Cylinder Head: Removal

All cylinder heads 

1. Remove the engine. For additional information, refer to ENGINE  .
2. Mount the engine on a work stand.
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.
Fig 1: Locating Ignition Coil Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Disconnect the 8 ignition coil electrical connectors.
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.
NOTE: When removing the ignition coils, a slight twisting motion will break the seal and ease removal. RH shown in illustration, LH similar.
Fig 2: Locating Bolts And Ignition Coils
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Remove the 8 bolts and the 8 ignition coils.
5. Disconnect the 2 Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) variable force solenoid electrical connectors.
   • Detach the 10 wiring harness retainers from the RH valve cover.
     Fig 3: Locating VCT Variable Force Solenoid Electrical Connectors And Wiring Harness Retainers

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Disconnect the 2 VCT variable force solenoid electrical connectors.
   • Detach the 10 wiring harness retainers from the LH valve cover.
     Fig 4: Locating VCT Variable Force Solenoid Electrical Connectors And Wiring Harness Retainers

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: 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 which make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of old sealant.
7. Loosen the 14 fasteners and remove the RH valve cover and gasket.
   • Clean the valve cover mating surface of the cylinder head with silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Follow the directions on the packaging.
   • Discard the valve cover gasket. Clean the valve cover gasket groove with soap and water or a suitable solvent.
     Fig 5: Locating RH Valve Cover Fasteners

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Remove the oil level indicator.
NOTE: 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 which make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of old sealant.
9. Loosen the 14 fasteners and remove the LH valve cover and gasket.
   • Clean the valve cover mating surface of the cylinder head with silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Follow the directions on the packaging.
   • Discard the valve cover gasket. Clean the valve cover gasket groove with soap and water or a suitable solvent.
     Fig 6: Locating LH Valve Cover Fasteners

     Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.
10. Inspect the 2 VCT variable force solenoid seals. Remove any damaged seals.
    • Using the Differential Bearing Cone Installer and Handle, remove the seal(s).
      Fig 7: Removing VCT Variable Force Solenoid Seal Using Differential Bearing Cone Installer And Handle

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.
11. Inspect the spark plug tube seals. Remove any damaged seals.
    • Using the VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Remover and Handle, remove the seal(s).
      Fig 8: Removing Spark Plug Tube Seal Using VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Remover And Handle

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Remove the 2 bolts and position the thermostat housing and lower radiator hose aside.
    • Remove and discard the thermostat housing O-ring seal.
      Fig 9: Locating Bolts And Thermostat Housing

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
13. Loosen the 4 coolant pump pulley bolts.
    Fig 10: Locating Coolant Pump Pulley Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
14. Rotate the accessory drive belt tensioner counterclockwise and remove the accessory drive belt.
    Fig 11: Identifying Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner And Accessory Drive Belt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
15. Rotate the A/C compressor belt tensioner clockwise and remove the A/C compressor belt.
    Fig 12: Rotating A/C Compressor Belt Tensioner Clockwise

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
16. Remove the 4 bolts and the coolant pump pulley.
    Fig 13: Locating Bolts And Coolant Pump Pulley

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
17. Remove the 4 bolts and the coolant pump.
    • Remove and discard the O-ring seal.
      Fig 14: Locating Bolts And Coolant Pump

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
18. Remove the bolt and the accessory drive belt tensioner.
    Fig 15: Locating Bolt And Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
19. Detach the wiring harness retainer from the engine front cover stud bolt.
    Fig 16: Locating Wiring Harness Retainer At Engine Front Cover Stud Bolt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
20. Remove the nut and the ground wire from the engine front cover stud bolt.
    Fig 17: Locating Nut And Ground Wire At Engine Front Cover Stud Bolt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
21. Remove the nut and the B+ wire from the generator.
    • Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the generator.
      Fig 18: Locating B+ Wire And Nut On Generator And Wiring Harness Connector

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
22. Remove the 2 bolts and the generator.
    Fig 19: Locating Generator Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
23. Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt and washer.
    Fig 20: Locating Crankshaft Pulley Bolt And Washer

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
24. Using the 3 Jaw Puller and the crankshaft pulley bolt, remove the crankshaft pulley.
    • Discard the crankshaft pulley bolt.
      Fig 21: Removing Crankshaft Pulley Using 3 Jaw Puller And Crankshaft Pulley Bolt

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Use care not to damage the engine front cover or the crankshaft when removing the seal.
Fig 22: Removing Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Using Oil Seal Remover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
25. Using the Oil Seal Remover, remove the crankshaft front oil seal.
26. Detach the wiring harness retainer from the oil pan stud bolt.
    Fig 23: Locating Wiring Harness Retainer On Oil Pan Stud Bolt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
27. Remove the 2 front oil pan stud bolts and 2 front oil pan bolts.
    Fig 24: Locating Front Oil Pan Stud Bolts And Front Oil Pan Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
28. Remove the engine front cover-to-oil filter adapter bolt.
    Fig 25: Locating Engine Front Cover-To-Oil Filter Adapter Bolt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
29. Using a 10 mm (0.393 in) Hex Bit loosen the engine front cover-to-oil filter adapter jack screw.
    Fig 26: Locating Engine Front Cover-To-Oil Filter Adapter Jack Screw

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
30. Remove the 13 engine front cover bolts and the 2 stud bolts.
    Fig 27: Locating Engine Front Cover Bolts And Stud Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: 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 which make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of old sealant.
31. Remove the engine front cover.
    • Remove and discard the engine front cover gaskets.
    • Clean the mating surfaces with silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Follow the directions on the packaging.
    • Inspect the mating surfaces.
      Fig 28: Removing Engine Front Cover

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
32. Using the crankshaft holding tool, rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the keyway is at the 12 o'clock position.
    Fig 29: Rotating Crankshaft Clockwise Until Keyway Is At 12 O'Clock Position Using Crankshaft Holding Tool

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
33. Verify the data matrix on the camshafts is facing up, if not, rotate the crankshaft clockwise one revolution.
    Fig 30: Locating Data Matrix On Camshafts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
34. Remove the 2 bolts and the RH primary timing chain tensioner.
    Fig 31: Locating Bolts And RH Primary Timing Chain Tensioner

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to provide enough slack in the chain to remove the RH timing chain tensioner arm. Return the crankshaft keyway to the 12 o'clock position after removing the RH timing chain tensioner arm.
Fig 32: Locating RH Timing Chain Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
35. Remove the RH timing chain tensioner arm.
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to provide enough slack in the chain to remove the RH timing chain guide. Return the crankshaft keyway to the 12 o'clock position after removing the RH timing chain guide.
Fig 33: Locating Bolt And RH Timing Chain Guide
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
36. Remove the bolt and the RH timing chain guide.
37. Remove the RH primary timing chain.
    Fig 34: Locating RH Primary Timing Chain

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    RH cylinder head 

38. Remove the bolt and the coolant outlet pipe from the RH cylinder head.
    • Remove and discard the O-ring seal.
      Fig 35: Locating Bolt And Coolant Outlet Pipe On Cylinder Head

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
39. Remove the bolt, stud bolt and heat shield from the RH cylinder head.
    Fig 36: Locating Bolt, Stud Bolt And Heat Shield On RH Cylinder Head

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
40. Disconnect the RH intake and exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor electrical connectors.
    • Remove the 2 bolts and the RH intake and exhaust CMP sensors.
      Fig 37: Locating Bolts, RH Intake And Exhaust CMP Sensors And Connectors

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
41. Disconnect the Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) sensor electrical connector.
    Fig 38: Locating Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor Electrical Connector

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
42. Remove the CHT sensor.
    Fig 39: Locating CHT Sensor

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
43. Remove the 3 bolts and the RH exhaust manifold heat shield.
    Fig 40: Locating Bolts And RH Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
44. Remove the 8 nuts and the RH exhaust manifold.
    • Discard the gasket.
      Fig 41: Locating Nuts And RH Exhaust Manifold

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
45. Clean and inspect the RH exhaust manifold. For additional information, REFER to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
46. Remove and discard the 8 RH exhaust manifold studs.
    Fig 42: Locating RH Exhaust Manifold Studs

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
47. Remove the 3 RH intake Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) assembly bolts and the 3 RH exhaust VCT assembly bolts.
    Fig 43: Locating RH Intake Variable Camshaft Timing Assembly Bolts And RH Exhaust VCT Assembly Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
48. Slide the RH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain forward 2 mm (0.078 in).
    Fig 44: Sliding RH VCT Assemblies And Secondary Timing Chain Forward 2 mm (0.078 in)

