This procedure covers the removal and reinstallation of the cylinder head(s) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including camshaft and valve train disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cylinder head gasket (left or right side as needed) × 1 — Motorcraft YN3Z-6051-A (left) or YN3Z-6051-B (right)
• Cylinder head bolts (set of 10 per head, torque-to-yield) × 10 — Use OEM specification - do not reuse
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Motorcraft VC455
• Spark plugs × 3 — Motorcraft SP546 or equivalent
• Turbocharger gasket set (if removing turbos) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust manifold gaskets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant temperature sensor O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intake manifold gaskets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone gasket maker (Motorcraft TA-31) × 1 — TA-31 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic engine oil — 6 qt
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (wait at least 3 hours after last operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips
4. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and cranking engine until it stalls
5. Raise vehicle on lift or support safely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Place drain pans under engine and radiator drain locations
7. Drain engine coolant completely from radiator petcock and engine block drain plugs
8. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
9. Remove front wheels and inner fender splash shields for access to accessories
10. Take multiple photos of all electrical connections, vacuum lines, and hose routing for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove intake and charge air components
   Remove the air intake tube and air filter housing. Disconnect charge air cooler (intercooler) inlet and outlet pipes from both turbochargers. Remove throttle body coolant hoses. Disconnect all electrical connectors from throttle body and intake manifold sensors (MAP, IAT). Remove the upper intake manifold by removing mounting bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (consult manual for pattern). Disconnect PCV hoses. Remove lower intake manifold mounting bolts and lift away carefully, noting coolant passage O-rings.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove valve cover and ignition components
   Disconnect ignition coil electrical connectors for the affected bank. Remove three ignition coil hold-down bolts and pull coils straight up from spark plug tubes. Remove spark plugs using 16mm spark plug socket and note condition for diagnostic purposes. Remove valve cover bolts in a crossing pattern from outside to inside. Carefully pry valve cover away from cylinder head using plastic pry tool at designated pry points. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove accessory drive components and front covers
   Remove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner clockwise with 3/8-inch breaker bar. For right (passenger) side head work, remove alternator and bracket assembly. For left (driver) side, remove power steering pump and set aside without disconnecting lines. Remove crankshaft pulley center bolt (requires crankshaft holding tool) and remove harmonic balancer using puller. Remove timing chain front cover bolts, noting different lengths in different positions. Carefully separate front cover from engine block, tapping with plastic mallet if necessary.
   Torque spec

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

   Lock timing chain and remove camshaft components
   Rotate crankshaft to TDC position for cylinder #1 (mark on crankshaft aligns with mark on block). Verify camshaft lobes for cylinder #1 point outward equally. Install timing chain locking tool according to manufacturer instructions to lock timing chain position. Mark timing chain relationship to camshaft and crankshaft sprockets with paint pen before removal. Remove camshaft position sensor and synchronizer assembly from rear of head. Remove camshaft phaser bolts (both intake and exhaust) while holding camshafts with wrench on hex section. Remove camshaft phasers and timing chain from affected bank, keeping components organized.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove camshafts and valve train components
   Remove camshaft bearing cap bolts in reverse order of tightening sequence, working from outside to inside in multiple passes to release valve spring tension evenly. Mark all bearing caps with position and orientation before removal. Lift camshafts away carefully, keeping intake and exhaust camshafts identified. Using valve spring compressor, compress each valve spring and remove valve keepers. Remove valve spring retainers and springs. Remove hydraulic lash adjusters and keep in order corresponding to valve position. Store all components in organized fashion to ensure correct reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Gasket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect exhaust and turbocharger components
   From underneath vehicle, disconnect exhaust Y-pipe from both exhaust manifolds. Support turbocharger assembly from below with jack stand. Disconnect turbocharger oil feed line from top of turbo. Disconnect turbocharger coolant feed and return lines, capturing coolant in drain pan. Disconnect turbocharger oil drain tube from bottom. For the affected bank, remove turbocharger mounting nuts from exhaust manifold studs. Carefully lower turbocharger assembly away, supporting oil and coolant lines. Remove exhaust manifold mounting bolts and remove manifold from cylinder head.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect remaining cylinder head connections
   Disconnect coolant temperature sensor electrical connector. Remove coolant temperature sensor from cylinder head. Disconnect any remaining coolant hoses from cylinder head (may include heater hoses or coolant crossover). Disconnect Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) oil control solenoid connectors. Remove VCT solenoids from front of cylinder head. Verify all electrical connectors, hoses, and lines are disconnected from cylinder head.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove cylinder head bolts and head
   Remove cylinder head bolts in reverse order of tightening sequence (from inside out, following manufacturer pattern - typically starting from center and working outward in crossing pattern). Keep bolts organized but these MUST be discarded and replaced with new torque-to-yield bolts. Once all bolts are removed, carefully break cylinder head free from block using plastic pry tool at designated pry points only - never pry between sealing surfaces. Lift cylinder head straight up and away from engine block. Place cylinder head on clean, padded surface with combustion chambers facing up. Remove and discard cylinder head gasket.
   Torque spec

   Cylinder Head Bolts40 Nm (30 lb-ft) + 180°
9. 9

   Inspect and prepare sealing surfaces
   Thoroughly inspect cylinder head for cracks, especially around valve seats and between valve guides. Check cylinder head deck surface for warpage using straightedge and feeler gauge - maximum allowable warpage is typically 0.003 inches (0.076mm). Inspect engine block deck surface similarly. Using plastic gasket scraper, remove all old gasket material from both cylinder head and engine block surfaces. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner or degreaser and lint-free cloths. Inspect cylinder bores for scoring or damage. Ensure all bolt holes in engine block are clean and dry - use compressed air to blow out residue. Check that alignment dowels are present and not damaged.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces as this can cause damage requiring resurfacing. Use only plastic scrapers and Scotch-Brite pads.
10. 10

