Mds solenoid reliability?

[hal9000]

So I'm getting mixed messages depending on who I talk to... How reliable are the mds solenoids and if I'm pulling my engine down for a cam swap should I replace them proactively just for good measure?

Thanks!

 

[DILLIGAF]

If you're doing a cam job. Why on earth would you keep MDS... lol...

MDS solenoid belong in the trash.

 

[jws123]

Remove mds entirely it does not save you any gas just causes more issues.

 

[hal9000]

Not really looking for opinions on mds system as a whole. I know that's a third rail subject. The fact that I'm asking about a specific component probably sends the message that I'm keeping the system....just looking for some real knowledge on how durable the solenoids are...?

 

[jws123]

Not really looking for opinions on mds system as a whole. I know that's a third rail subject. The fact that I'm asking about a specific component probably sends the message that I'm keeping the system....just looking for some real knowledge on how durable the solenoids are...?

If your keeping mds in my opinion I would change the solenoids I have seen them clog up with sludge ect same for the VVt solenoid. Just be careful when removing the mds solenoids they often break off and can be annoying to remove.

 

[DILLIGAF]

 

[hal9000]

Much appreciated!

 

[Dean2]

I have rarely seen one fail in use. It happens, but it sure isn't common. In fact, I don't even have any idea what they are worth. That said, I am not a fan of proactively changing out components. My personal 1996 V10 still has all the original Hoses, etc. I change serpentine belts when they show cracks, not based on age, same with all the other components except, oil, plugs, filters etc that have a clear service life. The one thing I do change out is the water pump on vehicles that have timing belts. Since you are already in there, and some like Lexus V8s are a full day job to open, replace and close up, then it just makes sense to replace that 90 dollar part every 90,000 miles.

 

[Treburkulosis]

Ive got 142k on mine and no issues.

 

[htwo]

I have 188,000kms, or about 115k miles. I saw this post after searching for MDS solenoids. Anyway, I noticed a steady 'tick' noise, not to be mistaken for manifold leak. I would let off the throttle and after MDS (eco) kicks on, I can hear a faint ticking sound. I wasn't overdue for an oil change but at 8,000kms decided it's 2k early so what the he**. Needless to say the chatter went away. I noticed the oil has been getting darker quicker than it would normally so perhaps the viscosity was out of spec. No engine lights were triggered. I changed the Amsoil 5W20 out with regular Valvoline 5W20 (too cold to change it myself). The solenoids are definitely susceptible to using the right oil and changing it regularly. Normally I'd get 10k kms out of an oil change with no issues. I did some work on the farm that required a bit of higher than usual idling time in the last month while building new horse shelters, etc, although I don't believe it would have contributed. My base ST Hemi doesn't have an engine hour meter or I would use that instead of mileage for oil changes. Just thought I'd share my recent experience. The thought of having to pull the intake off to replace the MDS solenoids isn't in my to-do book in -25C temps.

 

[Phillyrube]

Just threw a code for a MDS solenoid. Consensus this far is just change the bad one? 2008 1500, 92k miles.