Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the rocker arms. For additional information, refer to ROCKER ARM .
Rotate the crankshaft until the piston for the valve being worked on is at the top of its stroke with both the intake valve and the exhaust valve closed.

CAUTION: If the components are to be reinstalled, they must be installed in the same position. Mark the components for location.

Hold the valve in the cylinder head.
- Remove the spark plug. .
- Apply a minimum of 689 kPa (100 psi) of compressed air to the cylinder.
Using the special tool, remove the valve spring retainer keys.

Fig 1: Removing Valve Spring Retainer Keys By Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for valve spring retainer inspection.

Fig 2: Identifying Valve Spring Retainer

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the valve spring retainer.

NOTE: Refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for valve spring inspection.

Fig 3: Identifying Valve Spring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the valve spring.
Remove the valve stem seal.

Fig 4: Identifying Valve Stem Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.