Item Leaking Oil-What is it?

[cpanfely]

Could someone please help identify the component to the left (forward) of the ignition coil in the picture?

The car is a 2002 996 Cab with tip. This is the cam cover on the drivers side.

Mine is leaking oil. It was wiped off for the picture.

There are 2 bolts holding it in. Any problems with DIY replacement?

Thanks.

[logray]

I believe this is for the variocam plus actuators.

If the oil was coming out of the green seal area you just need to replace the seal.

I believe you can just remove and reinstall these without any issue. P/N 99610524403.

If the oil is coming out of the black piece, the actuator, you'll either need 99610530104 or 99610530306, not sure which P/N.

I believe the actuators can also be removed/reinstalled without issue. Bolt on/bolt off.

Let's get some more people to chime in to be certain about the above before you move forward.

[cpanfely]

Thanks for the response.

The oil is seeping out around the electrical contacts in the center of the actuator, so I will need to replace it as well as the seal.

I just want to make sure removing it is safe and won't affect cam timing or some other issue.

[logray]

Unfortunately on my car (M96-01) 1999 engine, I have to remove the camshaft cover in order to replace the one variocam actuator. This is a major pain in the butt (and I have to go through this for the third time in about 3 months soon). Fortunately the cover can be replaced without removing the camshaft cover.

You are somewhat lucky you have a newer variocam plus engine, in that I am pretty certain you can just unbolt and re-bolt these parts without worry.

But lets get some other opinions on this first.

Perhaps you would have to lock the engine at TDC, and possibly in addition at the very worst lock the cam shafts in place with a cam lock tool (but I can't remember this requirement).

[Richard Hamilton]

The one on the left of your photo is for valve timing, and the one on the right is for valve lift. You don't need to take any special precautions when removing them.

When fitting the timing solenoid, make sure the groove in the valve locates in the dowel pin on the head.

The valve lift solenoid has a spring on the end, so you need to make sure it comes out with the solenoid, and fish it out if it gets left behind. When replacing, it deosn't have a location pin, so make sure it is orientated so that the plug connector is the right way up.