This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the short block assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including engine removal, disassembly to the short block level, and reinstallation with new components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Short block assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Complete engine gasket set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Main bearing cap bolts × 1 — TTY bolts - Use OEM specification
• Connecting rod bolts × 1 — TTY bolts - Use OEM specification
• Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front crankshaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear main seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil pump × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil filter × 1 — FL-910S or equivalent
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant × 13 — Motorcraft Orange Coolant
• Engine oil × 6 — Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 6 qt
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable, then positive cable
3. Remove engine cover and air intake assembly
4. Drain engine coolant from radiator and block drain plugs into appropriate containers
5. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
6. Drain transmission fluid if transmission will be separated from engine
7. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and running engine until it stalls
8. Raise and support vehicle on jack stands at all four corners
9. Remove front skid plate and lower splash shields
10. Support transmission with transmission jack
11. Label and photograph all electrical connections, vacuum lines, and hose routing for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove turbochargers and exhaust components
   Disconnect both turbocharger oil feed and drain lines. Remove exhaust Y-pipe and disconnect exhaust from turbochargers. Remove both turbocharger assemblies from exhaust manifolds. Label all hardware and connections. Remove heat shields as necessary for access.
2. 2

   Disconnect engine accessories and mounts
   Remove serpentine belt. Disconnect alternator, power steering pump (leave hoses attached and secure aside), A/C compressor (leave hoses attached and secure aside). Remove accessory brackets. Disconnect all electrical connectors from engine including injector harness, coil connectors, sensors, and starter. Disconnect throttle body and vacuum lines. Remove engine mount through-bolts while supporting engine with hoist.
3. 3

   Separate transmission from engine
   Remove transmission-to-engine bellhousing bolts. Support transmission securely with transmission jack. Carefully separate engine from transmission, ensuring torque converter remains with transmission. Remove flywheel/flexplate using flywheel holding tool.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

   Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove engine from vehicle
   Attach engine hoist to factory lifting points on cylinder heads. Double-check that all electrical connections, hoses, fuel lines, coolant lines, and ground straps are disconnected. Slowly lift engine while guiding it clear of engine bay. Use engine leveler to adjust angle as needed. Once clear, lower onto engine stand and secure. Remove remaining external components including intake manifolds, fuel rails, ignition coils, and valve covers.
5. 5

   Remove timing components
   Remove crankshaft pulley using harmonic balancer puller. Remove timing cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Carefully remove timing cover - note alignment dowels. Use cam holding tools to lock camshafts in position. Mark timing chain relationship to sprockets. Remove timing chain tensioners, guides, and chains. Remove camshaft sprockets. Keep all timing components organized if reusing.
6. 6

   Remove cylinder heads
   Remove cylinder head bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (consult service manual for specific sequence). Carefully lift cylinder heads from block using proper lifting points - heads are heavy. Inspect head gasket surface condition and note any issues. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly. Keep head gaskets for reference during reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove oil pan and oil pump
   Remove oil pan bolts and carefully separate oil pan from block. Remove old gasket material. Remove oil pump pickup tube. Remove oil pump mounting bolts and extract oil pump assembly from front of block.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Oil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Disassemble pistons and connecting rods
   Mark connecting rod caps and their orientation to respective cylinders before removal - this is critical. Remove connecting rod bolts and caps. Push pistons out top of cylinders with wooden rod handle. Keep pistons, rings, pins, rods, and caps organized by cylinder number. Inspect all components for transfer to new short block or replacement.
   ⚠Connecting rod bolts are TTY and must be replaced. Do not reuse old bolts even if short block came with rods installed.
   Torque spec

   Connecting Rod Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Transfer components to new short block
   Clean new short block deck surface with brake cleaner. Install new rear main seal using seal installation tool - ensure it seats evenly. If pistons and rods are being transferred, install new connecting rod bearings with proper orientation. Lubricate bearings with assembly lube. Install piston/rod assemblies with ring compressor, ensuring rod cap orientation matches cylinder bank. Install NEW connecting rod bolts and torque to specification, then apply angle torque per service manual (typically 90 degrees additional). Verify crankshaft rotates freely.
10. 10

