Valve Cover - LH: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Lincoln MKZ. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: 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, may cause engine failure.

Remove the air cleaner outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION AND FILTERING - 3.5L article.
Remove the LH ignition coils. For additional information, refer to ENGINE IGNITION - 3.5L article.
Remove the oil level indicator.
Disconnect the LH variable camshaft timing (VCT) solenoid electrical connector.
Detach the 2 wiring harness retainers.

Fig 1: Identifying Wiring Harness Retainers

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the 2 engine control wiring harness electrical connectors.

Fig 2: Identifying Engine Wiring Harness Electrical Connectors

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 2 nuts and the wiring harness retaining bracket.

Fig 3: Identifying Wiring Harness Retaining Bracket & Nuts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Detach all of the wiring harness retainers from the valve cover and the stud bolts.
Disconnect the 3 LH fuel injector electrical connectors.
Remove the 11 stud bolts and the LH valve cover.
- Discard the gasket.

NOTE: VCT solenoid seal removal shown, spark plug tube seal removal similar.

Inspect the VCT solenoid seals and the spark plug tube seals. Remove any damaged seals.
- Using the special tools, remove the seal(s).

Fig 4: Removing Seals Using Special Tools (205-153) & (303-1247/1)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Clean the valve cover, cylinder head and engine front cover sealing surfaces with metal surface prep.