Complete replacement of all rocker arms on both cylinder banks of the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including removal of valve covers, camshafts, and hydraulic lash adjusters.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rocker arm set (16 pieces) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition coil o-rings (8 pieces) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 20 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft position sensor o-ring × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-910S filter
• Gasket sealer (if specified by manufacturer) × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil — 7.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Remove engine cover (plastic cover over engine)
4. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and cranking engine until it will not start
5. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
6. Remove air intake system from throttle body to air filter housing
7. Disconnect all electrical connectors from valve covers (ignition coils, cam position sensors)
8. Label and photograph all vacuum lines and electrical connections for reinstallation
9. Position vehicle on level surface with parking brake engaged

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ignition coils and spark plugs
   Remove the eight ignition coil-on-plug assemblies by removing mounting bolts and disconnecting electrical connectors. Extract all eight spark plugs to prevent valve-to-piston contact and allow easy engine rotation. Store coils and plugs in order by cylinder number.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove valve covers
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside toward center). Carefully remove both left and right valve covers. If covers are stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet. Do not pry on gasket surfaces. Remove and discard valve cover gaskets and bolt grommets.
   ⚠Do not damage valve cover gasket sealing surfaces on cylinder heads. These are critical sealing areas.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark and remove camshaft position sensors
   Remove both camshaft position sensors from the front of each cylinder head. Note sensor orientation for reinstallation. Remove sensor mounting bolts and carefully extract sensors with o-rings.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Position engine at TDC for cylinder 1
   Rotate engine clockwise (using crankshaft bolt) until cylinder 1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on compression stroke. Both cam lobes for cylinder 1 should point outward (away from each other). Mark timing chain and camshaft sprocket positions with paint pen for reference.
   ℹ️Accurate timing marks are critical for proper reassembly. Take photos of timing chain alignment before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove camshaft caps and camshafts (right bank)
   Working on the right (passenger) bank first, loosen camshaft bearing cap bolts evenly in multiple passes working from outside toward center. Remove bearing caps in order and keep them organized. Carefully lift out both intake and exhaust camshafts. Note the orientation of timing chain sprockets.
   ⚠Camshaft bearing caps MUST be reinstalled in their exact original positions and orientation. Mark each cap clearly before removal.
   ⚠Do not allow camshaft lobes to damage rocker arms during removal. Lift camshafts straight up.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters (right bank)
   Remove all eight rocker arms from the right bank cylinder head. Use magnetic pickup tool if needed. Remove all eight hydraulic lash adjusters (HLAs) from their bores in the cylinder head. Keep HLAs upright and organized by position. Inspect each rocker arm roller and contact surfaces for wear, scoring, or damage.
   ⚠Hydraulic lash adjusters must be kept upright to prevent oil from draining out. Store in numbered container with oil.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean cylinder head (right bank)
   Thoroughly clean all rocker arm and camshaft contact surfaces. Inspect camshaft bearing surfaces in cylinder head for scoring or wear. Clean oil passages. Verify valve springs and retainers are in good condition. Remove any debris or old gasket material from valve cover sealing surface.
   ℹ️This is an opportunity to inspect valve train components. Replace any worn or damaged parts now.
8. 8

   Install new rocker arms (right bank)
   Install new hydraulic lash adjusters in their bores (or reinstall originals in exact same positions). Install new rocker arms over HLAs and valve stem tips. Ensure each rocker arm seats properly on both HLA and valve stem. Verify rocker arm rollers move freely.
   ⚠Each rocker arm must be fully seated on both the hydraulic lash adjuster and valve stem tip before camshaft installation.
9. 9

   Reinstall camshafts (right bank)
   Lubricate camshaft bearing journals with clean engine oil. Carefully position both camshafts back onto cylinder head, ensuring timing marks align with previous marks. Install camshaft bearing caps in their exact original positions. Tighten bearing cap bolts evenly in multiple passes from center outward to final specification. Verify camshaft rotates freely after installation.
   ⚠Verify timing chain alignment with marks before final tightening. Incorrect timing will cause engine damage.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat procedure for left bank
    Repeat steps 5 through 9 for the left (driver) side cylinder bank. Remove camshaft caps and camshafts, extract rocker arms and HLAs, clean surfaces, install new rocker arms with HLAs, and reinstall camshafts with proper timing alignment. Maintain same organization and care as right bank.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify valve train operation
    Slowly rotate engine by hand two complete revolutions clockwise. Verify all rocker arms move smoothly and timing marks realign correctly. Check that no valves contact pistons and no binding occurs. Listen and feel for any abnormal resistance or noise.
    ⚠️If any binding or unusual resistance is felt, STOP immediately. Do not force rotation. Disassemble and inspect for assembly errors.
12. 12

    Reinstall camshaft position sensors
    Install new o-rings on camshaft position sensors. Install sensors in correct orientation as marked during removal. Tighten sensor mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install valve covers
    Install new valve cover gaskets and new bolt grommets. Ensure gaskets are properly seated in valve cover grooves. Clean valve cover bolt threads. Position valve covers on cylinder heads. Install and tighten valve cover bolts in proper sequence (center outward) to specification.
    ⚠Follow proper tightening sequence to ensure even gasket compression and prevent oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall ignition coils and spark plugs
    Install spark plugs to specification (not listed, use manufacturer spec). Install new o-rings on ignition coils. Install coils in correct cylinder positions and tighten mounting bolts. Reconnect all electrical connectors to coils and sensors.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill engine oil and complete assembly
    Install new oil filter and refill engine with 7.5 quarts of Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil. Reconnect all vacuum lines, electrical connections, and air intake system. Reinstall engine cover. Reconnect negative battery cable. Reinstall fuel pump fuse.
    ℹ️Do not start engine until oil level is verified correct on dipstick.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
2. Check that all vacuum lines are connected per photos taken during disassembly
3. Confirm valve covers are dry with no oil seepage before starting engine
4. Verify engine oil level is correct on dipstick before starting

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle. Listen for any unusual valve train noise (ticking, knocking)
• Verify no oil leaks from valve covers after 5 minutes of operation
• Check for proper oil pressure on instrument cluster
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify smooth idle
• Rev engine gently to 2000-3000 RPM and listen for abnormal noises
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft timing or position sensors
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal performance and no check engine light
• Recheck valve cover areas for leaks after test drive

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