Valve Cover Gaskets - Both

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driver side valve cover gasket × 1 — Ford OEM BR3Z-6584-A or equivalent
• Passenger side valve cover gasket × 1 — Ford OEM BR3Z-6584-B or equivalent
• Spark plug tube seals (set of 8) × 1 — Included with valve cover gaskets or separate

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward firmly on all four corners
4. Label or photograph all electrical connectors and vacuum lines for reinstallation reference
5. Have a container ready for collecting any residual oil that may drip from valve covers

Procedure

1. 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 ignition coil using an 8mm socket. Carefully twist and pull each coil straight up to remove from spark plug tube. Inspect coil boots for cracks or damage.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove spark plugs
   Using a spark plug socket, carefully remove all eight spark plugs. Check spark plug condition and gap. This prevents debris from falling into cylinders and allows easier valve cover removal. Keep plugs organized by cylinder number for inspection.
   ⚠Blow out spark plug tubes with compressed air before removal to prevent debris from entering combustion chamber.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect wiring harnesses and sensors
   On the passenger side, disconnect the camshaft position sensor connector. On the driver side, disconnect the oil pressure sensor and any PCV system connectors attached to the valve cover. Remove any wiring harness brackets or clips attached to the valve covers using appropriate sockets.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)

   Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect PCV and breather hoses
   Disconnect the PCV valve hose from the passenger side valve cover and the breather hose from the driver side valve cover. Some hoses may require twisting to break the seal. Remove any vacuum lines or vent tubes connected to the valve covers.
   ℹ️Take photos of PCV system routing before disconnection for proper reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove driver side valve cover
   Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence using a 10mm socket. There are typically 11 bolts per cover. Gently tap the valve cover with a rubber mallet if stuck, then lift straight up. Tilt slightly to clear any obstructions. Check for any remaining oil and allow to drain.
   ⚠Do not pry between valve cover and cylinder head as this will damage sealing surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove passenger side valve cover
   Remove all valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence using a 10mm socket. Carefully lift the valve cover straight up and maneuver around any remaining components. The passenger side may require more clearance due to engine bay layout.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean all gasket surfaces
   Using a plastic scraper, carefully remove all old gasket material from both valve cover mating surfaces and cylinder head surfaces. Do not use metal tools that could gouge the aluminum. Spray surfaces with brake cleaner and wipe with lint-free rags. Ensure all oil residue and debris are completely removed. Inspect surfaces for damage or warping.
   ⚠Any scratches or gouges in sealing surfaces will cause oil leaks. Surface must be completely clean and smooth.
   Torque spec

   Gasket Surface Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove old spark plug tube seals
   Remove the old spark plug tube seals from each valve cover and cylinder head. These may require needle-nose pliers or a pick tool to extract. Ensure no old seal material remains in the tubes or on the valve covers.
9. 9

   Install new spark plug tube seals
   Install new spark plug tube seals into each valve cover. Press them firmly into place by hand or with a seal installation tool until fully seated. The seals should sit flush and even. Apply a small amount of clean engine oil to the seal lips.
   ℹ️Do not use excessive force that could damage seals. They should press in smoothly with moderate hand pressure.
10. 10

    Install new gaskets and position valve covers
    Place new valve cover gaskets onto the valve covers, ensuring they are properly seated in the cover grooves. Do not use any sealant unless specified by gasket manufacturer. Carefully position each valve cover onto the cylinder head, aligning all bolt holes and ensuring spark plug tubes align properly.
    ℹ️Valve cover gaskets are side-specific. Ensure correct gasket is used for each side.
11. 11

    Install and torque valve cover bolts
    Hand-thread all valve cover bolts finger-tight to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench, tighten bolts to specification in the correct sequence starting from the center and working outward in a criss-cross pattern. Follow the Ford-specified tightening sequence diagram for the 5.0L Coyote engine.
    ⚠Over-tightening valve cover bolts will distort the cover and cause leaks. Use torque wrench and follow sequence exactly.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall spark plugs
    Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to spark plug threads. Thread each spark plug by hand into its cylinder to prevent cross-threading. Torque spark plugs to specification using a torque wrench and spark plug socket.
    ⚠Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum heads requires expensive thread repair. Always start by hand.
    Torque spec

    Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall ignition coils
    Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of each ignition coil boot. Push each coil firmly into its spark plug tube until fully seated. Install coil bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors ensuring they click into place.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Coil Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect all sensors and hoses
    Reconnect all wiring harness connectors, sensors, PCV hoses, and breather hoses. Ensure all connections are secure and properly seated. Reinstall any wiring harness brackets or clips removed earlier. Verify all connections match your reference photos.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)

    Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning all mounting points and pressing down firmly until it clicks into place
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten securely
3. Double-check that all electrical connectors are firmly seated and all hoses are properly connected

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle for 5 minutes while visually inspecting valve covers for any oil leaks
• Check for proper engine operation with no misfires or rough idle
• Rev engine to 2500 RPM briefly and recheck for leaks around valve cover perimeter and spark plug tubes
• After test drive, recheck valve covers when engine is hot for any signs of seepage
• Verify no check engine lights or misfire codes are present

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