Complete replacement of all valve springs on both cylinder banks of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, requiring removal of camshafts and use of a valve spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve springs (intake and exhaust) × 24 — 24 total springs - Use OEM Ford specification
• Valve stem seals × 24 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft cap bolts × 1 — Replace if damaged - Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 6 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
2. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge then lifting away
3. Drain coolant from radiator and engine block into suitable container
4. Remove air intake system including air filter housing and intake tube
5. Disconnect and remove ignition coils from all six cylinders
6. Remove spark plugs and store in order
7. Remove both charge air cooler (CAC) tubes from turbochargers to throttle body
8. Disconnect all electrical connectors from valve covers (VCT solenoids, sensors)
9. Remove crankcase ventilation tubes from both valve covers
10. Label and photograph all vacuum lines and electrical connections for reassembly reference
11. Position cylinder #1 to TDC on compression stroke by rotating crankshaft clockwise and confirming timing marks align

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve covers
   Remove mounting bolts from both left and right valve covers following the reverse of the tightening sequence (outside to center pattern). Carefully lift valve covers away from cylinder heads. If covers are stuck, gently tap with rubber mallet - do not pry against sealing surfaces. Remove and discard old valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Lock timing chains and mark cam position
   Install timing chain locking tools through access holes in cylinder heads to prevent chain movement. Mark each camshaft position relative to cylinder head using paint marker on the cam gear and head. Photograph timing marks on camshaft sprockets and timing chain alignment for reference during reassembly. Verify all four camshafts (two per bank) are properly marked.
3. 3

   Remove camshaft sensors and VCT solenoids
   Remove camshaft position (CMP) sensors from both cylinder heads. Remove variable camshaft timing (VCT) solenoids from all four camshafts. Store sensors and solenoids in clean environment to prevent contamination. Check sensor o-rings and replace if damaged.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove rocker arms
   Loosen and remove rocker arm bolts from all cylinders on both banks. Rotate engine as needed to access rocker arm bolts with cam lobes pointing away from rockers being removed. Store rocker arms in organized manner with bolts to ensure reinstallation in exact original positions. Inspect rocker arm contact surfaces and cam follower surfaces for excessive wear or scoring.
   Torque spec

   Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove camshafts
   Loosen camshaft cap bolts gradually in reverse sequence (outside to center), working in multiple passes to release valve spring tension evenly. Remove camshaft caps and store in exact order with arrow marks facing forward. Carefully lift camshafts from cylinder heads using camshaft holding tool if needed. Place camshafts on clean padded surface and cover to prevent contamination. Inspect cam lobes and journals for wear or damage.
   ⚠Loosen cap bolts gradually in sequence to prevent camshaft or cap distortion from uneven valve spring pressure.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Compress and remove valve springs - First bank
   Install valve spring compressor tool on first valve of left cylinder bank. Compress spring carefully until keepers (collets) are accessible. Use magnetic pickup tool to remove both valve keepers. Slowly release spring compressor tension and remove spring retainer, valve spring, and lower spring seat. Remove and discard old valve stem seal using pliers. Repeat for all 12 valves on left bank. Keep parts organized by cylinder number if reusing retainers.
   ⚠️Ensure valve spring compressor is properly seated before applying pressure. Spring can slip and release violently.
   ⚠Do not allow valves to drop into cylinder. Stuff clean rags into cylinder bores around valve stems as safety precaution.
7. 7

   Compress and remove valve springs - Second bank
   Repeat valve spring removal process for all 12 valves on right cylinder bank using same procedure. Compress spring, remove keepers with magnetic tool, release tension, remove retainer and spring, then remove valve stem seal. Inspect all valve stems for scoring or damage. Check valve spring seats in cylinder head for debris or damage.
8. 8

