Valve Springs - All

This procedure covers the replacement of all valve springs on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, requiring removal of camshafts and associated valve train components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve springs (intake and exhaust) complete set × 32 — Use OEM specification
• Valve spring retainers × 32 — Use OEM specification
• Valve stem seals × 32 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition coil boots (if damaged) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on perimeter clips
4. Disconnect both battery cables and remove battery for workspace access
5. Drain coolant from radiator and engine block to level below thermostat housing
6. Remove air intake system from throttle body to airbox
7. Label and photograph all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and sensor positions for reference
8. Create a clean workspace with organized containers for fasteners sorted by component

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ignition coils and spark plugs
   Disconnect all eight ignition coil electrical connectors. Remove the mounting bolt from each coil and pull upward with a twisting motion to release from spark plug tubes. Remove all spark plugs using a spark plug socket, noting any oil presence in spark plug wells which indicates failed tube seals.
   Torque spec

   Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

   Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove valve covers
   Disconnect all electrical connectors from components mounted on valve covers including variable camshaft timing (VCT) solenoids and sensors. Remove the valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (working from outside toward center). Carefully lift valve covers off, using a plastic pry tool at designated pry points if necessary. Do not pry against gasket mating surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

   Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove accessory drive components and front covers
   Remove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner clockwise. Remove crankshaft pulley bolt (requires holding crankshaft from rotating). Remove water pump pulley. Remove front timing chain covers by removing all perimeter bolts and carefully separating covers from engine block. Clean any remaining gasket material from mating surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lock timing chain and mark camshaft positions
   Rotate engine to TDC on cylinder #1 (camshaft lobes for cylinder #1 pointing outward, timing marks aligned). Install timing chain locking tool per manufacturer instructions to prevent chain movement. Using paint marker or scribe, mark the relationship between camshaft sprockets and timing chain. Photograph timing alignment for reference.
   ⚠Timing alignment must be exact. Triple-check positioning before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove camshaft position sensors and VCT solenoids
   Disconnect electrical connectors from all camshaft position (CMP) sensors and variable camshaft timing solenoids. Remove mounting bolts and carefully withdraw sensors. Inspect O-rings for damage and replace if necessary during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Mark and remove camshaft caps
   Using a permanent marker, clearly mark each camshaft bearing cap with its position number and orientation arrow pointing toward front of engine. Loosen camshaft cap bolts in reverse order (outside to center) in multiple passes, loosening each bolt 1/4 turn at a time to prevent camshaft distortion. Remove all cap bolts and carefully lift caps straight up, keeping them in exact order.
   ⚠Camshaft caps must be returned to their exact original positions. Swapping caps will cause bearing damage and oil starvation.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove camshafts
   Carefully lift camshafts straight up and out of cylinder head. Support camshafts to prevent them from bending. Inspect camshaft bearing journals and lobes for scoring or wear. Place camshafts on clean padded surface where they will not roll. Note the orientation of variable camshaft timing actuators.
   ⚠️With camshafts removed, DO NOT rotate crankshaft under any circumstances. Piston-to-valve contact will occur causing catastrophic damage.
8. 8

   Remove rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters
   Lift out each rocker arm and set aside in order. Remove hydraulic lash adjusters (HLAs) from their bores using a magnetic pickup tool. Keep HLAs organized by cylinder number and intake/exhaust position. Store HLAs upright in clean engine oil to prevent air from entering.
   ℹ️Hydraulic lash adjusters must be kept upright and submerged in oil. If air enters, they will require bleeding before engine start.
9. 9

   Compress and remove valve springs
   Install valve spring compressor tool on first valve spring. Apply air pressure (60-80 psi) to spark plug hole to prevent valve from dropping into cylinder. Compress spring until retainer keepers are accessible. Use magnetic tool to remove both keepers. Slowly release spring compressor and remove retainer, spring, and valve stem seal. Repeat for all 32 valves, keeping components organized by position.
   ⚠️Ensure compressed air is maintaining valve position. If valve drops into cylinder, cylinder head removal will be required.
   ⚠Valve spring compressor must be properly aligned and seated to prevent tool slippage and component damage.
10. 10

