Valve Springs: Removal

All valve springs 

1. Depending on the valve being serviced, remove the LH or RH valve cover. For additional information, refer to VALVE COVER - LH  or Valve Cover - RH  in this service information.
2. Remove the spark plug. For additional information, refer to ENGINE IGNITION - 6.8L (3V) article.
3. Rotate the crankshaft until the piston for the valve being serviced is at the top of its stroke with the intake valve and the exhaust valves closed.

   Cylinder No. 7 front intake valve spring 

NOTE: The balance shaft bearing caps must be installed in their original locations or engine damage may occur. Record camshaft bearing cap locations.
Fig 1: Identifying Balance Shaft Bearing Cap Bolt Loosening/Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Using the sequence shown, remove the 6 bolts, then the 3 balance shaft bearing caps and the balance shaft.
5. Remove the 2 bolts and the camshaft bearing cap.
   Fig 2: Locating Middle Balance Shaft Bearing Support And Camshaft Bearing Cap Assembly Bolts

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   Cylinder No. 10 front intake valve spring 

NOTE: The balance shaft bearing caps must be installed in their original locations or engine damage may occur. Record camshaft bearing cap locations.
Fig 3: Identifying Balance Shaft Bearing Cap Bolt Loosening/Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Using the sequence shown, remove the 6 bolts, then the 3 balance shaft bearing caps and the balance shaft.
7. Remove the 2 bolts and the camshaft bearing cap.
   Fig 4: Locating Rear Balance Shaft Bearing Support And Camshaft Bearing Cap Assembly Bolts

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   All valve springs 

NOTE: If the components are to be reinstalled, they must be installed in their original locations or engine damage may occur. Mark the components for installation into their original locations.
NOTE: Do not allow the valve keepers to fall off the valve or the valve may drop into the cylinder. If a valve drops into the cylinder, the cylinder head must be removed. For additional information, refer to CYLINDER HEAD  in this service information.
NOTE: It may be necessary to push the valve down while compressing the spring.
Fig 5: Remove/Install Camshaft Roller Followers From RH Cylinder Head Using Valve Spring Compressor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Using the Valve Spring Compressor, compress the valve spring and remove the camshaft roller follower.
9. Use compressed air in the cylinder to hold both valves in position.
   • Apply a minimum of 965 kPa (140 psi) of compressed air into the cylinder.
NOTE: If air pressure has forced the piston to the bottom of the cylinder, any loss of air pressure will allow the valve to fall into the cylinder. If air pressure must be removed, support the valve prior to removal.
NOTE: If the components are to be reinstalled, they must be installed in the same positions or engine damage may occur. Mark the components for installation into their original locations.
NOTE: If a valve drops into the cylinder, remove the cylinder head. For additional information, refer to CYLINDER HEAD  in this service information.
Fig 6: Remove/Install Valve Spring Retainer Key Using Valve Spring Compressor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Using the Valve Spring Compressor, compress the valve spring and remove the valve spring retainer keys.
11. Remove the valve spring retainer and the valve spring.
12. Inspect the valve spring. For additional information, refer to ENGINE MECHANICAL SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.