Trying to remove VCT solenoid through valve cover
 

Hello, I am stuck! I have an '07 5.4 and I cannot get the solenoid valve to clear opening in valve cover. The metal flange on solenoid will not clear the seal seat in cover. There probably isnt but 1/8" clearance around solenoid body. Any suggestions? Thanks, JP

solenoid bolt
 

I cannot seem to wiggle the bolt past the seal flange to be able to remove the solenoid.

I finally got the darn solenoid out. The upper screen was broken or coming apart from my extraction so it may have been hanging up on seal lip preventing removal.

Oh, I did notice that the hole on bottom side is smaller than the OEM version. I did buy the motorcraft brand. I hope it runs ok til I can change out the other side.

John any tricks to this I am in the same situation and i dread valve cover removal, i have an 07 as well and i wiggled it and repostioned it and it will not clear the lower lip.

Well I hate to dig up an old thread this way but I just have to know if anyone can corroborate this guy's experience. I too am dreading removing the passenger side valve cover and draining all the freon from the AC system. So please someone back this guy up that it is possible to remove the vct solenoid on the '07 and later F150's.

The 07+ Soloniods were revised and have to have the valve cover removed to replace them

Mine definitely look different than they do in the chiltons.
So are you saying that this guy's 07 was an earlier 07 that had the type that could be removed from outside of the valve cover?

I just wonder if this guy knew some trick.

I really loathe the idea of evacuating and then recharging the AC...

What were the symptons of your truck to change the VCT. My 05 5.4 driver side valves rattle going down the road. Not the ticking sound I mean they rattle like bad gas.

May be a bad that is cat rattling.

Remember the 05 5.4's also have suspect injectors covered by the 07M08 recall.