Complete replacement of all valve springs on both cylinder banks of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, requiring removal of camshafts and valve train components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve springs (set of 24) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve stem seals (set of 24) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft cover gasket (timing chain end) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 6 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 6 — Motorcraft 5W-20
• Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover (pull upward to release clips)
4. Remove air intake system and charge air cooler tubes from both sides
5. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
6. Remove ignition coils from all six cylinders
7. Label all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and hoses before disconnecting
8. Position drain pans under engine to catch any residual fluids
9. Organize workspace with labeled containers for bolts and small parts by location

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove spark plugs and valve covers
   Remove all six spark plugs and label them by cylinder for inspection. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside). Carefully lift off both valve covers and inspect gaskets. Note the location of any dowel pins.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Position engine to TDC cylinder 1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using harmonic balancer bolt until cylinder 1 is at top dead center on compression stroke. Verify timing marks on camshaft sprockets align with marks on cylinder head. Install timing chain locking tools to prevent chain movement.
   ⚠Do not use starter motor to rotate engine. Rotate only by hand using breaker bar on crankshaft bolt.
3. 3

   Remove accessory drive components
   Remove serpentine belt. Remove power steering pump and position aside without disconnecting hydraulic lines. Remove alternator mounting bolts and position aside. Remove A/C compressor mounting bolts and secure compressor without disconnecting refrigerant lines.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove timing chain front cover
   Remove all cover bolts around perimeter of timing chain cover. Note different bolt lengths and locations. Carefully separate cover from engine block using plastic pry tools at designated pry points. Do not damage sealing surfaces. Remove cover gasket completely.
   ⚠Do not pry against aluminum sealing surfaces. Use only designated pry points.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Verify and lock timing chain position
   Double-check timing marks on both camshaft sprockets align with cylinder head marks and crankshaft is at TDC. Install camshaft holding tools on both intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets. Mark timing chain position relative to sprockets with paint marker as backup reference.
   ⚠️Timing chain position is critical. Any movement will require complete timing verification before engine start.
6. 6

   Remove camshaft caps and camshafts - Right bank
   Starting with right (passenger) side cylinder bank, mark each camshaft cap with cylinder number and orientation using permanent marker. Loosen camshaft cap bolts in reverse sequence (outward from center) in multiple passes, no more than 1/4 turn per pass. Remove caps and store in order. Carefully lift out intake and exhaust camshafts, noting their positions. Inspect camshaft lobes and journals for wear.
   ⚠Camshaft caps are not interchangeable between positions. Incorrect installation will cause immediate engine damage.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove camshaft caps and camshafts - Left bank
   Repeat camshaft removal process for left (driver) side cylinder bank. Mark all caps with cylinder number and orientation. Loosen bolts in reverse sequence in multiple passes. Remove caps and camshafts. Keep all components separate and labeled by bank and position.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters
   Remove all rocker arms from both banks, keeping them organized by cylinder and position (intake/exhaust). Remove hydraulic lash adjusters from their bores using magnetic pickup tool. Store adjusters upright in oil to prevent air entry. Label each adjuster position for reinstallation in same location.
   ℹ️Hydraulic lash adjusters must be kept upright and in oil. If drained, they will require bleeding procedure.
9. 9

   Compress valve springs and remove keepers - Right bank
   Working on right bank, install valve spring compressor tool on first valve. Compress spring carefully until keepers are accessible. Use magnetic pick to remove both valve keepers from valve stem groove. Slowly release spring tension. Remove valve spring retainer, valve spring, and lower spring seat. Remove valve stem seal using seal puller. Repeat for all 12 valves on right bank. Keep components organized by cylinder.
   ⚠️Valve springs are under significant tension. Wear eye protection and ensure compressor tool is properly seated before compressing.
   ⚠Valve keepers can launch if spring is released suddenly. Control spring tension at all times.
10. 10

    Compress valve springs and remove keepers - Left bank
    Repeat valve spring removal process for all 12 valves on left bank. Use valve spring compressor to compress each spring, remove keepers with magnetic pick, then carefully remove spring components and valve stem seals. Inspect all removed springs for cracks, uneven wear, or loss of tension.
    ⚠️Maintain control of valve spring compressor at all times to prevent spring from releasing unexpectedly.
11. 11

    Install new valve springs - Right bank
    Install new valve stem seals on all valve guides using appropriate driver tool, ensuring they seat fully. Install lower spring seat, new valve spring (verify correct orientation - tighter coils toward head), and spring retainer on each valve. Compress spring with compressor tool and install valve keepers in stem groove, ensuring they seat properly. Slowly release compressor and verify keepers remain seated. Tap retainer lightly with plastic hammer to ensure keepers are fully seated. Repeat for all 12 valves on right bank.
    ⚠Valve stem seals must be installed squarely on guides. Damaged seals will cause oil consumption.
    ⚠Verify valve keepers are fully seated in stem groove before releasing spring compressor.
12. 12

    Install new valve springs - Left bank
    Repeat valve spring installation process for left bank. Install new valve stem seals, spring seats, springs (verify orientation), retainers, and keepers for all 12 valves. Verify each keeper installation before proceeding to next valve.
    ⚠Double-check each valve keeper installation. Improperly seated keepers will drop into cylinder when engine starts.
13. 13

    Reinstall hydraulic lash adjusters and rocker arms
    Clean all lash adjuster bores thoroughly. Install each hydraulic lash adjuster into its original bore position. Coat rocker arms with clean engine oil. Install rocker arms in their original positions on both banks. Verify each rocker arm moves freely on its adjuster.
    ℹ️Lash adjusters must be installed in original positions to prevent excessive valve lash until adjusters equalize.
14. 14

    Reinstall camshafts - Right bank
    Apply clean engine oil to all camshaft journals and lobes. Install right bank exhaust and intake camshafts in their original positions, ensuring timing chain remains properly positioned on sprockets. Install camshaft caps in their exact original positions and orientations (verify markings). Hand-tighten all cap bolts, then torque in sequence from center outward in multiple passes: first pass to 5 Nm, second pass to 10 Nm, final pass to specification.
    ⚠Camshaft caps must be tightened gradually in sequence. Uneven tightening will bind camshafts or damage caps.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall camshafts - Left bank
    Repeat camshaft installation for left bank. Lubricate journals and lobes, position camshafts with timing chain in correct position, install caps in original locations, and torque cap bolts in sequence from center outward in multiple passes to final specification.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Verify valve timing and remove locking tools
    Verify all timing marks still align correctly on both camshaft sprockets and crankshaft. Carefully remove camshaft holding tools and timing chain locking tools. Rotate engine by hand two complete revolutions clockwise, checking that all timing marks realign at TDC cylinder 1. Verify smooth rotation with no binding or unusual resistance.
    ⚠️If engine does not rotate smoothly or timing marks do not realign, STOP. Do not attempt to start engine. Diagnose issue before proceeding.
17. 17

    Reinstall timing chain cover
    Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with solvent and plastic scraper. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to designated areas per service manual. Install new timing cover gasket. Position timing cover carefully, ensuring it seats evenly. Install all cover bolts in their correct locations (note different lengths). Torque bolts to specification in crisscross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
18. 18

    Reinstall accessory components
    Reinstall A/C compressor and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reinstall alternator and torque mounting bolts. Reinstall power steering pump. Install serpentine belt following routing diagram. Verify all pulleys rotate freely.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
19. 19

    Reinstall valve covers
    Clean valve cover mating surfaces on cylinder heads thoroughly. Install new valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals. Position valve covers carefully, ensuring gaskets remain properly located. Install valve cover bolts and torque in sequence from center outward to specification. Do not overtighten.
    ⚠Valve cover bolt torque is low. Overtightening will distort cover and cause oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
20. 20

    Install spark plugs and ignition coils
    Apply small amount of anti-seize compound to spark plug threads. Install spark plugs and torque to specification using torque wrench. Install ignition coils and secure with mounting bolts. Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
21. 21

    Refill engine oil and complete reassembly
    Install new oil filter and hand-tighten. Fill engine with 6 quarts of Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil. Reinstall charge air cooler tubes and air intake system. Reconnect all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and hoses using labels as reference. Reinstall engine cover. Reconnect battery negative cable.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Check that all hoses and vacuum lines are properly routed and secured
3. Verify serpentine belt is properly seated on all pulleys
4. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in engine bay

Verification

• Check engine oil level on dipstick and adjust if necessary
• With ignition on but engine not started, check for warning lights on instrument cluster
• Start engine and verify it starts normally without unusual noises
• Listen carefully for valve train noise during initial startup - some tick noise is normal for first 30 seconds as lash adjusters equalize
• Allow engine to idle and reach operating temperature while monitoring for oil leaks around valve covers and timing cover
• Verify no check engine light or error codes are present
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine performance and acceleration
• Recheck engine oil level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect for any oil leaks after test drive, particularly around valve covers

More procedures for this vehicle