Valve Cover - LH (View 1 of 2): Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan, may cause engine failure.

Remove the Air Cleaner (ACL) outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING - 3.5L -- FUSION & MKZ article.
Remove the LH ignition coils. For additional information, refer to ENGINE IGNITION - 3.5L -- FUSION & MKZ article.
Remove the oil level indicator.
Disconnect the LH Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid electrical connector.
Detach the 2 wiring harness retainers.

Fig 1: Locating Wiring Harness Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the 2 engine control wiring harness electrical connectors.

Fig 2: Locating Engine Control Wiring Harness Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 nuts and the wiring harness retaining bracket.

Fig 3: Locating Nuts And Wiring Harness Retaining Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Detach all of the wiring harness retainers from the valve cover and the stud bolts.
Disconnect the 3 LH fuel injector electrical connectors.
Loosen the 9 stud bolts and remove the LH valve cover.
- Discard the gasket.

NOTE: VCT solenoid seal removal shown in illustration, spark plug tube seal removal similar.

Fig 4: Removing Seal Using VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Remover And Handle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Inspect the VCT solenoid seals and the spark plug tube seals. Remove any damaged seals.
- Using the VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Remover and Handle, remove the seal(s).
Clean the valve cover, cylinder head and engine front cover sealing surfaces with metal surface prep.