pushnf8

I will be changing all my cop's and fuel injectors soon. Also prob clean out the throttle body. While Im in there digging around I decided to research some other possible parts to clean up. I have read a lot about VCT solenoids and some people are replacing them and solving there infamous ticking noise. Is it possible to clean the screens in them? Maybe using MAF sensor cleaner? My truck does tick and it would be nice if I could solve that. I have decided to change the injector and cop's because the truck seems to be lacking in power and sucking down the gas. With 100,000+ miles it couldnt hurt (I hope). When I changed the plugs last year I noticed a few of the cop's had corrosion/water built up around them. If I run the truck at night (only under wot) I can see one of them arcing. I found replacment injectors and cop's on ebay for around $300 shipped for all of it. Other members are claiming good results with these particular products so Im gonna try them. So my question is after cleaning the MAF can I clean the vct solenoids too? If so what would be the best product? It appears they seal using a o-ring so there shouldnt be an issue simply removing to inspect them. Obviously if removed and found damaged I would replace them.

rage1187

i was told you could clean them with parts cleaner.

iRub1Out

I suppose you can clean them, it all depends on how old they are. If you're like me (175K on the truck) I sort of felt that simply replacing them was just the better option. Not to mention that the seals on mine were so stuck that reusing them wasn't going to be an option. We had to completely destroy them to get them out. However, it is more cost effective to buy $5 seals than it is to buy 2 $100 solenoids.

picaflor

that is a good question... im wondering if adding sea foam before to the oil changes, helps in keeping this vct solenoid running clean... if it is like an screen, maybe the screen will just get clogged....

from this picture in a previous post, it looks like a metallic screen, with a spring inside...

iRub1Out

That my solenoid. Very old...

pushnf8

I can see replacing them if there damaged. If the seal breaks I could prob replace that too (prob would anyway). But if the screens are just clogged/dirty I dont see the point in replacing the whole thing. If the solenoid is doing its job anyway. Question is can they be tested? Most solenoids I deal with either work, dont work, or become stuck. If cleaning it offers an improvement then they are working. I wouldnt think they would be intermitant? If there is damage Im assuming they are dealer only item?

countryclay

i have actually been having this same problem. i have replaced the cam phasers and i was told that there is a tsb out on the alternator so i replaced that as well but my truck still has a rough idle and will go dead like the timing is off. the dealer said that it could be the solinoid so i have been trying to find one somewhere other than the dealer and from what i can see its a dealer only part.anything else i should look for?