Cam deviation out of spec.

[Mikochem]

Hi,

 

During my last oil change I've noticed a large amount of soft brown plastic debris in my filter.

 

I've replaced the chain tensionners which made my engine quiter during a cold start, unfortunately a slight rattle is still present until oil pressure builds up.

 

According to durametric cam deviation is around -5 on one bank and almost -10 on the other.

 

At this point it's almost certain that my variocam chain pads needs to be replaced.

 

I live in Vancouver, Canada and I'm looking for a reputable shop which could address this issue asap as I'm not comfortable with driving my car anymore.

 

Thank you for your help !

 

Michael

 

[Loren]

It is always helpful if you tell us the exact model and year of the car.

[Mikochem]

It would help a lot indeed..... My bad.

 

Car is a 2002 Boxster S 6 speed 100k Miles.

[JFP in PA]

How warm was the engine when you checked the deviation values?

[Mikochem]

Engine was warm enough I believe (Driven for 30min) I'll take another measurement later on.

 

I would be interested in knowing the ballpark figure for a variocam chain pads replacement with the engine in.

 

As you can see in the attached picture the oil filter looks pretty bad, I'm just not 100% sure it comes from the pads because the debris are relatively soft.

The IMS bearing was replaced recently by the previous owner and based on the cam deviation values this engine should have been disqualified.

[JFP in PA]

49 minutes ago, Mikochem said:

Engine was warm enough I believe (Driven for 30min) I'll take another measurement later on.

 

I would be interested in knowing the ballpark figure for a variocam chain pads replacement with the engine in.

 

As you can see in the attached picture the oil filter looks pretty bad, I'm just not 100% sure it comes from the pads because the debris are relatively soft.

The IMS bearing was replaced recently by the previous owner and based on the cam deviation values this engine should have been disqualified.

 

It may not be pad material, which is usually very hard, more likely it is excess sealant from somewhere in the engine, or from the VarioCam system itself.

 

The deviation values say you definitely are a candidate for some new pads at a minimum.  Because labor rates and parts prices vary with geography, you should check with local credible shops to find out what you are looking at.  And don't be surprised to find that shops may want to drop the engine to do this, it is actually quicker to do it that way.

 

Good luck.

[mdreef]

The plastic debris in your filter does look like guide rail material because of the color, but if it's soft, then JFP might be right about it possibly being sealant.  The color, however, doesn't look like sealant. 

 

Last year I replaced the guide rails and know what it took to get it done.  I can't believe that anyone would be able to perform this major job with the engine in the car, although I did read that it's possible.  I'm surprised that your cam deviation didn't set-off a CEL.  Mine came on with a 6 degree deviation.

 

I had a quote from a shop in Houston and they wanted over $2,500 because it's a pretty big job.

 

Good luck!

 

 

[Mikochem]

Hi Everyone,

 

Just to give you an update, I've decided to go to a local shop and just as @mdreef mentioned I ended up paying $2500 (Parts and16 hours labor).

 

The shop told me that they had the engine in the car while performing the job.

 

After throwing almost 3k in that car I was hoping that the deviation would be closer to zero, turns out my cam deviation values are now +1.8 for one bank and -5.80 for the other (engine fully warmed up).

 

The mechanic mentioned that one of the main chain (the longer one not the cam to cam) on one bank was stretched, I find it hard to believe that one chain would display more wear that the other.

On top of all that I freaked out the day after I picked my car from the shop when my engine died at a stop light.... turns out my Camshaft position sensor is bad as well and he wants another $375 to fix it.

Taking a look at the old chain pads they were not looking that bad or at least not as bad as I would have imagined after 100k miles, and yes no CEL even with values around -10.

Thanks !

 

Mike

Edited August 4, 2020 by Mikochem

[JFP in PA]

Your engine has multiple chains of differing lengths; longer chains tend to be more susceptible to "stretch" than shorter chains.