This procedure covers checking and adjusting valve lash on the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine to maintain proper valve train operation and prevent noise or performance issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Left valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Right valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Spark plug tube seals (set of 6) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PCV valve grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (has not run for at least 4 hours)
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward firmly on all corners
4. Relieve fuel system pressure by locating and removing fuel pump fuse, then starting engine until it stalls
5. Remove air intake system from throttle body to air filter housing
6. Label and disconnect all electrical connectors on both valve covers
7. Disconnect PCV hoses and breather tubes from valve covers
8. Remove ignition coils from all six cylinders and set aside safely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Right Bank Valve Cover
   Remove the valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside). Carefully lift the valve cover from the cylinder head. If stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet or use a plastic pry tool at the designated pry points. Do not pry on machined sealing surfaces.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove Left Bank Valve Cover
   Remove the valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. The left side may require removal of additional components for access. Carefully lift the valve cover from the cylinder head using the same techniques as the right side.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Rotate Engine to TDC Cylinder 1
   Using a 22mm socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt, rotate the engine clockwise (viewed from front) until the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley aligns with the TDC mark on the timing cover and cylinder 1 is on compression stroke (both valves closed). Verify by checking that both rocker arms on cylinder 1 have play.
4. 4

   Check Valve Lash - Cylinder 1
   Insert the appropriate feeler gauge between the rocker arm and valve stem tip. The gauge should slide with slight resistance. Ford specification for this engine is typically 0.15-0.25mm (0.006-0.010 inches) for intake and 0.25-0.35mm (0.010-0.014 inches) for exhaust when cold. Check both intake and exhaust valves. Record measurements.
   ℹ️Verify exact specifications in service manual as lash specs can vary by model year. Use cold engine specifications only.
5. 5

   Adjust Valve Lash if Needed
   If lash is out of specification, hold the valve lash adjusting screw stationary with a thin screwdriver while loosening the lock nut. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise to decrease lash or counterclockwise to increase lash. Once correct lash is achieved, hold the screw and tighten the lock nut to specification. Recheck clearance after tightening as it may change slightly.
   ⚠Always hold the adjusting screw while tightening the lock nut to prevent the adjustment from changing.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Check and Adjust Remaining Cylinders - First Position
   With engine at TDC cylinder 1, you can also check cylinders 2, 4, and 5 (firing order dependent). Check the shop manual for the specific sequence to minimize engine rotation. Check lash and adjust as needed on all accessible valves in this position using the same procedure as steps 4 and 5.
   Torque spec

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

   Rotate Engine 360 Degrees
   Rotate the crankshaft clockwise one complete revolution (360 degrees) to bring the remaining cylinders into position for adjustment. The timing mark should return to TDC but different cylinders will now be on compression stroke.
8. 8

   Check and Adjust Remaining Cylinders - Second Position
   Check and adjust valve lash on all remaining cylinders (cylinders 3 and 6, and any others not accessible in the first position). Follow the same procedure of checking with feeler gauge and adjusting as necessary. Ensure all 12 valves have been checked and adjusted.
   Torque spec

   Valve Lash Adjusting Screw Lock Nut20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Clean Valve Cover Mating Surfaces
   Thoroughly clean all gasket material and oil residue from both valve covers and cylinder head mating surfaces using a plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Ensure surfaces are completely clean and dry. Inspect for any damage or warping that could cause leaks.
   ⚠Never use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces as they can cause gouges that will create leak paths.
   Torque spec

   Gasket Surface Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install New Valve Cover Gaskets
    Install new valve cover gaskets into the valve cover grooves. Ensure gaskets are seated properly all the way around. Install new spark plug tube seals, pressing them firmly into place. Replace PCV valve grommets if removed.
11. 11

    Install Left Valve Cover
    Carefully position the left valve cover onto the cylinder head, ensuring the gasket remains properly seated. Install all valve cover bolts finger-tight first. Then torque the bolts in sequence (center outward in a crossing pattern) to specification.
    ⚠Always tighten valve cover bolts in the proper sequence to prevent gasket distortion and oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install Right Valve Cover
    Carefully position the right valve cover onto the cylinder head, ensuring the gasket remains properly seated. Install all valve cover bolts finger-tight first. Then torque the bolts in sequence (center outward in a crossing pattern) to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall Ignition Coils and Connectors
    Reinstall all six ignition coils into their spark plug tubes, ensuring they seat fully. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the valve covers and ignition coils using your labels for reference. Reconnect PCV hoses and breather tubes.
    Torque spec

    Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the air intake system from throttle body to air filter housing
2. Reinstall the fuel pump fuse to restore fuel system operation
3. Reinstall the engine cover, pressing down firmly until all grommets seat
4. Reconnect the negative battery cable
5. Check that all tools and materials have been removed from the engine bay

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly without unusual valve train noise or ticking
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and check for oil leaks around valve covers
• Listen for proper valve operation at idle and during light acceleration
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
• Road test vehicle to ensure normal operation and performance
• Recheck valve cover area for leaks after first 50 miles of operation

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