Cylinder Head: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Place the cylinder head on a cardboard or wood surface to prevent damage to the joint face.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

NOTE: The hydraulic lash adjusters must be installed in their original locations. Record hydraulic lash adjuster locations.

Remove the hydraulic lash adjusters.
Using the special tool, compress the valve spring.

Fig 1: Compressing Valve Spring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Keep the valves, valve seals, valve springs, valve retainers and valve spring retainer keys in order so they can be installed in the same position.

NOTE: Valve stem seals should be visually inspected if new seals are not installed.

Fig 2: Removing Valve Spring Retainer Keys, Valve Spring Retainer, Valve Spring, Valve And Valve Stem Seal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the valve spring retainer keys, the valve spring retainer, the valve spring, the valve and the valve stem seal.
Repeat the above steps and remove all of the valve spring retainer keys, valve spring retainers, valve springs, valves and valve stem seals.
Remove the bolt, the washer, the camshaft sprocket and the spacer.

NOTE: The camshaft bearing caps must be installed in their original location. Record camshaft bearing cap location.

Remove the bolts and the camshaft bearing caps.
Remove the camshaft.
Clean and inspect the camshaft bearing caps.
- One of the bearing caps contains an oil flow restriction groove. Make sure the groove is free of foreign material.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Oil Flow Restriction Groove
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.