VCT Oil Control Selenoid leaking

[StealthLSE]

The variable cam timing (VCT) oil control solenoid is leaking oil...anyone experience this? I called the dealership and the part is $124. The closest one is in Georgia so I'm guessing this part isn't in high demand. I'm just wondering if there is any easy fix such as replacing an O-ring or something.

 

[Quik LS]

Steve was experiencing oil seeping out of his after he put the turbo on it - he was seeing quite a bit of crankcase pressure and oil was blowing out the valve cover venting as well. I believe he did not replace / repair it - but used RTV to seal it.

 

[StealthLSE]

Thanks Quik, I'll try that....much cheaper than replacing it. Def a PITA problem though seeing that I've never even touched the thing.

 

[joegr]

The right VCT solenoid on my 2004 LS is now leaking oil.

1. I assume that it is not necessary to replace the solenoid.
2. I assume that the valve cover has to be removed to fix the leak.

Can anyone here (from experience) confirm or deny my assumptions.

 

[JDawg965]

yes mine is actually leaking on the passenger side of the car, i have a 2003. im actually in process as we speak on repairing it, i took the valve cover off to check to see what the problem is, the only problem that i see is that the o-ring seal on the valve cover is what is causing the leaking problem, i took the valve cover off and checked the part, the part is good.. so i looked around and can't seem to find just the o-ring so i am gonna seal it up with some black RTV and that should fix the problem, hopefully, but taking the valve cover off was a B***h my hands are all cut up and there is very little room to work with. but the best and easy fix would be a little bit of rtv now i gotta get to work so i can get the wife's car back together.. let me know how you make out

 

[StealthLSE]

yeah the rtv worked great. i did it once, waited for it to dry, and then did it again. now it doesn't shoot oil all over my engine so i'm happy.