Cylinder Head: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE: Do not loosen or remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without first installing the special tools as instructed in this procedure. The crankshaft pulley and the crankshaft timing sprocket are not keyed to the crankshaft. The crankshaft, the crankshaft sprocket and the pulley are fitted together by friction, using diamond washers between the flange faces on each part. For that reason, the crankshaft sprocket is also unfastened if the pulley bolt is loosened. Before any repair requiring loosening or removal of the crankshaft pulley bolt, the crankshaft and camshafts must be locked in place by the special service tools, otherwise severe engine damage can occur.

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 .
NOTE: Do not pull the engine appearance cover forward or sideways to remove. Failure to press straight upward on the underside of the cover at the attachment points may result in damage to the cover or engine components.
1. Place your hand under the engine appearance cover at each grommet location and push straight up to release each grommet from the studs.
2. After all of the grommets have been released from the studs, remove the appearance cover from the engine.
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Release the fuel system pressure. Refer to: Fuel System Pressure Release 2.3L EcoBoost .
Remove the following items:
1. Refer to: Turbocharger 2.3L EcoBoost .
2. Refer to: Fuel Rail 2.3L EcoBoost .
3. Refer to: Camshafts 2.3L EcoBoost .
NOTE: If the valve tappets are to be reused, note the location of the valve tappets to make sure they are assembled in their original positions.

Remove the valve tappets.

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Remove the bolt and the ground wiring harness.

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Disconnect the ECT sensor and the coolant hoses. Use the General Equipment: Hose Clamp Remover/Installer

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- Remove the bolt and the coolant tube.
- Disconnect the CHT sensor.
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Inspect the coolant tube O-ring seal.

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Remove and discard bolts and remove the cylinder head.

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Remove and discard the cylinder head gasket.

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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 cautions and follow all application directions contained on the packaging of the silicone gasket remover and the metal surface prep.

NOTE: Clean the cylinder head bolt holes in the cylinder block. Make sure all coolant, oil or other foreign material is removed.

NOTE: If there is no residual gasket material present, metal surface prep can be used to clean and prepare the surfaces.

Clean the cylinder head sealing surfaces.

Material: Motorcraft® Silicone Gasket Remover / ZC-30-A

Material: Motorcraft® Metal Surface Prep Wipes / ZC-31-B

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Check the cylinder head distortion. Refer to: Cylinder Head Distortion .
Check the cylinder block distortion. Refer to: Cylinder Block Distortion .