Hey everyone. I just started to tackle my vct solenoids. I think I may have screwed up. I have an 05 but the new seals seem to be a lot different. I can't get the old seals out to save my life. The pictures show the old seals. Did I screw up by trying to remove these seals? Is this the design where the valve covers have I be removed?

 

Not 100% sure but you may find your answer in here.... https://www.f150forum.com/f4/vct-solenoid-171193/ it's at least s good start.

 

Hmmm...those do look smaller. I do think you have the kind of VCT opening that requires the valve-covers to come off to pull the solenoids ... holy crap. The 2004-5 are much maligned for their issues ... I thought you had to get into a late 06 to have the updated valve covers. Sheesh.

 

if thats the case do i need new valve covers then since i ripped that seal trying to get it out? ya I was under the impression that 07+ were the ones that needed the remove the covers and everything previously could be done without removing them.

 

I replaced these on my 04 and it looks like yours. I got replacement seals also and bent and twisted the old ones out with a flathead and pliers. They were really hard to get out. Then I took a long shaft screw driver with a Torx bit I forget what size and removed and replaced the old solenoid. The hardest part was finding the right driver to fit into such a small opening to get to the Torx screw. But I think your good it looks the same as mine. I can post pics of my solenoids tomorrow at some point if you want. Here's a link to the tutorial I used. http://www.fordtruckclub.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4066

 

Please do that would be great. did you use this style replacement seal? it seems a bit big to use and the hole is offset and my original seals seem to have the hole centered.

 

another question. anyone know the size of the bolt on the bottom of the steering reservoir bracket and any tips on getting to it?

 

Yes that seal looks right it is offset. Look at the pics from the thread I posted. That should help.

 

I disagree...your valve covers have the newer-style openings for the VCT solenoids. Here's some pictures of mine...

 

As you can see your openings are considerably smaller and so, I do believe you have the '07 and newer style valve covers. Are they both like this? Have you owned the truck since new? If not, I wonder if someone replaced the valve covers sometime along the way or maybe put a junkyard engine in the truck.

The seals on the the newer style valve covers are still replaceable ... I think you just can't really get them out until the valve cover is off the engine. I've been told there isn't enough clearance, but if it was me, I think I'd try drilling a couple of small holes in the seal and see if it can be worked-out with a 90-degree pick or something along those lines. I don't know what the seating surface looks like under there though.