Cylinder Head LH: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. 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.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
Release the fuel system pressure. Refer to: Fuel System Pressure Release .
Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect .
Remove the following items:
1. Remove the cooling module. Refer to: Cooling Module .
2. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to: Intake Manifold .
3. Remove the RH and LH timing chains. Refer to: Timing Chain .
- Remove the RH catalytic converter pipe-to-manifold nuts.
- Discard the nuts.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Remove the LH catalytic converter pipe-to-manifold nuts.
- Discard the nuts.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove the nut and position the engine ground strap aside.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Disconnect the LH CMP sensor and the CHT sensor wiring harness electrical connectors.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove the bolts and the thermostat housing and upper radiator hose assembly.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove and discard the thermostat housing O-ring seal.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove the thermostat.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Disconnect the oil pressure switch wiring harness electrical connector and retainer.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: The cylinder head must be cool before removing it from the engine. Cylinder head warpage may 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. Failure to follow this instruction may cause engine damage.

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.
- Remove and discard the cylinder head bolts.
- Remove the cylinder head.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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.

NOTE: Clean the cylinder block bolt holes using compressed air. Make sure all coolant, oil or other foreign material is removed.
- Clean and inspect the cylinder block mating surface.
- Check the cylinder block distortion. Refer to: Cylinder Block Distortion .
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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.

NOTE: Aluminum surfaces are soft and can be scratched easily. Never place the cylinder head gasket surface, unprotected, on a bench surface. Failure to follow this instruction may cause engine damage.

NOTE: Clean the cylinder head bolt holes using compressed air. Make sure all coolant, oil or other foreign material is removed.
- Clean and inspect the cylinder head mating surface.
- Check the cylinder head distortion. Refer to: Cylinder Head Distortion .
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
If necessary, remove the bolts and the exhaust manifold heat shield.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- If necessary, remove the nuts and the exhaust manifold.
- Discard the nuts.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
If necessary, remove and discard the exhaust manifold studs and gaskets.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY