This procedure adjusts valve lash on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote V8 engine using hydraulic lash adjusters to ensure proper valve train operation and engine performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 20 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition coil seals × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil (if contaminated during service) × 1 — Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 4 hours after last operation)
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover clips
4. Label and photograph all electrical connections and vacuum lines for reference
5. Remove air intake tube and air filter housing
6. Disconnect all ignition coil connectors on both valve covers

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Ignition Coils
   Remove the bolt from each ignition coil using an 8mm socket. Carefully pull each coil straight up from the spark plug tube. Keep coils in order for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Valve Covers
   Disconnect any remaining sensors and wiring harnesses attached to the valve covers. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully pry valve covers loose using plastic tools to avoid damaging gasket surfaces. Remove and discard old gaskets.
   ⚠Do not pry on aluminum gasket sealing surfaces as damage will cause oil leaks.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Inspect Valve Train Components
   With valve covers removed, visually inspect all rocker arms, valve springs, and adjusting screws for wear or damage. Check for any oil contamination or debris in the valve train. Clean the area around rocker arms with clean rags if necessary.
4. 4

   Position Cylinder 1 at TDC Compression
   Rotate the crankshaft clockwise using a breaker bar on the crankshaft pulley bolt until cylinder 1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke. Verify both intake and exhaust valves for cylinder 1 are closed (rocker arms should have clearance). The timing marks on the front cover should align with the crankshaft damper mark.
   ⚠Always rotate engine in normal direction of rotation (clockwise from front). Never rotate backwards.
5. 5

   Check Valve Lash on First Set
   With cylinder 1 at TDC, check valve lash on cylinders 1, 3, 7, and 8 (firing order method). Insert appropriate feeler gauge between rocker arm tip and valve stem. Factory specification is 0.008-0.010 inch for intake valves and 0.010-0.012 inch for exhaust valves when cold. The feeler gauge should slide with slight resistance.
6. 6

   Adjust Valves as Needed (First Set)
   For any valve outside specification, loosen the lock nut on the rocker arm adjustment screw while holding the screw with the valve adjustment tool. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to decrease lash or counterclockwise to increase lash. Once correct lash is achieved using feeler gauge, hold the adjustment screw firmly and tighten the lock nut. Recheck lash after tightening to ensure it did not change.
   ⚠Must hold adjustment screw stationary while tightening lock nut or adjustment will change.
   Torque spec

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

   Rotate Engine 360 Degrees
   Rotate the crankshaft exactly 360 degrees (one full rotation) clockwise. This positions the camshaft for checking the remaining cylinders.
8. 8

   Check Valve Lash on Second Set
   Check valve lash on cylinders 2, 4, 5, and 6 using the same feeler gauge method. Insert feeler gauge between rocker arm and valve stem. Intake specification: 0.008-0.010 inch, Exhaust specification: 0.010-0.012 inch when cold.
9. 9

   Adjust Valves as Needed (Second Set)
   Adjust any valves outside specification using the same method as step 6. Loosen lock nut while holding adjustment screw, turn screw to achieve proper lash, then tighten lock nut while holding screw stationary. Verify lash measurement after each adjustment.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Clean Gasket Surfaces
    Thoroughly clean all valve cover gasket mating surfaces on both cylinder heads and valve covers using gasket scraper and degreaser. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Surfaces must be completely clean and dry for proper seal.
    ⚠Do not gouge or scratch aluminum sealing surfaces. Any damage will cause oil leaks.
11. 11

    Install New Valve Cover Gaskets
    Install new valve cover gaskets into the valve cover grooves. Ensure gaskets are fully seated and properly positioned. Install new bolt grommets into valve cover bolt holes. Apply a small dab of engine oil to the gasket sealing beads if specified by gasket manufacturer.
12. 12

    Install Valve Covers
    Carefully position valve covers onto cylinder heads, ensuring gaskets remain properly seated. Install all valve cover bolts finger-tight first. Tighten bolts in the proper sequence (center outward spiral pattern) to specification using torque wrench. Use multiple passes, tightening to 50% torque first, then final torque.
    ⚠Must follow proper tightening sequence to prevent gasket distortion and oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall Ignition Coils
    Install new ignition coil seals if provided. Carefully insert each ignition coil into its spark plug tube, ensuring proper seating. Install coil mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall air intake system and air filter housing
2. Reconnect all vacuum lines and electrical connections per photos taken during disassembly
3. Install engine cover by pressing down until clips engage
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal
5. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have been set during battery disconnect

Verification

• Start engine and listen for any abnormal valve train noise. Properly adjusted valves should be quiet with no ticking or tapping sounds
• Check for oil leaks around valve cover gaskets while engine is running
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify smooth idle
• Road test vehicle and verify normal performance with no misfires or rough running
• Recheck for valve cover leaks after 50-100 miles of driving

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