   Install new valve stem seals and springs - First bank
   Clean valve stem seal mounting areas in cylinder head thoroughly. Install new valve stem seals onto valve guides using appropriate seal installation tool or deep socket to press seals evenly into place without damage. Install new lower spring seats (if used), new valve springs with closer-wound coils toward cylinder head, and spring retainers. Compress new spring using spring compressor and install valve keepers with magnetic tool. Slowly release compressor and verify keepers are fully seated in valve stem groove. Tap valve stem lightly with plastic hammer to ensure keepers are secure. Repeat for all 12 valves on left bank.
   ⚠Valve stem seals must be fully seated and square on guides. Damaged seals will cause oil consumption.
9. 9

   Install new valve stem seals and springs - Second bank
   Repeat valve stem seal and spring installation process for all 12 valves on right cylinder bank. Install seals, springs, retainers, compress springs, install keepers, and verify keeper seating for each valve. Remove protective rags from cylinder bores. Verify all 24 valves move freely with light spring pressure and keepers are secure.
10. 10

    Reinstall camshafts
    Apply clean engine oil to all camshaft journals and lobes. Carefully position all four camshafts back into cylinder heads with timing marks aligned to original positions photographed during disassembly. Apply light coat of clean engine oil to camshaft cap journals. Install camshaft caps in exact original positions with arrow marks facing forward and numbered in sequence. Install camshaft cap bolts and tighten in multiple passes from center outward to specified torque. Verify camshaft timing marks still align with chain position after caps are torqued.
    ⚠Camshaft caps must be installed in exact original positions. Caps are machined as matched sets and are not interchangeable.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall rocker arms
    Apply clean engine oil to rocker arm pivot points and valve stem contact surfaces. Install rocker arms in their original positions. Rotate crankshaft as needed to position cam lobes pointing away from rocker arms being installed (on base circle). Install and tighten rocker arm bolts to specified torque with cam lobe pointing away from valve. Verify each rocker arm pivots freely without binding and contacts valve stem tip squarely.
    Torque spec

    Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify valve operation and remove timing locks
    Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise while monitoring for resistance or unusual sounds. Verify all timing marks return to TDC alignment after two revolutions. Confirm all rocker arms operate smoothly through full range of motion. Remove timing chain locking tools. Rotate engine through four complete revolutions by hand to verify valve-to-piston clearance is correct and no interference exists.
    ⚠️If excessive resistance is felt when rotating crankshaft, STOP immediately. Check for valve-to-piston contact or incorrectly installed components.
13. 13

    Install sensors and solenoids
    Install new o-rings on camshaft position sensors if required. Install CMP sensors into cylinder heads and tighten mounting bolts to specified torque. Install VCT solenoids with new o-rings (if applicable) and tighten to specified torque. Apply light coat of clean engine oil to all o-rings before installation.
    Torque spec

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

    Install valve covers
    Clean valve cover mating surfaces on cylinder heads thoroughly with plastic scraper and solvent. Ensure surfaces are completely dry and free of old gasket material or oil. Install new spark plug tube seals into valve covers. Position new valve cover gaskets onto cylinder heads or into valve cover grooves per design. Apply small bead of RTV silicone to front corners where engine front cover meets cylinder heads. Install valve covers and hand-start all bolts. Tighten valve cover bolts in sequence from center outward to specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install spark plugs and ignition coils
    Apply small amount of anti-seize compound to spark plug threads. Install spark plugs and tighten to specified torque. Install ignition coils into valve cover spark plug tubes and secure with mounting bolts. Reconnect all electrical connectors to ignition coils, VCT solenoids, and sensors. Reconnect crankcase ventilation tubes to valve covers.
    Torque spec

    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall charge air cooler tubes between turbochargers and throttle body
2. Reinstall air intake system including filter housing and intake tube
3. Refill cooling system with specified Motorcraft Orange Coolant to proper level
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal
5. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear tabs first then pressing down front clips

Verification

• Perform initial start and listen for unusual valve train noise or ticking - some noise for first 30 seconds is normal until oil pressure builds
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant or oil leaks from valve covers
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to camshaft position or timing
• Monitor oil consumption over next 500 miles to verify valve stem seals are sealing properly
• Verify smooth engine operation at idle and under load with no misfires or rough running
• Recheck valve cover bolt torque after engine reaches operating temperature and cools (optional but recommended)

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