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
49. Depress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and turn the tensioner 90 degrees.
    Fig 45: Depressing RH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
50. Remove the RH VCT assemblies and the RH secondary timing chain.
    Fig 46: Locating RH VCT Assemblies And RH Secondary Timing Chain

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The front camshaft bearing mega cap must be removed first and then the remaining camshaft bearing caps. Failure to follow this direction may result in damage to the engine.
Fig 47: Aligning Colored Links On Secondary Timing Chain With Timing Marks On VCT Assemblies
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
51. Remove the 4 bolts and the RH front camshaft bearing mega cap.
52. Remove the 16 bolts and the 8 camshaft bearing caps.
    Fig 48: Locating Bolts And Camshaft Bearing Caps

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Intake camshaft shown in illustration, exhaust camshaft similar.
Fig 49: Removing VCT System Oil Filter From Intake And Exhaust Camshafts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
53. Remove the VCT system oil filter from the intake and exhaust camshafts.
54. Remove the RH intake and exhaust camshafts.
    Fig 50: Locating RH Intake And Exhaust Camshafts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
55. Remove the 16 camshaft roller follower and hydraulic lash adjuster assemblies.
    Fig 51: Locating Camshaft Roller Follower And Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Assemblies

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The cylinder head must be cool before removing it from the engine. Cylinder head warpage can result if a warm or hot cylinder head is removed.
NOTE: Place clean shop towels over exposed engine cavities. Carefully remove the towels so foreign material is not dropped into the engine.
NOTE: The cylinder head bolts must be discarded and new bolts must be installed. They are a tighten-to-yield design and cannot be reused.
NOTE: 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.
NOTE: Aluminum surfaces are soft and can be scratched easily. Never place the cylinder head gasket surface, unprotected, on a bench surface.
56. Remove the 10 bolts and the RH cylinder head.
    • Discard the bolts and the cylinder head gasket.
      Fig 52: Locating Bolts And RH Cylinder Head

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: 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.
NOTE: Observe all warnings or notices 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.
57. Clean the cylinder head-to-cylinder block mating surfaces of both the cylinder head and the cylinder block in the following sequence.
    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.
NOTE: Make sure all cylinder head surfaces are clear of any gasket material, RTV, oil and coolant. The cylinder head surface must be clean and dry before running a flatness check.
NOTE: Use a straightedge that is calibrated by the manufacturer to be flat within 0.005 mm (0.0002 in) per running foot length. For example, if the straightedge is 61 cm (24 in) long, the machined edge must be flat within 0.010 mm (0.0004 in) from end to end.
Fig 53: Inspecting Oil Pressure Feed Area
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
58. Support the cylinder head on a bench with the head gasket side up. Check the cylinder head distortion and the cylinder block distortion, paying particular attention to the oil pressure feed area. For additional information, REFER to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .

    LH cylinder head 

59. Remove the 2 bolts and the coolant outlet from the LH cylinder head.
    • Remove and discard the gasket.
      Fig 54: Locating Bolts And Coolant Outlet On LH Cylinder Head

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
60. Remove the 2 bolts and the heat shield from the LH cylinder head.
    Fig 55: Locating Bolts And Heat Shield On LH Cylinder Head

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
61. Disconnect the LH intake and exhaust Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor electrical connectors.
    • Remove the 2 bolts and the LH intake and exhaust CMP sensors.
      Fig 56: Locating Bolts, LH Intake And Exhaust CMP Sensors And Electrical Connectors

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
62. Detach the wiring harness retainer from the LH cylinder head.
    Fig 57: Locating Wiring Harness Retainer At LH Cylinder Head

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
63. Remove the 3 bolts and the LH exhaust manifold heat shield.
    Fig 58: Locating Bolts And LH Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
64. Remove the 8 nuts and the LH exhaust manifold.
    • Discard the gasket.
      Fig 59: Locating Nuts And LH Exhaust Manifold

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
65. Clean and inspect the LH exhaust manifold. For additional information, REFER to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
66. Remove and discard the 8 LH exhaust manifold studs.
    Fig 60: Locating LH Exhaust Manifold Studs

