Is there a way to remove the VCT solenoid without removing the valve cover? Can i just pop the solenoid gasket out and access the bolt from by inserting a long one piece tool?

 

I don't think so. The screw is far to the side and you do NOT want to drop it. Valve cover has to come off. If you are careful the gasket is re-usable.

 

Mysupra,

I actually tried this last weekend and its not possible to remove it without removing the valve cover. I was having a slight ticking at startup and decided to try changing this first. I also checked the actuator using the method online to see if its faulty. And the interesting things I noted are:

1. With the new solenoid, the advance seems more aggressive and a bit crisper per my butt-dyno on my daily drive path.
2. The actuator passed the Mazda TSB test I found online but I am pretty sure its not functioning correctly due to the slight noise and activation in the 3000rpm range is like a "hiccup".
3. If you don't have an 8mm deep well socket, the valve cover removal is a pain in the butt.

I could be wrong on the "hiccup", the feeling could be related to the intake runner activation which happens at a similar RPM range and the vacuum solenoids have lots of miles on them. I haven't found anything to test and verify the intake runner activation before I replace the solenoids which look cheap, but are surprisingly not cheap.

Hope this helps,
RGAZ