BF MK2 4.0L - have I broken a VCT solenoid?

[A21]

Hi All,

As part of changing my rocker gasket on my 08 BF XR6 (200k on the clock), I also went to change both VCT solenoid gaskets.

I basically followed Browney's Garage painted rocker cover install video on YouTube.

Things were going fine expect when I gently pried off the passengers side solenoid gasket what looks like 'half' of the solenoid also came out.

See the photos attached

 

The small pin/shaft in the solenoid moved in/out as I rotated the solenoid in my hand.

At the time I didn't know any better so I proceeded to change the gasket and gently put the solenoid back (note - I did this job over two cold nights so the solenoid in question was sitting in an unsealed container).

I finished the rocker cover gaskets change (and also the spark plug gaskets and the other gaskets in the Perma seal kit) and started the engine - all good.
Once other curious event - when I went to reconnect the lead to the drivers side solenoid, the plug at the end of the solenoid was upside down - I.e. the whole solenoid rotated 180deg. I (perhaps stupidly) gently rotated the solenoid such that the plug was right side up.

The next day went for a drive and the engine light came on. RAC came out, the the scanner showed the P1381 and P1386 codes.

From the look of replacement solenoids it looks like the solenoid is broken in half. Question - if I go to replace the solenoid - how do I extract the portion of the solenoid still in the timing cover?!

What was a job to keep my self busy feels like the biggest fail!

Appreciate any feedback. Cheers

[TomTSP]

Hi @A21,

 

I know you've probably rectified this by now but did you still need help?

Edited 03/08/23 09:57 AM by TomTSP

[A21]

Hey mate, thanks. Indeed it is sorted now.. My mechanic got the end of the solenoid out (tbh I can't remember how, but he said it was a mission haha). Both solenoids replaced..

 

I must have been through the whole internet trying to find out why it broken/if it was fixable but nothing.

The only relevant thing I found was a the fact that these little solenoids have tiny filters that get blocked if the solendoid is taken out and left in the wrong position. 

 

Anyways, thanks again.