Here's my saga on the VCT (Variable Camshaft Timing) Control Solenoid 8L3Z-6M280-B for my 4.6L 2008 GT. At 105K miles, at about 4 degrees F (yikes) I jumped in and headed to work. Needless to say this car is driven! The engine was running rough. Got a troubleshooting code (#5 cylinder misfire). Parked in garage and went out of town for 2 weeks. Upon my return, it ran great. For about 3 days. Then on a balmy 60 degree day it happened again. I replaced the VCTs - took about 45 minutes. Required valve cover removal. Attached are some pictures.
Picture 1 - the original VCT with a piece of the screen missing
Picture 2 - VCT disassembled (non-destructively) and part of the missing screen found. This must have resulted in a sticking valve.
Picture 3 - Destructive examination.
