Does anyone know whether it is expensive to fix the hydraulic tappets of the Variocam plus mechanism (by an authorised dealer)?

Any adverse effect if you let the car run with a faulty tappet? Is it safe to do so?

 

What year?

 

Yes, do not run the car this way. The system will go into limp mode as it tries to switch lobes and cause the cam to run in two positions when it should be in one. AFRs are also screwed up.

It is not a cheap job. The cams must come out and retimed. The motor will be out of the car to do so.

 

Thanks. I guess it is better for me to have it fixed.

 

Dear PorschePhd,

One more question - if the A/F ratio is distrubed, then does it mean the car will backfire upon acceleration? The reason I ask is because my car will sometimes backfire when accelerate (not always though). Thanks in advance.

 

Also, aren't those hydraulic tappets suppose to be maintanence free? Do you know how they can worn out or get stuck?

In addition, are you suppose to hear a ticking noise if the tappets are not working right?