    Install new cylinder head gasket and position head
    Verify new cylinder head gasket matches old gasket exactly and is correct for left or right bank. Position new cylinder head gasket on engine block, aligning with dowel pins. Note orientation marking on gasket - typically 'TOP' or 'FRONT' indicators. Apply small amount of clean engine oil to cylinder head bolt threads and underside of bolt heads. Carefully lower cylinder head onto engine block, aligning with dowel pins. Ensure head seats fully on gasket without shifting gasket position. Install new cylinder head bolts finger-tight in all positions.
    ⚠Ensure gasket is oriented correctly. Installing gasket backwards will cause coolant and oil passage blockage and immediate engine failure.
11. 11

    Torque cylinder head bolts to specification
    Following manufacturer tightening sequence (typically inside-out pattern starting from center bolts), perform Step 1: Torque all cylinder head bolts to 30 lb-ft (40 Nm) using torque wrench. Perform Step 2: Using torque angle gauge, rotate each bolt an additional 90 degrees in same sequence. Perform Step 3: Rotate each bolt another 90 degrees in same sequence (total of 180 degrees additional rotation from initial torque). Verify all bolts have been properly torqued and turned - use paint marks on bolt heads if helpful to track rotation. Final torque should be approximately 80-90 lb-ft but verify with angle gauge, not final torque value.
    ⚠Torque-to-yield bolts achieve clamping force through controlled stretching. Always follow multi-step torque sequence exactly and verify angle rotation rather than final torque value.
    Torque spec

    Cylinder Head Bolts40 Nm (30 lb-ft) + 180°
12. 12

    Reinstall valve train components
    Lubricate all hydraulic lash adjusters with clean engine oil and install in original positions in cylinder head. Install valve springs and retainers. Using valve spring compressor, compress springs and install valve keepers, ensuring they seat properly in valve stem grooves. Lubricate all camshaft bearing surfaces and lobes with engine assembly lube or clean engine oil. Install camshafts in correct positions (intake and exhaust marked) with lobes for cylinder #1 in TDC position. Install camshaft bearing caps in correct positions and orientation according to markings made during disassembly. Torque bearing cap bolts to specification in proper sequence (typically inside to outside) and in multiple steps to avoid binding.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install timing components and synchronize
    Verify crankshaft is still at TDC for cylinder #1. Install timing chain onto camshaft phasers, aligning marks made during disassembly. Install phasers onto camshafts, ensuring timing marks align with marks on chain and cover. Torque camshaft phaser bolts to specification while holding camshaft with wrench on hex section. Install camshaft position sensor synchronizer assembly at rear of cylinder head and torque to specification. Verify timing alignment using timing marks before removing locking tool. Install timing chain front cover with new gasket, applying RTV silicone to corners where cover meets engine block and cylinder head. Torque front cover bolts to specification. Install harmonic balancer and torque center bolt to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall exhaust, turbocharger, and accessory components
    Install exhaust manifold to cylinder head with new gaskets and torque mounting bolts to specification from center outward. Position turbocharger assembly on exhaust manifold studs and install mounting nuts. Reconnect turbocharger oil drain tube. Reconnect turbocharger coolant feed and return lines with new O-rings or gaskets. Reconnect turbocharger oil feed line. Reconnect exhaust Y-pipe to exhaust manifolds with new gaskets. Install VCT oil control solenoids with new O-rings and torque to specification. Install coolant temperature sensor with new O-ring. For right bank, reinstall alternator and bracket. For left bank, reinstall power steering pump. Install serpentine belt according to routing diagram.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall intake, valve cover, and finalize assembly
    Install lower intake manifold with new gaskets and torque bolts to specification in proper sequence. Install upper intake manifold with new gasket and torque to specification. Reconnect all intake manifold sensors and electrical connections. Reconnect throttle body coolant hoses. Reconnect charge air cooler pipes to turbochargers with new clamps. Install new valve cover gasket, ensuring proper seating in valve cover groove. Install valve cover and torque bolts to 14 lb-ft in crossing pattern from center outward. Install spark plugs and torque to specification. Install ignition coils and torque bolts. Reconnect ignition coil electrical connectors. Install air filter housing and intake tube. Reconnect all remaining hoses and electrical connections per photos taken during disassembly.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and hoses have been reconnected
2. Verify all fasteners have been torqued to specification and no tools are left in engine bay
3. Install new engine oil filter and fill engine with 6 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 synthetic oil
4. Fill cooling system with 13 quarts of Motorcraft Orange Coolant mixed to proper concentration
5. Reconnect negative battery cable
6. Prime fuel system by cycling ignition on and off 3-4 times without cranking
7. Install inner fender shields and wheels, torquing lug nuts to specification
8. Lower vehicle from lift

Verification

• Start engine and verify oil pressure registers immediately on gauge (shutdown immediately if no pressure)
• Allow engine to idle and monitor for unusual noises, vibrations, or misfires
• Verify no coolant, oil, or fuel leaks around all connections made during procedure
• Check for exhaust leaks around manifold and turbocharger connections
• Monitor coolant temperature - verify it reaches normal operating temperature and cooling fans cycle properly
• Bleed cooling system by running engine to operating temperature with radiator cap off (when safe), adding coolant as needed until level stabilizes
• After reaching operating temperature, shutdown and allow to cool, then recheck all fluid levels
• Road test vehicle under light load, monitoring engine temperature and performance
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using OBD-II scanner - address any camshaft position or timing-related codes immediately
• After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck valve cover bolts and retorque if necessary, check for any fluid leaks
• Change engine oil and filter after 500 miles as break-in procedure for new head gasket

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