    Install oil pump and oil pan
    Install new front crankshaft seal. Prime oil pump with assembly lube or clean engine oil. Install oil pump to front of block and torque bolts. Install oil pump pickup tube with new O-ring. Clean oil pan and block mating surfaces thoroughly. Apply thin bead of RTV to corners where timing cover meets block. Install new oil pan gasket and install oil pan. Torque oil pan bolts in spiral pattern from center outward. Install new oil drain plug with new crush washer.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install cylinder heads and timing components
    Clean cylinder head and block mating surfaces. Install new head gaskets with proper orientation (note TOP marking). Carefully position cylinder heads on block. Install NEW cylinder head bolts and torque in proper sequence per service manual (typically multiple stages plus angle). Install timing cover with new gasket, applying RTV at corners where oil pan meets block. Torque timing cover bolts in sequence. Install new front crankshaft seal if not already done. Install camshafts if removed, then timing chains with proper alignment marks. Install chain tensioners and guides. Verify timing alignment three times before proceeding. Install crankshaft pulley and torque bolt.
    ⚠️Incorrect timing chain installation will cause severe engine damage immediately upon startup. Triple-check all timing marks before installing valve covers.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install external components and reinstall engine
    Install valve covers with new gaskets. Install intake manifolds, fuel rails, ignition coils. Attach engine to hoist and remove from engine stand. Install flywheel/flexplate with new bolts if TTY, torque in star pattern. Lower engine into engine bay, align with transmission. Install transmission-to-engine bolts and torque. Install engine mount bolts. Reconnect all accessories, brackets, alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor.
    Torque spec

    Flywheel Bolts95 Nm (70 lb-ft)

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall turbochargers and complete connections
    Install turbochargers to exhaust manifolds with new gaskets. Reconnect all turbo oil feed and drain lines with new gaskets/seals. Install exhaust Y-pipe. Install serpentine belt. Reconnect all electrical connectors, sensors, injector harness, coil connectors. Reconnect throttle body, vacuum lines, coolant hoses, and fuel lines. Install air intake assembly and engine cover.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Fill fluids and perform initial startup
    Install new oil filter. Fill engine with 6 quarts Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil. Fill cooling system with 13 quarts Motorcraft Orange coolant, bleed air from system. Check transmission fluid level and top off if needed. Reconnect battery cables (positive first, then negative). Perform visual inspection of all connections. Start engine and immediately check for leaks, unusual noises, or warning lights. Allow to reach operating temperature while monitoring gauges. Check for exhaust leaks at turbochargers and manifolds.
    ⚠On initial startup, oil pressure should register within 5 seconds. If not, shut down immediately and investigate.
15. 15

    Road test and final verification
    After engine reaches operating temperature and no leaks are present, perform a careful road test. Monitor engine temperature, oil pressure, and performance under varying loads. Listen for unusual noises especially during acceleration and boost. Check for proper turbocharger operation. After road test, recheck all fluid levels and inspect for leaks with engine hot. Torque cylinder head bolts and other critical fasteners may require retorque after initial heat cycle - consult service manual.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all TTY bolts have been replaced with new components - never reuse torque-to-yield fasteners
2. Follow all torque sequences exactly as specified in service manual, particularly for cylinder heads and main bearing caps
3. Apply assembly lube to all bearing surfaces before installation
4. Use new gaskets and seals throughout - do not reuse old gaskets even if they appear intact
5. Verify timing chain alignment multiple times before buttoning up engine
6. Use proper RTV sealant at oil pan and timing cover corners where gaskets meet

Verification

• Verify oil pressure reaches normal range (40-70 psi at operating temperature) within 5 seconds of startup
• Check for any fluid leaks from oil pan, timing cover, cylinder heads, and turbocharger oil lines
• Verify proper engine operating temperature (190-210°F) with no overheating
• Confirm no unusual noises such as knocking, rattling, or excessive valve train noise
• Verify both turbochargers are building boost properly under load
• Scan for any diagnostic trouble codes and verify no check engine light
• Recheck all fluid levels after first drive cycle and after engine cools
• Monitor oil consumption over first 500 miles - some break-in consumption is normal but excessive use indicates ring seating issues

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