Rocker Arms - All

Complete replacement of all rocker arms on the 8.4L V10 engine, requiring valve cover removal, camshaft verification, and rocker arm replacement on both cylinder banks.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rocker arm (intake) × 10 — Use OEM specification
• Rocker arm (exhaust) × 10 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket (left bank) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket (right bank) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 20 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition coil seals × 10 — Use OEM specification
• Fuel rail O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — 0W-40 full synthetic

Fluids

• engine_oil — 11 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
3. Disconnect negative battery cable
4. Remove engine cover (pull up firmly to disengage mounting grommets)
5. Relieve fuel system pressure: remove fuel pump relay from PDC (Power Distribution Center), start engine and allow to run until it stalls, attempt restart to verify pressure is relieved
6. Place absorbent mats under work area to catch any fuel or oil spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove air intake system
   Disconnect mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Loosen hose clamps at throttle body and air filter housing. Remove complete air intake tube assembly. Remove air filter housing by releasing mounting clips and lifting away from engine bay.
2. 2

   Disconnect fuel rails
   Disconnect fuel supply and return lines at both fuel rails using appropriate fuel line disconnect tools. Cap all open fuel lines immediately with clean plugs. Disconnect fuel injector electrical connectors on both banks (10 total). Release wiring harness routing clips from fuel rails. Remove fuel rail mounting bolts (2 per rail) and carefully lift fuel rails with injectors attached away from cylinder heads. Set aside in safe location.
3. 3

   Remove ignition coil packs
   Disconnect all 10 ignition coil electrical connectors. Remove the coil pack retaining fastener(s) per the factory service manual for each coil. Carefully twist and pull each coil pack straight up to extract from spark plug tube. Inspect coil seals and replace if damaged or hardened.
4. 4

   Disconnect PCV and breather systems
   Disconnect PCV hoses from both valve covers. Remove breather hoses and any vacuum lines connected to valve covers. Release any wiring harness clips attached to valve covers. On left bank, disconnect any additional emissions or vacuum connections as needed for valve cover clearance.
5. 5

   Remove left bank valve cover
   Remove the 10 valve cover bolts in any sequence (no specific pattern required for removal). Carefully lift valve cover straight up to break gasket seal. If cover resists, gently tap with rubber mallet - do not pry between cover and head as this will damage sealing surfaces. Inspect valve cover bolt grommets and replace if torn or compressed.
6. 6

   Remove right bank valve cover
   Remove the 10 valve cover bolts in any sequence. Carefully lift valve cover straight up to break gasket seal. Use same caution as left bank to avoid damaging sealing surfaces. Set valve cover aside and inspect bolt grommets.
7. 7

   Document and mark rocker arm positions
   Before removal, take clear photographs of rocker arm orientation and position. Mark each rocker arm with cylinder number and intake/exhaust designation using paint pen. The V10 cylinder numbering must be verified against the factory service manual before marking. Each cylinder has one intake and one exhaust rocker arm; label each rocker arm by its physical bank and position rather than relying on assumed cylinder numbering. Each cylinder has one intake and one exhaust rocker arm.
8. 8

   Remove rocker arms from left bank
   Starting with cylinder 6, rotate each rocker arm to align with pivot shaft axis. Slide rocker arm sideways off the pivot shaft. The rocker arms are individually mounted and retained by fasteners on pedestals or fulcrums. Loosen and remove each rocker arm retaining bolt per the factory service manual, then lift each rocker arm off, maintaining organization by cylinder and position. Place each rocker arm in a labeled compartment or bag immediately after removal. Remove all 5 rocker arms from left bank, maintaining organization by cylinder and position. Place each rocker arm in labeled compartment or bag immediately after removal.
9. 9

   Remove rocker arms from right bank
   Repeat the removal process for all 5 cylinders on the right bank. Loosen and remove each rocker arm retaining bolt, then lift each rocker arm off its pedestal. Keep all rocker arms organized and labeled. Keep all rocker arms organized and labeled. Inspect pivot shafts for wear, scoring, or discoloration while exposed.
10. 10

    Inspect valvetrain components
    With rocker arms removed, inspect camshaft lobes for wear, pitting, or scoring. Check valve stem tips for unusual wear patterns or mushrooming. Inspect pivot shafts for wear grooves. Check valve spring retainers and keepers for integrity. If installing used rocker arms, inspect roller bearings for smooth rotation and roller surface for flat spots or pitting. Any damaged components should be replaced before reassembly.
11. 11

