Help! VVT solenoid handle broke off while removing it!

They are not that expensive to replace at rockauto.com. If it's broken, replace it.

 

If you can be sure there is no leaking or bypassing of the high pressure oil and you are getting full pressure to the valve, then I guess it's OK to repair. Just understand that any leakage or bypassing of oil will affect the oil pressure so your variable valve timing might not be working correctly and adjusting cam timing correctly (and might make a mess). That can affect engine running condition and fuel economy. I would replace it, but that's just me. I would always wonder if it was adjusting right. You could monitor the timing with techstream if you had the time I guess. Check the discount genuine Toyota parts dealers and it is quite a bit cheaper, but still an OEM part.

 

If Toyota charges over $100 for OEM one then spending a little bit extra and buying a higher quality one that boosts how quickly it functions would be worthwhile: https://www.redbullet.net/ Prius are famous for a slow engine response when you pull out into traffic and floor it, so I put one of these in and have noticed a slightly less sketchy feeling when pulling out into traffic ever since.

 

Turns out they aren't that expensive online... That previous price listed was just the Toyota Stealership quadrupling the price. Here's one that's only $34 and free shipping: Variable Timing Solenoid VVT Valve fit for Toyota Yaris Echo Prius Scion XA 1.5L | eBay

 

Well, there's no reason not to try the old one for a few days and see how it does. Worst case is that it does what did before, or possibly seeps a little oil down the outside of the engine.

The "handle" is the electromagnet that applies force to the valve (the other part that sticks into the cylinder head).

I have seen the part in the electromagnet stick, and I've seen the valve part stick. If you cleaned whatever was gumming things up, then if it works...

FYI I have tried quite a few different VVT solenoids, and was unable to tell any difference from OE vs cheap vs "performance" - at least in the short term. All fit in the car, all "worked" enough to not set any codes.

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With performance dependent issues like spark plugs that's an understandable concern, but with something like a VVT Solenoid that Toyota builds as cheaply as possible and uses the same one on Yaris, Echo, Prius, and Scion it's not really possible to make one more cheap.

In this instance if your concern is quality then Toyota OEM is clearly the counterfeit product compared with with the high quality solenoid at https://www.redbullet.net/ is worth spending more, especially if you pull out into fast moving traffic often and get stressed at how slow Toyota OEM Solenoid responds, you won't regret how much better you'll feel once you have a Red Bullet under the hood!

As for the $34 item I linked to, Ebay has a full refund policy for any purchase under $300, even if the seller refuses the refund. So your concerns about getting ripped off by only paying 1/5th the price the criminals at the stealership charge are unfounded!

 

I would say slap on a Red Bullet from redbullet.net and use code "azusa" to save some cash.

 

Nice... How much will that save us?

 

the BS never stops flowing............

 

For $35 should I replace mine just as a maintenance item, even if all seems good (if it ain't broke...)? I think mine is original to 2008 now at 196k miles. I haven't cleaned its filter yet, so I am wondering if replacement is better at this point.

 

Basic mechanics would seem that any "abnormally functioning" component which has an upstream filter, should have the filter inspected, cleaned or replaced prior actually replacing the component.

 

Oh shoot...I wish I would've posted earlier....you can buy an OEM (15330-21011) from McGeorge on-line for $79.51 I've bought OEM parts from them and from Amayama and both are excellent sources. $119 is the MSRP...I never, EVER pay MSRP prices!

 

I was referring to the "screen filter" which I assumed wasn't upstream but was part of the VVT. Thank you, now I see where that filter is. Looks like it is under the valve cover so I won't replace my VVT valve until I can clean that screen and maybe replace the valve cover gasket. No hurry at the moment, thank you.

***Pic removed of VVT filter location, was from Gen3 by mistake.

 

No- that picture isn't for a Gen2 1.5L. There is a allen drive plug on the outside of the head near the VVT solenoid. You need a GOOD 10mm (?) allen driver with a long ratchet or breaker bar - don't round out the drive flats in the plug. The filter screen is underneath it. Torque the plug to 22 ft-lb.

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