    Inspect valves and guides
    With springs removed, inspect each valve stem for wear, scoring, or bent stems. Check valve stem-to-guide clearance if measuring tools available. Inspect valve seats for pitting or burning. Clean carbon deposits from valve stems and combustion chambers using appropriate solvent. Verify valve movement is smooth in guides.
    ℹ️If excessive valve stem wear or guide wear is found, cylinder head removal and machine work may be required.
11. 11

    Install new valve stem seals and springs
    Lubricate new valve stem seals with clean engine oil. Install seal onto valve guide using appropriate driver tool, seating seal fully against cylinder head. Install new valve spring over guide with closer-wound coils toward cylinder head. Place retainer on spring. Compress spring and install both keepers into valve stem groove, ensuring they seat properly. Slowly release compressor and verify keepers are locked in place. Repeat for all 32 valves.
    ⚠Verify valve spring orientation. Installing springs backward will cause incorrect spring pressure and potential valve float.
12. 12

    Reinstall hydraulic lash adjusters and rocker arms
    Remove hydraulic lash adjusters from oil bath and inspect for plunger free play (should have minimal movement). Install each HLA into its original bore, pressing down until fully seated. Install rocker arms onto valve tips and HLA sockets in their original positions. Verify each rocker arm moves freely.
    ℹ️If HLAs were not kept submerged in oil, they may need additional time after assembly for oil to purge trapped air.
13. 13

    Reinstall camshafts and bearing caps
    Apply clean engine oil to all camshaft bearing journals and lobes. Carefully lower camshafts into position, ensuring they align with timing marks made earlier. Apply light coat of engine oil to bearing cap contact surfaces. Install each bearing cap in its exact original position per markings, with orientation arrows pointing forward. Install cap bolts finger tight. Tighten camshaft cap bolts in sequence from center outward in three passes: first to 5 Nm, second to 10 Nm, final to specification.
    ⚠Tighten camshaft caps gradually in multiple passes. Uneven tightening will distort camshaft and cause bearing damage.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Verify and lock timing alignment
    Verify all timing marks align exactly as photographed during disassembly. Check that camshaft sprockets align with their marks on timing chain. Ensure timing chain locking tool remains in place. Verify crankshaft is still at TDC for cylinder #1. Do not proceed if timing is not perfect.
    ⚠️Incorrect timing will cause immediate engine damage upon startup. Verify timing alignment three times before proceeding.
15. 15

    Reinstall sensors, covers, and complete reassembly
    Install camshaft position sensors and VCT solenoids with new O-rings lubricated with engine oil. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with plastic scraper. Apply thin bead of RTV to corners where head meets front cover. Install timing covers with new gaskets. Install valve covers with new gaskets, tightening bolts in sequence from center outward. Install spark plugs with anti-seize compound. Install ignition coils. Reconnect all electrical connections and hoses. Refill coolant system.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts60 Nm (44 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

    Gasket Surface Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)

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

    Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall battery and connect both terminals, negative last
2. Refill cooling system with Motorcraft Orange Coolant and bleed air from system
3. Check engine oil level and top off with Motorcraft 0W-20 if needed
4. Install engine cover by aligning clips and pressing firmly until seated
5. Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked

Verification

• Before starting engine, manually verify smooth rotation by turning crankshaft pulley bolt 1/4 turn clockwise (resistance should be even)
• Prime oil system by cranking engine with fuel pump fuse removed until oil pressure gauge shows reading
• Start engine and immediately verify oil pressure. Listen for unusual valve train noise
• Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes, monitoring for oil leaks, coolant leaks, and unusual noises
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft position sensors or VCT system
• Perform test drive and verify normal engine operation, smooth acceleration, and no misfires
• Recheck valve cover and timing cover areas for oil leaks after engine reaches operating temperature
• After 50-100 miles, recheck valve cover bolt torque as gaskets may compress slightly

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