There are a few things you can do to clean a variable valve timing solenoid.

  1. Remove the solenoid from the engine by removing the screws at the back of it. Be careful not to damage the solenoid or its electronics.
  2. Use a vacuum cleaner with low suction to suck all of the air out of the solenoid and then place it in an area where there is no moisture or oil present. Make sure that you have a new solenoid in hand if you do this step!
  3. Place a pot of cold water on top of the solenoid and wait for it to heat up so that you can pour some water over it and then place it back on top of the solenoid. Be sure to use a pot with high enough pressure so that all of the water is forced into and around thesolenoid!