VCT Solenoid question

[Focusology]

Well about a month or two ago I found I have an oil leak at the bottom of the VCT solenoid, possibly an o ring? Anyway I just now got around to looking into it. So I started following this thread: http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/s...threadid=63381 as to how to fix it or at least get me in the right direction. I went to take it off and it came off in two separate parts, the part that didn't come out seem like I'm going to have to take off the valve cover to get to it. Is that where the o ring is? As I took the solenoid off I found out it seems to be leaking at the top also by the plug. Is that where it leaks if it needs to be replaced?

Basically my question is if the VCT solenoid leaks at the top, should it be replaced? And can I completely replace it without taking off the valve cover?

[Sponsor]

[baldyredtx]

I did not have to take off the valve cover but mine came out in one piece. Just pulled the old one out, lubed the o-ring on the new one and put it in.

[iminhell]

Originally Posted by Focusology

Basically my question is if the VCT solenoid leaks at the top, should it be replaced?
And can I completely replace it without taking off the valve cover?

Yes.
Yes. Just be careful. The solenoid should be pulled straight up. Don't wiggle it side to side to remove it. If anything you can twist it and pull straight up.

[1turbofocus]

As the solenoids get older they will come apart in 2 pieces , just use a pair of needle nose and pull the other part out and replace the solenoid , The new one will be one piece

Tom

[Focusology]

Dang another part I gotta replace...oh well. Isn't it though if the solenoid goes bad the car loses a lot of power? So far my car just seems like I really gotta push the gas a lot more when I take off, but I thought that had to do with my cat needing to be replaced.