Cylinder Head: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Place the cylinder head on a cardboard or wood surface to prevent damage to the joint face.

NOTE: Cylinder head machining or milling is not authorized by the Ford Motor Company. Cylinder head flatness must be within 0.0254 mm (0.001 in) across a 38.1 mm (1.5 in) square area. For additional information, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.

All cylinder heads

Install the special tool between the valve spring coils to protect the valve stem seal from damage.

Fig 1: Installing Special Tool Between Valve Spring Coils

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, compress the valve spring and remove the valve spring retainer keys.

Fig 2: Compressing Valve Springs Using Special Tool (303-567)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Keep the valves and valve spring retainer keys in order so they can be reinstalled in their original locations. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.

Remove the valve spring retainers, valve springs and discard the valve seal.

Fig 3: Removing Valve Spring Retainer, Valve Spring, And Valve Stem Seal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

4.6L cylinder heads

CAUTION: The camshaft bearing caps must be reinstalled in their original locations. Record the camshaft bearing cap locations. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.

Remove the bolts, bearing caps and camshaft.

Fig 4: Identifying Camshaft And Camshaft Bearing Caps

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Clean and inspect the camshaft bearing caps.
- One of the bearing caps contains an oil flow restriction groove. Make sure the groove is free of foreign material.

Fig 5: Identifying Oil Flow Restriction Groove

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

5.4L cylinder heads

CAUTION: The camshaft bearing caps must be reinstalled in their original locations. Record the camshaft bearing cap locations. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.

Remove the bolts, bearing caps and camshaft.

Fig 6: Identifying Camshaft, Camshaft Bearing Caps & Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Clean and inspect the camshaft bearing caps.
- One of the bearing caps contains an oil flow restriction groove. Make sure the groove is free of foreign material.

Fig 7: Identifying Oil Flow Restriction Groove

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All cylinder heads

CAUTION: 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 clean sealing surfaces.

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.
1. Remove any large deposits of silicone or gasket material with a plastic scraper.
2. Apply silicone gasket remover, following package directions, and allow to set for several minutes.
3. Remove the silicone gasket remover with a plastic scraper. A second application of silicone gasket remover may be required if residual traces of silicone or gasket material remain.
4. Apply metal surface prep, following package directions, to remove any remaining traces of oil or coolant, and to prepare the surfaces to bond with the new gasket. Do not attempt to make the metal shiny. Some staining of the metal surfaces is normal.
Inspect the cylinder head for distortion. For additional information, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.