VCT Solenoid Replacement Success
05-20-2013, 07:00 AM
#11
Senior Member
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Freighttshaker (06-27-2014)
05-20-2013, 01:03 PM
#12
Storm Chaser /Navy Vet
Ah, I've been thinking of trading Thunder for one of these below, but I'll give changing the phasers and chains just one try, cause I LOVE my truck!...lol. Maybe it'll be a project truck like 5-0's red truck after I get myself a 2nd ride.
05-20-2013, 04:44 PM
#13
Figured I'd share my success story. Mostly with the help of my experienced mechanic friend, I got my VCT solenoids replaced. You might remember I posted a few videos where it sounded like it was about to grenade. I came across a TSB that described the exact symptoms I was having and the solution was to replace VCT solenoids. I knew that had to be the problem because that was the only symptom I was having. Nothing more was wrong. And what do you know, I replaced them and it's fixed.
How long did the whole thing take you? I'm debating doing this myself or taking it in...
05-20-2013, 09:32 PM
#14
Devil's advocate
Thread Starter
Took about 10-11 hours I'd say and that includes lunch and dinner breaks and alcohol breaks. Longest thing was the oil dipstick tube removal. It's rusted in the block. Freaking crazy. You will probably punch a hole in it trying to get it out so be sure to have a new one on hand or be able to repair it. If yours is 4x4, take the front driveshaft down so you can have room for tools. If you need any more pointers, let me know! My local dealer wanted 800 bucks for the job.
05-20-2013, 09:55 PM
#15
JP.... What year is your truck? It looks like you have an 04 - 05 judging by your avatar. If that is the case, you did not have remove your valve covers to replace the solenoids... The seals are removable on 04- 06 models, so a VCT swap should take no longer then 30 min...
Edit: Never mind, I just saw that you know that^^
What did your solenoids look like?
The one on the left is the latest revision for this year. Is that what yours looked like?
Pictured is all 3 variations of solenoids... The middle is the first revision, and the right is the original.....
My ticking is practically non existent since I swapped these out on Saturday. My engine is now the quietest its ever been. Even my noisier driver side phaser is practically silent.. I can faintly hear it at oil temps above 180 F, but the injectors ticking is the most noticeable now.
Edit: Never mind, I just saw that you know that^^
What did your solenoids look like?
The one on the left is the latest revision for this year. Is that what yours looked like?
Pictured is all 3 variations of solenoids... The middle is the first revision, and the right is the original.....
My ticking is practically non existent since I swapped these out on Saturday. My engine is now the quietest its ever been. Even my noisier driver side phaser is practically silent.. I can faintly hear it at oil temps above 180 F, but the injectors ticking is the most noticeable now.
Last edited by Especial86; 05-20-2013 at 10:06 PM.
05-21-2013, 01:44 AM
#17
Storm Chaser /Navy Vet
Since I see it has an electrical connection, wouldnt you have to unhook the battery? Didnt see it on the instructions, so was just double checking before you see my obituary being posted on here...lol.
05-21-2013, 08:28 AM
#18
Senior Member
05-21-2013, 11:28 AM
#19
Storm Chaser /Navy Vet
05-21-2013, 12:04 PM
#20
Storm Chaser /Navy Vet
JP.... What year is your truck? It looks like you have an 04 - 05 judging by your avatar. If that is the case, you did not have remove your valve covers to replace the solenoids... The seals are removable on 04- 06 models, so a VCT swap should take no longer then 30 min...
Edit: Never mind, I just saw that you know that^^
What did your solenoids look like?
Attachment 224068
The one on the left is the latest revision for this year. Is that what yours looked like?
Pictured is all 3 variations of solenoids... The middle is the first revision, and the right is the original.....
My ticking is practically non existent since I swapped these out on Saturday. My engine is now the quietest its ever been. Even my noisier driver side phaser is practically silent.. I can faintly hear it at oil temps above 180 F, but the injectors ticking is the most noticeable now.
Edit: Never mind, I just saw that you know that^^
What did your solenoids look like?
Attachment 224068
The one on the left is the latest revision for this year. Is that what yours looked like?
Pictured is all 3 variations of solenoids... The middle is the first revision, and the right is the original.....
My ticking is practically non existent since I swapped these out on Saturday. My engine is now the quietest its ever been. Even my noisier driver side phaser is practically silent.. I can faintly hear it at oil temps above 180 F, but the injectors ticking is the most noticeable now.
Last edited by Storm Chasing Ford; 05-21-2013 at 12:40 PM.