rotor vane alignment! 987 3.2 S

[sacrum]

Hey all.

Just wanted to get some feed back on the following issue.

My car went in for a major service at my local OPC and the very next morning started normally but after driving the car 30 miles and then leaviing for a few hours, did not start on first attempt. This then went on every day. I took it back to my OPC and they stated all was fine but the problem did not disappear. This has gone on for weeks but recently the engine struggled to fire on all attempts and over the last couple of days I have heard a distinct rattle and oily smoke on ignition. It was at this point I told Porsche it needed to come in for a more thorough check. It was at this point my OPC said it sounded like the camshaft problem described and that several cars had been fixed with the same issue.

Porsche have come back to me and confirmed the following:

We have carried out a diagnosis on your vehicle in regard to the excessive cranking required to start it and have concluded that the camshaft rotor vanes are out of alignment. To rectify this will involve removing the engine and reinstalling it (10011900 - 8.0), hall senders removed and reinstalled (28392050 - 0.5), cam covers removed and reinstalled (15822050 - 3.2), adjusting the camshaft rotor vanes (15050699 - 1.0) and then carrying out a final system test via the diagnostic computer (03350053 - 0.2).

Total labour = 12.9 hours x £115 per hour + VAT = £1706.03

Parts = £117.48 + VAT = £135.10

Total cost of repair = £1841.13

Have chatted with a few more knowledgeable folks and this issue seems very unlikely....comments welocme.

[Loren]

So, it was running fine before the major service?

[sacrum]

Yes...it seemed to be running and starting well...

[Loren]

Then I think your OPC owes you an explanation - and a free repair.

[berty987]

Correct me if I'm wrong , but is the camshaft adjustment not hydraulically actuated by the engine oil via a shuttle valve ? Could the issue be a restriction in the oilway following the oil being drained preventing the camshaft returning to its usual home position ? Maybe an engine flush and refill may solve the problem. Certainly a lot cheaper option to try before a major strip down.

Edited March 27, 2009 by berty987