Adjust valve lash on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine to factory specifications using feeler gauges to ensure proper valve train operation and optimal engine performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gaskets (set of 2) × 1 — Motorcraft VS-50587
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition coil seals × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Brake cleaner × 1 — Non-chlorinated

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (not run for at least 4 hours)
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starter engagement
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
4. Label and disconnect all ignition coil connectors
5. Remove all eight ignition coils and set aside in order
6. Disconnect any vacuum lines, breather hoses, and wiring harness clips attached to valve covers
7. Remove accessory drive belt if it interferes with access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve covers
   Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve covers off cylinder heads. If stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet - do not pry between cover and head. Remove and discard old gaskets and grommets.
   Torque spec

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

   Clean mating surfaces
   Using plastic gasket scraper and shop towels, thoroughly clean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Spray with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Inspect for any damage or warping.
   ⚠Do not allow debris to fall into open valve train area. Cover openings with clean shop towels when not working.
3. 3

   Rotate engine to TDC cylinder 1
   Using breaker bar on crankshaft bolt, rotate engine clockwise (viewed from front) until cylinder 1 is at top dead center on compression stroke. Verify by checking that both intake and exhaust cam lobes for cylinder 1 are pointing away from valves (base circle). Mark harmonic balancer TDC position for reference.
   ℹ️Cylinder 1 is front right (passenger side). Firing order is 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9 (front to rear, right bank is 1-5, left bank is 6-10).
4. 4

   Identify valves requiring adjustment
   The Coyote 5.0L uses hydraulic lash adjusters on all intake valves - these do not require adjustment. Only exhaust valves (outer valves on each cylinder) require mechanical adjustment. Each cylinder has one exhaust valve that can be adjusted. Verify cam lobe orientation before checking lash.
   ⚠Only check and adjust valves when cam lobe is on base circle (pointing away from valve). Incorrect positioning will give false readings and cause damage.
5. 5

   Check valve lash on accessible exhaust valves
   With cylinder 1 at TDC compression, check exhaust valve lash on cylinders where cam lobes are on base circle. Insert appropriate feeler gauge (0.25-0.28mm or 0.010-0.011 inch) between rocker arm and valve stem tip. Gauge should slide with slight drag. Record measurements for each valve checked.
   ℹ️Proper lash feels snug but not tight. If gauge slides freely, lash is excessive. If gauge won't fit, lash is too tight.
6. 6

   Adjust out-of-specification exhaust valves
   For any exhaust valve outside 0.25-0.28mm specification: Hold the adjuster screw with box-end wrench to prevent rotation. Loosen lock nut with another wrench. Turn adjuster screw clockwise to decrease lash or counterclockwise to increase lash. Recheck with feeler gauge. When correct, hold adjuster screw and torque lock nut to specification.
   ⚠Always hold adjusting screw stationary while tightening lock nut to prevent lash change during final tightening.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Rotate engine for remaining valves
   Rotate crankshaft 90 degrees clockwise and check/adjust next set of exhaust valves where cam lobes are on base circle. Continue rotating in 90-degree increments, checking and adjusting all accessible exhaust valves. Complete full 720-degree (two full rotations) cycle to access all valves through compression and exhaust strokes.
   ℹ️Keep detailed notes of which valves have been checked and adjusted to avoid missing any or duplicating work.
8. 8

   Verify all adjustments
   After completing adjustments, rotate engine through two complete revolutions and recheck lash on all previously adjusted exhaust valves to confirm settings remain within specification. Make any necessary corrections.
   ⚠Lock nuts can shift during tightening. Always verify final lash after torquing lock nut.
9. 9

   Install new valve cover gaskets
   Place new valve cover gaskets into valve cover grooves, ensuring proper seating all around. Install new bolt grommets into valve cover bolt holes. Do not use any sealant on gaskets - they are designed to seal dry.
   ℹ️Gaskets have orientation tabs - ensure they are positioned correctly before installation.
10. 10

    Install valve covers
    Carefully position valve covers onto cylinder heads, ensuring gaskets remain properly seated. Start all valve cover bolts by hand. Torque bolts in sequence from center outward in three progressive passes: 5 Nm, 8 Nm, then final 10 Nm specification.
    ⚠Overtightening valve cover bolts will distort covers and cause oil leaks. Use proper torque sequence and specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall ignition coils and connectors
    Install new ignition coil seals if worn. Reinstall all eight ignition coils in correct cylinder positions. Reconnect all coil electrical connectors. Ensure positive engagement of all connectors.
    ℹ️Ignition coils must be pressed firmly into spark plug tubes until fully seated to ensure proper seal.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect all vacuum lines, breather hoses, and wiring harness clips to valve covers in original positions
2. Reinstall accessory drive belt if removed, ensuring proper routing and tension
3. Install engine cover by pressing onto retaining clips until secure
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• Start engine and listen for unusual valve train noise - properly adjusted valves should operate quietly
• Check for oil leaks around valve cover gaskets after engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify smooth idle and proper engine operation with no misfires or rough running
• Road test vehicle under various loads to confirm proper valve operation throughout RPM range
• Recheck valve cover bolt torque after first heat cycle if persistent seepage occurs

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