Valve Clearance Adjustment

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM Color Coding .

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment 

Materials 

Check 

1. Refer to: Valve Cover .
2. NOTE: Only use hand tools when removing or installing the spark plugs, or damage can occur to the cylinder head or spark plug.

   Use compressed air to remove any foreign material in the spark plug well before removing the spark plugs.

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4. NOTE: Turn the engine clockwise only and use the crankshaft bolt only.
   NOTE: Measure the valve clearance at base circle, with the lobe pointed away from the tappet, before removing the camshafts. Failure to measure all clearances prior to removing the camshafts will necessitate repeated removal and installation and wasted labor time.

   Measure each valve's clearance and record its location. Use the General Equipment: Feeler Gauge

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5. NOTE: The nominal clearance is:
   • intake: 0.0118 in (0.3 mm)
   • exhaust: 0.0157 in (0.4 mm)
   NOTE: The acceptable clearance is:
   • intake: 0.010-0.014 in (0.255-0.345 mm)
   • exhaust: 0.014-0.018 in (0.355-0.445 mm)
   Replace the valve tappets as needed.

Adjustment 

1. Refer to: Camshafts .
2. NOTE: The number on the valve tappet only reflects the digits that follow the decimal. For example, a tappet with the number has the thickness of 3.650 mm.
   NOTE: Select the closest tappet size to the ideal tappet thickness available and mark the installation location.

   Select tappets using this formula: tappet thickness = measured clearance + the existing tappet thickness - nominal clearance.

3. Install the correct valve tappet.
4. NOTE: Install a new O-ring seal.

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5. Material: Flange Sealant / CU7Z-19B508-A (WSS-M2G348-A11)

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6. NOTE: Failure to follow the camshaft tightening procedure can result in damage to the camshafts.
   NOTE: Make sure that the components are installed to the location and orientation noted before removal.
   NOTE: Make sure that the mating faces are clean and free of foreign material.
   NOTE: Make sure that new bolts are installed.
   NOTE: Apply clean engine oil to the bearing surfaces of the camshafts, camshaft bearing caps and the VCT bridge.

   Tighten the bolts evenly, half turn at a time, until the crankshaft bearing caps and the VCT bridge are seated against the cylinder head.

   Material: Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil / XO-5W20-QSP (WSS-M2C945-A)

   Torque: Stage 1: 1 - 16: 62 lb.in (7 Nm) Stage 2: 17 - 20: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) Stage 3: 1 - 16: 45° Stage 4: 17 and 18: 70° Stage 5: 19 and 20: 53°

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7. • Turn the crankshaft back by 45° (counterclock wise).
   • Turn the camshafts to measure the valve clearance,
   • Repeat the procedure as necessary until all the valve clearances are within specifications.
   • Turn the crankshaft clockwise until it stops against the special tool.

8. NOTE: Only use hand tools when removing or installing the spark plugs, or damage can occur to the cylinder head or spark plug.

   Torque: 133 lb.in (15 Nm)

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9. Refer to: Camshaft Seal .

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