help!. Engine removal

Edited January 16, 2009 by jpflip

[Iceyankee-Tsi]

Well,

Actually after looking at that buildup, I think that I would be limited to find a chain tension tool, the rear camshaft plates and the camshaft sprocket handle bar. The main idea should be to maintain all the original timing chain positions across the engine while been able to replace bank #2 vario cam actuator for a new unit if nothing else looks wierd when removing the camshafts cover. I may be missing something but I think this would be it.

Andres

[jpflip]

They also got a dial indicator to found the top dead center but this is not a specific tool... Amazing what we can see when we look at the build up several times....Look at the oil conduits that feed the cam actuator...There will be some parts to purchase like the cam housing cover gasket, o-ring for the cam cover, gasket for the tension adjuster etc.

[jpflip]

The repair manual also recommend to replace the bolt (M12) that hold the actuator to the cam. Item#5

[jpflip]

I can be wrong but if care is taken when switching the sprocket (cam actuator) from the old one to the new one, after removing the tension on the timing chain, you should be easily back to the notch.... How can you be off by one took on the chain will all the references.... Even without the tools I think it is possible to be done.... Anybody don't hesitate to tell me if I am wrong.....

[Iceyankee-Tsi]

I do think you are absolutely right. I have spoken with a Porsche expert here in PR about the problem and I will be waiting word for him between monday and tuesday. Depending on his answer and quote pricing, this idea of doing it myself will be a go. I will let you know the outcome.

Best regards, Andres

[jpflip]

Andres can we get an update on your fix ???? Thanks

[Iceyankee-Tsi]

Greetings jpflip:

I'm afraid to tell you that I still haven't done nothing about it. I ended up having to purchase a new slave cylinder/accumulator and since I spended a few bucks on that, haven't been able to work out this huge issue. At this time I am holding up some cash to purchase the tools I will need for the job. These include:

1- P- 9653- camshaft sprocket release tool- $154.65

2- P- 9401- Timing Chain Tensioner-$289.00

3- P- 9661-Camshafts timing set blocks-$922.58

Total: $1366.23- To begin with. :(

So this is gonna take some time. I assure you that even if it takes me a few months, I will be letting you know what was the cause of my problem.

Best regards, Andres

[jpflip]

Wow ! Amazing you are going to become "THE" Porsche specialist in Puerto Rico. Keep us inform of your work and final fix. Thanks and good luck, J.P.

note: If you got a digital camera take some pics....

[Silver_TT]

Sorry to respond to a post from 2009, but if you guys are still around .... I'm dying to know......... how did this end? Terrible to leave your thread in this condition with us hanging like this ^_^

[jpflip]

Sadly Andres (Iceyankee-tsi) sold his car as it was and never heard about the new owner…. I bought his PST2 ...

Edited December 16, 2013 by jpflip

[Silver_TT]

Very sad story, I'm sorry to hear that.

Jpflip, I was not surprised when I read it was you that was helping someone work through this issue after I first found this thread. Thank you for the contributions of your knowledge you have made over the years on this site (and others). This site is much stronger because of a handful of people specifically, and you are certainly one of them.

[jpflip]

Wow! Thanks a lot Silver. I am really touched! :thankyou: :cheers: