Lifters/Tappets - All

Complete replacement of all hydraulic roller finger followers (lifters/tappets) on the 5.0L Coyote V8, requiring removal of camshafts from both cylinder heads.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hydraulic roller finger followers (lifters) × 32 — Ford BR3Z-6500-A or equivalent
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 22 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft bearing cap bolts (if reuse not recommended) × 20 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition coil o-rings × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plugs (if replacement needed) × 8 — Motorcraft SP-515 or equivalent
• Camshaft position sensor o-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Motorcraft 5W-20
• RTV silicone sealant (Motorcraft TA-357) × 1 — Motorcraft TA-357

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 7.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover and air intake system completely
4. Drain engine coolant into appropriate container and remove upper radiator hose
5. Disconnect all electrical connectors from ignition coils, fuel injectors, and variable cam timing solenoids
6. Remove all eight ignition coils and spark plugs, label by cylinder number
7. Disconnect PCV hoses and breather tubes from both valve covers
8. Remove accessory drive belt and idler pulleys for access
9. Support engine weight with hoist or support fixture as motor mounts may need loosening for access
10. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
11. Label and photograph all vacuum lines, electrical connections, and component positions before removal
12. Prepare clean, organized workspace with labeled containers for each cylinder's components (lifters MUST not be mixed between positions)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve covers
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve covers straight up to avoid damaging gasket surfaces. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with plastic scraper and solvent. Inspect valve cover mating surfaces for warpage.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove intake manifold
   Disconnect fuel lines using proper quick-disconnect tools. Release fuel pressure at Schrader valve before disconnecting. Label and remove all vacuum lines, throttle body connections, and sensors. Remove intake manifold bolts in reverse of tightening pattern (outside to inside). Lift intake manifold assembly clear of engine. Cover intake ports with clean rags to prevent debris entry.
   ⚠Fuel system is under pressure. Relieve pressure before disconnecting fuel lines to prevent fuel spray and fire hazard.
   Torque spec

   Intake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Lock camshaft phasers in neutral position
   Rotate engine to TDC on cylinder #1 (compression stroke). Install camshaft locking tools through access holes in cam phasers to lock them in neutral position. Verify timing marks align properly on both banks. This is CRITICAL - phasers must be locked before removing timing chain components.
   ⚠️Cam phasers must be mechanically locked before proceeding. If phasers rotate during disassembly, valve timing will be lost and must be completely re-timed.
4. 4

   Remove front timing cover and verify timing
   Remove crankshaft pulley using appropriate puller (do not hammer). Remove front cover bolts in sequence and carefully remove timing cover. Verify all timing marks are aligned: crankshaft keyway at 12 o'clock, camshaft timing marks aligned with cylinder head deck surface. Photograph timing mark positions. Mark chain-to-sprocket relationship with paint marker.
   ⚠️Document all timing mark positions with photos before proceeding. Improper timing reassembly will destroy the engine.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove timing chains and camshaft phasers
   Remove timing chain tensioners (left and right). Remove timing chain guides. Carefully remove timing chains while keeping cam phasers locked. Remove cam phaser bolts while holding camshafts with holding tool. Remove cam phasers and set aside in labeled containers. Do not allow camshafts to rotate.
   ⚠Camshaft holding tool must be used when removing phaser bolts to prevent camshaft rotation and valve damage.
6. 6

   Mark and remove camshaft bearing caps (Bank 1)
   Starting with Bank 1 (passenger side), use permanent marker to label each camshaft bearing cap with its position number and orientation arrow. Caps are numbered from front to rear (1-5 for each cam). Loosen bearing cap bolts in REVERSE sequence (rear to front, outside to inside) in three passes, 1/4 turn each pass. Remove caps and store in order. Note: Caps are NOT interchangeable between positions or intake/exhaust cams.
   ⚠️Bearing caps MUST be returned to exact original positions. Swapping caps will cause bearing failure and immediate engine destruction. Each cap is machined as a matched set with the head.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove camshafts (Bank 1)
   Carefully lift intake and exhaust camshafts straight up from cylinder head. Keep camshafts identified (intake/exhaust, bank 1). Inspect camshaft lobes and journals for scoring, pitting, or wear. Measure journal diameter if wear is suspected. Store camshafts on padded surface to prevent damage.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to contact hard surfaces. Journal damage will require camshaft replacement.
8. 8

   Remove and document roller finger followers (Bank 1)
   Using magnetic pickup tool, remove all 16 roller finger followers from Bank 1. Place each lifter in numbered position in parts tray corresponding to its cylinder and valve position (intake/exhaust). Inspect each lifter roller for pitting, flat spots, or scoring. Inspect lifter bore contact surfaces for wear. Measure lifter-to-bore clearance if wear is evident. Document any damaged lifters with photos and positions.
   ⚠Each lifter position must be tracked precisely. While new lifters are being installed, documenting removed lifter positions helps verify correct valve train geometry during reassembly.
9. 9

   Repeat camshaft and lifter removal for Bank 2
   Repeat steps 6-8 for Bank 2 (driver side). Mark all bearing caps with position and orientation. Remove camshafts and all 16 roller finger followers, maintaining position tracking in separate labeled trays. Inspect all components for wear or damage.
   Torque spec

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

    Clean and inspect cylinder heads
    Thoroughly clean all lifter bores using brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Inspect each bore for scoring or wear. Clean camshaft bearing surfaces in cylinder head - do not use abrasive materials. Inspect valve spring installed height and retainer condition while heads are exposed. Verify no debris or foreign material in oil passages. Blow out all oil passages with compressed air.
    ℹ️Cleanliness is critical. Any debris left in oil passages or lifter bores will cause immediate failure of new components.
11. 11

    Install new roller finger followers
    Pre-lubricate all new lifter rollers and contact surfaces with assembly lube or fresh engine oil. Install new lifters into their designated positions in both cylinder heads. Ensure each lifter moves freely in its bore without binding. Verify lifter orientation is correct (roller must align with camshaft lobe direction). Double-check that all 32 positions are filled.
    ⚠New lifters must be thoroughly pre-lubricated to prevent scoring during initial startup. Do not install dry lifters.
12. 12

    Prepare camshaft bearing surfaces and verify clearances
    Clean camshaft journals with solvent and dry thoroughly. Apply thin coat of assembly lube to all camshaft journals. Install camshafts (without bearing caps) and place Plastigauge strips across center journals. Install bearing caps in correct positions and torque to specification in sequence. Remove caps and measure Plastigauge width to verify bearing clearance is within 0.001-0.003 inches. Remove Plastigauge completely before final installation.
    ⚠Bearing clearance verification is mandatory. Insufficient clearance will cause seizure; excessive clearance will cause oil pressure loss and bearing failure.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install camshafts with bearing caps (Bank 1)
    Apply fresh assembly lube to camshaft journals and bearing cap surfaces. Install intake and exhaust camshafts into Bank 1 cylinder head, ensuring lobes are positioned to avoid valve contact. Install bearing caps in exact original positions with orientation marks correctly aligned. Hand-start all bearing cap bolts. Tighten bolts in sequence (center outward) in THREE passes: first pass 5 Nm, second pass 10 Nm, final pass 14 Nm. Verify camshafts rotate freely by hand after installation.
    ⚠️Bearing cap bolt sequence and three-pass tightening is CRITICAL. Improper tightening will distort bearing bores and cause immediate seizure.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install camshafts with bearing caps (Bank 2)
    Repeat camshaft installation procedure for Bank 2. Apply assembly lube, install camshafts and bearing caps in correct positions, and torque bolts in three-pass sequence from center outward: 5 Nm, 10 Nm, then final 14 Nm. Verify free rotation of both camshafts.
    Torque spec