    Install new rocker arms on right bank
    Lubricate new rocker arm roller bearings and pivot bore with 0W-40 synthetic engine oil. Starting with cylinder 1, align rocker arm with pivot shaft and slide into position. Ensure rocker arm seats fully onto pivot shaft and roller contacts camshaft lobe properly. Verify intake rocker arms are on intake valves and exhaust rocker arms are on exhaust valves. Install all 5 cylinders on right bank following same procedure.
12. 12

    Install new rocker arms on left bank
    Lubricate new rocker arms with 0W-40 synthetic engine oil. Install all 5 rocker arms on left bank following same sliding procedure onto pivot shafts. Double-check correct intake/exhaust positioning and full seating on pivot shafts. Verify each rocker arm roller moves freely and contacts camshaft lobe.
13. 13

    Prepare valve cover sealing surfaces
    Thoroughly clean valve cover mating surfaces on both cylinder heads using plastic scraper. Remove all old gasket material completely - do not gouge aluminum surfaces. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Inspect cylinder head sealing surfaces for damage, warping, or deep scratches. Clean valve cover inner surfaces and inspect for cracks. Ensure all bolt holes in cylinder heads are clean and free of oil or debris.
14. 14

    Install right bank valve cover
    Position new valve cover gasket on cylinder head. Install new bolt grommets on all 10 valve cover bolts. Position valve cover carefully onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket stays aligned and ignition coil tubes align properly. Install all 10 bolts finger-tight first. Torque valve cover bolts in a spiral pattern from center outward to specification (torque value not available - refer to factory service manual).
15. 15

    Install left bank valve cover
    Position new valve cover gasket on cylinder head. Install new bolt grommets on all 10 valve cover bolts. Carefully position valve cover, aligning gasket and ignition coil tubes. Install all 10 bolts finger-tight, then torque in spiral pattern from center outward to specification (torque value not available - refer to factory service manual).
16. 16

    Reinstall ignition coil packs
    Apply thin coat of dielectric grease to new coil seals if replaced. Install coil packs into spark plug tubes, ensuring they seat fully. Install single mounting bolt on each coil and torque to specification (torque value not available - refer to factory service manual). Reconnect all 10 ignition coil electrical connectors, ensuring positive click engagement.
17. 17

    Reinstall fuel rails and reconnect fuel system
    Install new O-rings on fuel injectors if replacing. Position fuel rails with injectors over cylinder heads and press injectors into ports. Install fuel rail mounting bolts (quantity per factory service manual) and torque to specification (torque value not available - refer to factory service manual). Reconnect all fuel injector electrical connectors. Remove caps from fuel lines and reconnect fuel supply and return lines to both fuel rails. Secure wiring harness routing clips to fuel rails.
18. 18

    Reconnect PCV and breather systems
    Reconnect PCV hoses to both valve covers. Install breather hoses and vacuum lines to valve covers. Reattach any wiring harness clips to valve covers. Reconnect any emissions or vacuum connections on left bank.
19. 19

    Reinstall air intake system
    Position air filter housing back into engine bay and secure mounting clips. Install complete air intake tube assembly, connecting at throttle body and air filter housing. Tighten hose clamps securely. Reconnect mass airflow sensor electrical connector.
20. 20

    Refill engine oil and prime fuel system
    If oil was drained during service, refill engine with the factory-specified oil capacity of 0W-40 full synthetic oil (verify exact capacity in the factory service manual). Reconnect negative battery cable. Reinstall fuel pump relay in PDC. Turn ignition key to ON position (do not start) for 5 seconds, then OFF. Repeat 3-4 times to prime fuel system. Check for fuel leaks at all fuel rail connections. Install engine cover by pressing firmly onto mounting grommets.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is detailed in procedure steps 11-20
2. Always use new gaskets, O-rings, and grommets during reassembly
3. Torque all fasteners to factory specifications in proper sequence
4. Prime fuel system before starting engine to prevent dry start

Verification

• Verify no fuel leaks at fuel rail connections with engine running
• Check for oil leaks around valve cover gaskets after engine reaches operating temperature
• Listen for unusual valve train noise - properly installed rocker arms should operate quietly
• Verify all electrical connectors are fully engaged and secured
• Check engine oil level on dipstick after running engine and allowing oil to settle
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes - none should be present if all connections are correct
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth idle and normal acceleration with no misfires

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