Cylinder heads removed in-vehicle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the special tool from the camshaft.

Fig 1: Removing Special Tool From Camshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the camshaft lobe of the valve being serviced at base circle.

CAUTION: Do not remove the camshaft before removing the roller followers.

Fig 2: Installing Special Tool Between Valve Spring Coils

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the special tool between the valve spring coils to prevent valve stem seal damage.

NOTE: The camshaft roller followers must be reinstalled in their original locations. Record the camshaft roller follower locations.

Fig 3: Compressing Valve Springs Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Use the special tool to compress the valve springs, and remove the camshaft roller followers.
All cylinder heads

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

Fig 4: Removing Hydraulic Lash Adjusters

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the hydraulic lash adjusters.
Install the special tool between the valve spring coils to prevent valve stem seal damage.

Fig 5: Installing Special Tool Between Valve Spring Coils To Prevent Valve Stem Seal Damage
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Use the special tool to compress the valve springs.

Fig 6: Compressing Valve Springs Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Keep the valves and valve spring retainer keys in order so they can be reinstalled in their original locations.

NOTE: Shown without camshaft for clarity.

Fig 7: Removing Valves

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the valves.
1. Remove the valve spring retainer keys.
2. Remove the valve spring retainers.
3. Remove the valve springs.
4. Remove the valves.
Remove the valve stem seals.

Fig 8: Removing Valve Stem Seals
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The camshaft bearing caps must be reinstalled in their original locations. Record the camshaft bearing cap locations.

Fig 9: Removing Bolts, Bearing Caps And Camshaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bolts, the bearing caps and 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 10: Identifying Bearing Caps Oil Flow Restriction Groove
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surfaces. These tools cause scratches and gouges that make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of the head gasket.

CAUTION: Observe all warnings or cautions and follow all application directions contained on the packaging of the silicone gasket remover and the metal surface prep.

NOTE: If there is no residual gasket material present, metal surface prep can be used to clean and prepare the surfaces.

Clean the cylinder head sealing surfaces.
1. Remove any large deposits of silicone or gasket material with a plastic scraper.
2. Apply silicone gasket remover, following package directions, and allow to set for several minutes.
3. Remove the silicone gasket remover with a plastic scraper. A second application of silicone gasket remover may be required if residual traces of silicone or gasket material remain.
4. Apply metal surface prep, following package directions, to remove any remaining traces of oil or coolant, and to prepare the surfaces to bond with the new gasket. Do not attempt to make the metal shiny. Some staining of the metal surfaces is normal.