Valve Cover - LH: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. 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.

Remove the crankcase vent tube. REFER to QUICK CONNECT COUPLING .
Remove the LH ignition coils. REFER to IGNITION COIL-ON-PLUG - LH .
Remove the oil level indicator.
Remove the 2 ground wire bolts from the engine front cover and the RH strut tower.
Remove the engine wiring harness from the LH valve cover.
- Disconnect the 2 VCT oil control solenoid electrical connectors.
- Detach and disconnect the LH HO2S electrical connector.
- Disconnect the 3 fuel injector electrical connectors.
- Detach the 11 wiring harness retainers from the LH valve cover and stud bolts and position the harness aside.
NOTE: When removing valve cover do not apply excessive force to the VCT oil control solenoid.

NOTE: If the VCT solenoid seal sticks to the VCT oil control solenoid, then carefully wiggle the valve cover until the bond breaks free.

NOTE: The plastic electrical connector on the VCT oil control solenoid will rotate approximately 12 degrees inside the steel housing, which is normal.

Loosen the 4 bolts and 7 stud bolts and remove the valve cover.
- Discard the gasket.
Inspect the 2 VCT solenoid seals. Remove any damaged seals.
- Using 205-142 T80T-4000-J and 205-153 T80T-4000-W remove and discard the damaged seal(s).
Inspect the spark plug tube seals. Remove any damaged seals.
- Using 303-1247/1 and 205-153 T80T-4000-W remove and discard the damaged seal(s).
Clean the valve cover, cylinder head and engine front cover sealing surfaces using Motorcraft® Metal Surface Prep.