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
67. Using the crankshaft holding tool, rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise until the crankshaft keyway is at the 9 o'clock position.
    Fig 61: Rotating Crankshaft Keyway At 9 O'Clock Position Using Crankshaft Holding Tool

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
68. Remove the 2 bolts and the LH primary timing chain tensioner.
    Fig 62: Locating Bolts And LH Primary Timing Chain Tensioner

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to provide enough slack in the chain to remove the LH timing chain tensioner arm. Return the crankshaft keyway to the 9 o'clock position after removing the LH timing chain tensioner arm.
Fig 63: Locating LH Timing Chain Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
69. Remove the LH timing chain tensioner arm.
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to provide enough slack in the chain to remove the LH timing chain guide. Return the crankshaft keyway to the 9 o'clock position after removing the LH timing chain guide.
Fig 64: Locating Bolt And LH Timing Chain Guide
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
70. Remove the bolt and the LH timing chain guide.
71. Remove the LH primary timing chain.
    Fig 65: Locating LH Primary Timing Chain

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
72. Remove the 3 LH intake Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) assembly bolts and the 3 LH exhaust VCT assembly bolts.
    Fig 66: Locating LH Intake Variable Camshaft Timing Assembly Bolts And LH Exhaust VCT Assembly Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
73. Slide the LH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain forward 2 mm (0.078 in).
    Fig 67: Sliding LH VCT Assemblies And Secondary Timing Chain Forward 2 mm (0.078 in)

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
74. Depress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and turn the tensioner 90 degrees.
    Fig 68: Depressing LH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
75. Remove the LH VCT assemblies and the LH secondary timing chain.
    Fig 69: Locating LH VCT Assemblies And LH Secondary Timing Chain

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The front camshaft bearing mega cap must be removed first and then the remaining camshaft bearing caps. Failure to follow this direction may result in damage to the engine.
Fig 70: Locating Bolts And LH Front Camshaft Bearing Mega Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
76. Remove the 4 bolts and the LH front camshaft bearing mega cap.
77. Remove the 16 bolts and the 8 camshaft bearing caps.
    Fig 71: Locating Bolts And Camshaft Bearing Caps

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Intake camshaft shown in illustration, exhaust camshaft similar.
Fig 72: Removing VCT System Oil Filter From Intake And Exhaust Camshafts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
78. Remove the VCT system oil filter from the intake and exhaust camshafts.
79. Remove the LH intake and exhaust camshafts.
    Fig 73: Locating LH Intake And Exhaust Camshafts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
80. Remove the 16 camshaft roller follower and hydraulic lash adjuster assemblies.
    Fig 74: Locating Camshaft Roller Follower And Hydraulic Lash Adjuster Assemblies

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The cylinder head must be cool before removing it from the engine. Cylinder head warpage can result if a warm or hot cylinder head is removed.
NOTE: Place clean shop towels over exposed engine cavities. Carefully remove the towels so foreign material is not dropped into the engine.
NOTE: The cylinder head bolts must be discarded and new bolts must be installed. They are a tighten-to-yield design and cannot be reused.
NOTE: 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.
NOTE: Aluminum surfaces are soft and can be scratched easily. Never place the cylinder head gasket surface, unprotected, on a bench surface.
81. Remove the 10 bolts and the LH cylinder head.
    • Discard the bolts and the cylinder head gasket.
      Fig 75: Locating Bolts And LH Cylinder Head

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: 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.
NOTE: Observe all warnings or notices 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.
82. Clean the cylinder head-to-cylinder block mating surfaces of both the cylinder head and the cylinder block in the following sequence.
    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.
NOTE: Make sure all cylinder head surfaces are clear of any gasket material, RTV, oil and coolant. The cylinder head surface must be clean and dry before running a flatness check.
NOTE: Use a straightedge that is calibrated by the manufacturer to be flat within 0.005 mm (0.0002 in) per running foot length. For example, if the straightedge is 61 cm (24 in) long, the machined edge must be flat within 0.010 mm (0.0004 in) from end to end.
Fig 76: Inspecting Oil Pressure Feed Area
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
83. Support the cylinder head on a bench with the head gasket side up. Check the cylinder head distortion and the cylinder block distortion, paying particular attention to the oil pressure feed area. For additional information, REFER to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .