Valve Cover - RH: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln MKX and 2010 Ford Edge. 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, can cause engine failure.

NOTE: Early build engines have 11 fastener valve covers, late build engines have 9 fastener valve covers. Do not attempt to install bolts in the 2 empty late build valve cover holes or damage to the valve cover will occur.

All vehicles

Remove the RH ignition coils. For additional information, refer to ENGINE IGNITION - 3.5L .
Disconnect the Power Steering Pressure (PSP) switch electrical connector.
Disconnect the RH Catalyst Monitor Sensor (CMS) electrical connector and pin-type retainer.
Disconnect the RH Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
Disconnect the RH Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid electrical connector.
Disconnect the 3 RH fuel injector electrical connectors.
Detach all of the wiring harness retainers from the RH valve cover and the stud bolts.
Early build vehicles
Loosen the bolt, the 10 stud bolts and remove the RH valve cover.
- Discard the gasket.
Late build vehicles
Loosen the 9 stud bolts and remove the RH valve cover.
- Discard the gasket.
All vehicles

NOTE: VCT solenoid seal removal shown in illustration, spark plug tube seal removal similar.

Inspect the VCT solenoid seals and the spark plug tube seals. Remove any damaged seals.
- Using the VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Remover and Handle, remove the seal(s).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Remover And Handle
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clean the valve cover, cylinder head and engine front cover sealing surfaces with metal surface prep.