Cylinder Head - RH: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan 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.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove the lower intake manifold. For additional information, refer to LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD in this service information.
Remove the RH exhaust manifold. For additional information, refer to EXHAUST MANIFOLD - RH in this service information.
Remove the coolant pump housing. For additional information, refer to ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (EXCEPT HYBRID) article.
Remove the timing drive components. For additional information, refer to TIMING DRIVE COMPONENTS in this service information.

NOTE: The camshafts must be in the neutral position before removing the bearing caps or damage to the engine may occur.

Fig 1: Identifying RH Camshafts Are In Neutral Position

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Verify the RH camshafts are in the neutral position.

NOTE: Do not allow the camshaft to rotate from the neutral position while removing the camshaft phaser and sprocket or damage to the engine may occur.

NOTE: Install a 3/8-in ratchet and extension into the D-slot on the rear of the intake camshaft to hold the camshaft in place for removal of the camshaft phaser and sprocket bolts.

Fig 2: Remove/Install RH Camshaft Phaser, Sprocket And Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 3 bolts and the RH camshaft phaser and sprocket.

NOTE: Cylinder head camshaft bearing caps must be assembled in their original positions. Some engines have factory markings on the camshaft bearing caps (as shown in illustration). Engines that do not have the factory markings must be marked for correct position and orientation prior to removal. Failure to install the camshaft bearing caps in their original positions may result in severe engine damage.

Fig 3: Locating Camshaft Bearing Cap Position And Orientation Mark

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If necessary, mark the camshaft bearing cap position and orientation as shown in the illustration.

NOTE: After loosening all of the camshaft bearing cap bolts, remove the camshaft bearing thrust caps (5R and 1R) first, or damage to the thrust caps may occur.

NOTE: Make sure the camshaft bearing caps are marked as instructed in the previous step.

Fig 4: Identifying Camshaft Bearing Caps Bolts Loosening Sequence

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the bolts evenly in the sequence shown in the illustration.
1. Remove the camshaft bearing thrust caps (5R and 1R).
2. Remove the remaining camshaft bearing caps.
3. Remove the camshafts from the cylinder head.

NOTE: The camshaft roller followers must be installed in their original positions. If not reassembled in their original positions, severe engine damage may occur.

Remove the camshaft roller followers.

NOTE: The hydraulic lash adjusters must be installed in their original positions. If not reassembled in their original positions, severe engine damage may occur.

Remove the hydraulic lash adjusters.

NOTE: New cylinder head bolts must be installed. They are a torque-to-yield design and cannot be reused.

Fig 5: Identifying Cylinder Head Bolts Removing Sequence

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bolts in the sequence shown in the illustration.
- Remove the cylinder head.
- Discard the bolts and gasket.
Support the cylinder head on a bench with the head gasket side up. Check the cylinder head distortion and the cylinder block distortion. For additional information, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.