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

    Install camshaft phasers and timing chains
    With camshafts locked in neutral position using holding tool, install cam phasers onto camshaft ends. Align chain-to-sprocket marks made during disassembly. Install timing chains, guides, and tensioners. Verify all timing marks align correctly: crankshaft at TDC, camshaft marks aligned with head deck surface. Install new timing chain tensioners. Remove camshaft locking tools and verify engine rotates freely through two complete revolutions by hand. Re-check all timing marks after rotation.
    ⚠️Timing mark verification is absolutely critical. Rotate engine by hand through two full revolutions and re-verify all marks align before proceeding. Incorrect timing will destroy engine on startup.
16. 16

    Install timing cover and crankshaft pulley
    Clean timing cover mating surfaces thoroughly. Apply specified RTV sealant to timing cover at cylinder head-to-block joints (small bead, approximately 3mm). Install new timing cover gasket and position cover. Install cover bolts and tighten to specification in sequence (center outward). Install crankshaft pulley and torque to specification. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer instructions before adding oil.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Verify valve train operation
    Using dial indicator, check valve lift on multiple cylinders by rotating engine by hand. Compare measurements to specification (approximately 11-12mm depending on cam profile). Verify smooth operation with no binding. Check that all lifters are contacting cam lobes correctly throughout rotation. Any irregularities indicate improper assembly requiring disassembly and correction.
    ⚠️Any binding, unusual resistance, or irregular valve lift measurements indicate critical assembly error. Do not proceed to startup without resolving issues.
18. 18

    Reinstall intake manifold
    Remove protective rags from intake ports. Install new intake manifold gaskets. Position intake manifold and hand-start all bolts. Tighten intake manifold bolts to specification in sequence (center outward pattern). Reconnect all vacuum lines, throttle body, sensors, and fuel lines per labels and photos from disassembly. Install new fuel line o-rings where applicable.
    Torque spec

    Intake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
19. 19

    Install valve covers
    Install new valve cover gaskets and bolt grommets. Ensure gaskets are properly seated in valve cover grooves. Position valve covers carefully, avoiding gasket displacement. Hand-start all valve cover bolts. Tighten bolts in sequence (center outward) to specification using torque wrench. Do not overtighten. Reconnect PCV hoses and breather tubes. Install new ignition coil o-rings and reinstall coils.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
20. 20

    Install spark plugs and complete reassembly
    Install spark plugs (new or inspected originals) and torque to specification if provided, or hand-tight plus 1/8 turn if not. Reconnect all electrical connectors to ignition coils, sensors, and fuel injectors. Install accessory drive belt and verify proper routing. Reconnect upper radiator hose. Refill cooling system with specified Motorcraft Orange Coolant to proper level. Install new oil filter and refill engine with 7.5 quarts Motorcraft 5W-20 oil. Reconnect negative battery cable.
    ℹ️Do not start engine until all fluid levels are verified correct and all connections are secure.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify all vacuum lines are connected per original routing
3. Double-check engine oil level on dipstick after filling
4. Verify coolant level in reservoir is at COLD FULL mark
5. Ensure no tools or rags are left in engine compartment
6. Verify accessory drive belt is properly routed and tensioned

Verification

• Before first start: Rotate engine by hand two complete revolutions to verify no mechanical interference. Engine should rotate smoothly with consistent resistance
• Perform initial start with scan tool connected to monitor cam timing parameters and ensure phasers are functioning correctly
• On first startup, engine may run roughly for 15-30 seconds while lifters pump up with oil pressure - this is normal
• Allow engine to idle for 10 minutes, monitoring for unusual noises, oil leaks at valve covers, or coolant leaks
• Check for proper oil pressure reading on instrument cluster (should reach normal range within 5-10 seconds)
• After warm-up, perform visual inspection for any fluid leaks at all disturbed gaskets and connections
• With engine at operating temperature, verify smooth idle and no valve train noise (ticking or tapping)
• Perform test drive and verify normal engine performance, smooth acceleration, and no check engine light
• After test drive, recheck all fluid levels and inspect for leaks while engine is hot
• Use scan tool to verify cam timing advance/retard values are within normal range (typically ±5 degrees from neutral) and both banks are synchronized
• Recheck valve cover bolt torque after first heat cycle (when engine is cold again)
• Change engine oil and filter after 500 miles of operation to remove any assembly lube and break-in debris

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