engine

Rocker Arms - All

for 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD

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

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

3.9 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.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of all rocker arms on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including valve cover removal, rocker arm shaft disassembly, and proper reassembly with torque specifications.

Warnings

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

⚠The 5.0L Coyote is a dual overhead cam engine with independent rocker arms per valve. Rocker arms must be reinstalled in their exact original positions and orientations.

⚠Do not rotate the engine with rocker arms removed or loosened. This can cause valve-to-piston contact and severe engine damage.

ℹ️Mark all rocker arms, shafts, and pedestals with their cylinder number and position before removal to ensure correct reinstallation.

Tools required

Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)Essential

Socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential

Ratchet and extensionsEssential

Plastic scraperEssential

Brake cleaner or degreaserEssential

Clean lint-free ragsEssential

Valve spring compressor (Coyote specific)

Magnetic parts tray

Wire brush

Digital caliper or feeler gauge set

Parts

Valve cover gasket set (both banks) × 2 — Use OEM specification
Rocker arm assemblies (16 total) × 16 — Use OEM specification
Ignition coil o-rings (8 total) × 8 — Use OEM specification
Valve cover bolt grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification
Gasket sealant (RTV if required) × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31

Fluids

Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 1 qt

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge
Relieve fuel system pressure if working near fuel rails
Label and photograph all electrical connections and vacuum lines before disconnection
Place vehicle on level ground with parking brake engaged

Procedure

1
Remove ignition coils and spark plugs
Disconnect the eight ignition coil electrical connectors. Remove the ignition coil mounting bolts and pull coils straight up from valve cover. Remove all spark plugs to prevent engine rotation resistance and allow easier crankshaft positioning during reassembly.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)
2
Remove driver side valve cover
Disconnect any electrical connectors, PCV hoses, and breather tubes from the driver side valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover off, tapping gently with a rubber mallet if stuck. Inspect gasket mating surface for damage.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3
Remove passenger side valve cover
Disconnect electrical connectors and ventilation hoses from passenger side valve cover. You may need to move or disconnect portions of the intake system for clearance. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse sequence and lift cover off. Clean any oil residue from exposed components.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
4
Mark and document rocker arm positions
Before removing any rocker arms, use a permanent marker or paint pen to mark each rocker arm with its cylinder number and position (intake or exhaust). Take detailed photos. The Coyote engine has specific rocker arm designs for intake and exhaust that are NOT interchangeable. Each rocker should return to its exact original position to maintain proper valve train geometry.
⚠Failure to mark rocker positions will result in mixing components, which can cause valve train damage and poor engine performance.
5
Position camshafts for rocker removal
Rotate the crankshaft to position each camshaft lobe away from the rocker arm before removal. The cam lobe should point away from the rocker (base circle contact) to remove spring pressure. Work on one rocker at a time, rotating the engine as needed. Use a 22mm socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt to rotate the engine clockwise only.
⚠Never force rocker arm bolts when cam lobe is applying pressure. This can bend pushrods or damage rocker arms.
6
Remove driver side rocker arms
With each cam lobe positioned correctly, remove the rocker arm bolts. On the Coyote, each rocker arm has its own mounting bolt into the cylinder head. Keep each rocker arm and bolt together in labeled containers or magnetic trays. Inspect each rocker arm pad and roller for wear, scoring, or pitting. Check rocker arm bores for excessive wear.
Torque spec
Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
7
Remove passenger side rocker arms
Repeat the rocker arm removal process for the passenger side cylinder bank. Rotate crankshaft to position each cam lobe on base circle before removing rocker bolts. Keep all components organized by cylinder number and position. Inspect valve stem tips for wear or mushrooming while rocker arms are removed.
Torque spec
Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
8
Inspect and prepare replacement rocker arms
Inspect all new rocker arms for defects or damage. Pre-lubricate all rocker arm bearing surfaces, rollers, and valve contact pads with clean engine oil. Ensure replacement rocker arms match original specifications for intake and exhaust positions. Compare old and new rocker arms to verify correct parts.
ℹ️Some aftermarket rocker arms may have different ratio designs. Verify compatibility with factory camshaft profiles before installation.
9
Install driver side rocker arms
Apply a thin coat of engine oil to rocker arm mounting bolts and threads in cylinder head. Position the crankshaft so the cam lobe points away from the rocker arm installation point. Install each rocker arm in its original marked position. Hand-thread rocker arm bolts, then torque to specification with cam lobe on base circle. Work cylinder by cylinder, rotating engine as needed.
⚠Rocker arm bolts must only be tightened when the cam lobe is pointing away from the rocker. Tightening under valve spring pressure will give false torque readings and can damage components.
Torque spec
Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10
Install passenger side rocker arms
Repeat the installation process for the passenger side rocker arms. Ensure each rocker returns to its exact original position. Apply oil to bolt threads and rocker contact surfaces. Torque each rocker arm bolt with cam lobe positioned on base circle. Verify all rocker arms move freely and contact valve stems centrally.
Torque spec
Rocker Arm Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11
Verify valve train operation
Slowly rotate the engine two complete revolutions by hand using the crankshaft pulley bolt. Feel for any binding, unusual resistance, or abnormal sounds. Watch each rocker arm operation to ensure proper movement and valve contact. All rockers should move smoothly through their full range without binding or excessive play.
⚠If any binding or resistance is felt during rotation, stop immediately and inspect for incorrect rocker installation or valve train damage.
12
Clean and prepare valve cover mating surfaces
Thoroughly clean all gasket mating surfaces on both valve covers and cylinder heads using plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Inspect surfaces for warping or damage. Surfaces must be completely clean and dry before gasket installation. Check valve cover bolt holes and clean threads.
Torque spec
Gasket Surface Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
13
Install valve covers
Install new valve cover gaskets and grommets. Position valve covers carefully onto cylinder heads, ensuring gaskets seat properly and do not shift. Install valve cover bolts with new grommets. Tighten bolts in sequence from center outward in multiple passes: first to 5 Nm, then to final specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors, PCV hoses, and breather tubes.
Torque spec
Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14
Reinstall ignition coils and spark plugs
Install spark plugs hand-tight, then torque to specification (not provided - use vehicle service manual). Install new ignition coil o-rings if available. Insert ignition coils into valve cover boots and secure with mounting bolts. Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors. Verify all connections are secure.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)
15
Final checks and startup
Reconnect negative battery cable. Check that all tools are removed from engine bay. Verify all electrical connections are secure and all hoses are reconnected. Add 1 quart of fresh engine oil to compensate for oil loss during the procedure. Start engine and listen for abnormal valve train noise. Allow engine to idle for several minutes while monitoring for oil leaks around valve covers.
⚠Some valve train noise is normal for the first few seconds after startup as oil pressure builds. Continuous ticking or tapping indicates a problem requiring immediate investigation.

Reassembly

Valve covers must be torqued in proper sequence from center outward to prevent gasket leaks
All electrical connectors should click firmly into place when properly seated
Verify PCV system hoses are properly routed and secured with clamps
Check engine oil level on dipstick after startup and adjust as necessary

Verification

Start engine and verify smooth idle with no excessive valve train noise beyond normal Coyote engine character
Inspect valve cover perimeter for oil leaks after 5-10 minutes of operation
Rev engine gently to 2500-3000 RPM and listen for any unusual ticking, tapping, or rattling from valve train
Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no oil leaks at valve covers
Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine performance with no misfires or power loss
Recheck valve cover bolt torque after engine cools from first heat cycle

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