engine

Valve Cover Gaskets - Both

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

3.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace both valve cover gaskets on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine to eliminate oil leaks and restore proper engine sealing.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot components can cause severe burns.

⚠Spark plug tube seals are press-fit. Do not apply torque during installation or they may leak.

⚠Valve cover bolts must be torqued in proper sequence to prevent gasket distortion and oil leaks.

ℹ️This engine has variable cam timing. Disconnecting battery will require PCM relearn during first drive cycle.

Tools required

10mm socketEssential

8mm socketEssential

Ratchet and extension setEssential

Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential

Flathead screwdriver

Plastic trim removal tools

Brake cleaner or degreaserEssential

Clean shop ragsEssential

Spark plug socket (16mm)Essential

Anti-seize compoundEssential

Gasket scraper (plastic preferred)Essential

Parts

Driver side valve cover gasket with spark plug tube seals × 1 — Motorcraft RG-1004 or equivalent
Passenger side valve cover gasket with spark plug tube seals × 1 — Motorcraft RG-1004 or equivalent
Ignition coil seals (if damaged) × 8 — Inspect during removal

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for capacitor discharge
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on all four corners
Label all ignition coil connectors with cylinder numbers for correct reinstallation
Have a clean workspace ready to place removed components

Procedure

1
Remove ignition coils
Disconnect all eight ignition coil electrical connectors by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Remove the single bolt securing each coil using an 8mm socket. Pull each coil straight up with a twisting motion to break the seal. Keep coils organized by cylinder number.
Torque spec
Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2
Remove spark plugs
Use compressed air or a clean rag to remove debris from around spark plug wells. Remove all eight spark plugs using a 16mm spark plug socket. Inspect plugs for condition and fouling patterns. Store plugs in order if reusing.
⚠Debris falling into spark plug wells can damage cylinders. Clean thoroughly before plug removal.
Torque spec
Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3
Disconnect driver side components
Disconnect the PCV hose from the driver side valve cover by pressing the release tab. Disconnect any wiring harness clips attached to the valve cover. Move the wiring harness aside to provide clearance.
4
Remove driver side valve cover
Remove all 10 valve cover bolts using a 10mm socket in reverse sequence (outside bolts first, working inward). Carefully lift the valve cover straight up. If stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet or use a plastic pry tool at the designated pry points. Do not pry against the gasket mating surface.
⚠Do not pry directly on aluminum mating surfaces or damage requiring machining may occur.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
5
Disconnect passenger side components
Disconnect the PCV hose and fresh air tube from the passenger side valve cover. Disconnect any wiring harness clips. On some models, the engine oil dipstick tube may need to be unbolted and moved aside for clearance.
6
Remove passenger side valve cover
Remove all 10 valve cover bolts using a 10mm socket in reverse sequence. Carefully lift the valve cover straight up. If stuck, use the same gentle removal technique as the driver side. Avoid prying on the mating surfaces.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7
Clean mating surfaces
Remove all old gasket material from both valve cover mating surfaces and cylinder head surfaces using a plastic gasket scraper. Clean surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free shop rags. Inspect for any damage, warping, or gouges. Ensure no debris falls into the engine.
⚠️Cover open cylinder head ports with clean rags to prevent foreign objects from entering the engine during cleaning.
8
Install new spark plug tube seals
Remove old spark plug tube seals from valve covers if still attached. Press new spark plug tube seals into the valve cover by hand until fully seated and flush. Do not use tools or apply excessive force. Seals should fit snugly but press in smoothly.
⚠Spark plug tube seals are press-fit only. Using torque or tools will damage seals causing oil leaks into spark plug wells.
Torque spec
Spark Plug Tube Seals0 Nm (0 lb-ft)
9
Install new valve cover gaskets
Position new gaskets into the grooves on both valve covers. Ensure gaskets are fully seated in the valve cover channels with no twisting or folding. Verify spark plug tube seals align with gasket openings.
10
Install passenger side valve cover
Carefully position the passenger side valve cover onto the cylinder head, ensuring the gasket stays in place and spark plug tube seals align with their bores. Start all 10 bolts by hand. Tighten bolts in sequence (center bolts first, working outward in a crisscross pattern) to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft).
⚠Follow proper tightening sequence to prevent gasket distortion. Improper sequence will cause oil leaks.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11
Install driver side valve cover
Position the driver side valve cover onto the cylinder head with the same care. Start all 10 bolts by hand. Tighten bolts in sequence (center bolts first, working outward) to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) using a torque wrench.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12
Reconnect PCV and breather hoses
Reconnect the PCV hose to the driver side valve cover until it clicks. Reconnect the fresh air tube to the passenger side valve cover. Reattach any wiring harness clips. If dipstick tube was removed, reinstall and secure it.
13
Install spark plugs
Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of each spark plug (avoid getting any on the electrode or insulator). Install all eight spark plugs by hand first, then torque to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft) using a torque wrench and spark plug socket.
⚠Over-torquing spark plugs in aluminum heads can strip threads requiring expensive Heli-Coil repair.
Torque spec
Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14
Install ignition coils
Apply dielectric grease to the inside of each ignition coil boot. Install each coil into its correct cylinder location, pushing down firmly until fully seated. Install and torque each coil bolt to 8 Nm (6 lb-ft). Reconnect all eight coil electrical connectors ensuring they click into place.
Torque spec
Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
15
Final connections and inspection
Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the mounting grommets and pressing down firmly. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Visually inspect all connections and ensure no tools or rags were left in the engine bay.

Reassembly

Ensure all wiring harness clips are properly secured to prevent chafing
Verify ignition coils are fully seated before starting engine to prevent misfires
Double-check that all valve cover bolts were torqued in proper sequence

Verification

Start the engine and listen for any unusual valve train noise or misfires
Allow engine to reach operating temperature and inspect valve covers for oil leaks
Check for oil pooling around valve cover perimeter and spark plug tube areas
After first drive cycle, re-inspect valve covers after engine cools for any seepage
Monitor for oil consumption or burning smell that might indicate leaking tube seals

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