Valve Springs: Removal

All valve springs 

1. Depending on the valve being serviced, remove the LH or RH valve cover. For additional information, refer to Valve Cover - LH  or Valve Cover - RH .
2. Remove the spark plug. For additional information, refer to ENGINE IGNITION - 5.4L AND 6.8L (3V) article.
3. Rotate the crankshaft until the piston for the valve being serviced is at the top of its stroke with the intake valve and the exhaust valves closed.

Cylinder No. 7 front intake valve spring 

NOTE: The balance shaft bearing caps must be installed in their original locations or engine damage may occur. Record camshaft bearing cap locations.
4. Remove the 6 bolts in the sequence shown, the 3 bearing caps and the balance shaft.
Fig 1: Identifying Balance Shaft Bolt Loosening/Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Remove the 2 bolts and the camshaft bearing cap.
Fig 2: Identifying Bolts And Camshaft Bearing Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Cylinder No.10 front intake valve spring 

NOTE: The balance shaft bearing caps must be installed in their original locations or engine damage may occur. Record camshaft bearing cap locations.
6. Remove the 6 bolts in the sequence shown, the 3 bearing caps and the balance shaft.
Fig 3: Identifying Balance Shaft Bolt Loosening/Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Remove the 2 bolts and the camshaft bearing cap.
Fig 4: Identifying Bolts And Camshaft Bearing Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All valve springs 

NOTE: If the components are to be reinstalled, they must be installed in their original locations or engine damage may occur. Mark the components for installation into their original locations.
NOTE: Do not allow the valve keepers to fall off the valve or the valve may drop into the cylinder. If a valve drops into the cylinder, the cylinder head must be removed. For additional information, refer to Cylinder Head .
NOTE: It may be necessary to push the valve down while compressing the spring.
8. Using the Valve Spring Compressor, compress the valve spring and remove the camshaft roller follower.
Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (303-1039) For Removing/Installing Camshaft Roller Followers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Use compressed air in the cylinder to hold both valves in position.
   • Apply a minimum of 965 kPa (140 psi) of compressed air into the cylinder.
NOTE: If air pressure has forced the piston to the bottom of the cylinder, any loss of air pressure will allow the valve to fall into the cylinder. If air pressure must be removed, support the valve prior to removal.
NOTE: If the components are to be reinstalled, they must be installed in the same positions or engine damage may occur. Mark the components for installation into their original locations.
NOTE: If a valve drops into the cylinder, remove the cylinder head. For additional information, refer to Cylinder Head .
10. Using the Valve Spring Compressor, compress the valve spring and remove the valve spring retainer keys.
Fig 6: Compressing Valve Spring With Special Tool (303-1039)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Remove the valve spring retainer and the valve spring.
12. Inspect the valve spring. For additional information, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.