Re install of vvt solenoid

Putting my engine( 2011 2.7l) back together after getting the head back from the machine shop and the Vvt solenoid is only going in about 3/4's of the way then hits resistance, I thought I could get it to seat by tightening up the bolt but that just led to more problems, broken bolt, broken solenoid...jump ahead and trying to install the new solenoid and am hitting the same resistance. I have double checked the depth and has clearance the new solenoid is the same length as the old one, there are no obvious obstructions that I can see or feel, so kind of stumped.

 

The oring is likely swollen, maybe try to install without the oring to see if its the issue?

 

Thanks for your response but it doesn't even get to the o-ring stops about a half inch before it