Valve Cover - LH: Installation

All vehicles 

NOTE: Installation of new seals is only required if damaged seals were removed during disassembly of the engine.
NOTE: Spark plug tube seal installation shown in illustration, VCT  solenoid seal installation similar.
Fig 1: Identifying VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Installer And Handle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
1. Using the VCT  Spark Plug Tube Seal Installer and Handle, install new VCT  solenoid and/or spark plug tube seals.
NOTE: Failure to use Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone may cause the engine oil to foam excessively and result in serious engine damage.
NOTE: If the valve cover is not installed and the fasteners tightened within 4 minutes, the sealant must be removed and the sealing area cleaned. To clean the sealing area, use silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Failure to follow this procedure can cause future oil leakage.
Fig 2: Applying RTV Silicone To Engine Front Cover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Apply an 8 mm (0.31 in) bead of Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone to the engine front cover-to-LH cylinder head joints.

   Late build vehicles 

3. Using a new gasket, install the LH valve cover and tighten the 9 stud bolts.
   • Tighten in the sequence shown in illustration to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
     Fig 3: Identifying LH Valve Cover Stud Bolts Tightening Sequence

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   Early build vehicles 

4. Using a new gasket, install the LH valve cover and tighten the 11 stud bolts.
   • Tighten in the sequence shown in illustration to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
     Fig 4: Identifying LH Valve Cover Stud Bolts Tightening Sequence

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

   All vehicles 

5. Attach all of the wiring harness retainers to the valve cover and the stud bolts.
6. Connect the LH VCT  solenoid electrical connector.
7. Install the oil level indicator.
8. Install the LH ignition coils. For additional information, refer to ENGINE IGNITION - 3.5L .
9. Install the crankcase vent tube.