engine
Rocker Arms - All
for 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo · AWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
6.7 h
Tools
11
Steps
13
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Complete replacement of all rocker arms on the 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, requiring removal of valve covers, intake components, and careful timing consideration during installation.
Warnings
⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before starting work. Hot oil and components can cause severe burns.
⚠Rocker arms must be installed with cam lobes pointing away from valve stem to prevent valve damage during tightening.
⚠Do not rotate crankshaft or camshafts with rocker arms removed or improperly torqued, as this can cause valve-to-piston contact.
ℹ️Keep all rocker arms organized by cylinder and position if reusing any components for inspection purposes.
Tools required
Torque wrench (5-60 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Torx bit setEssential
Clean ragsEssential
Parts cleaning solventEssential
Gasket scraperEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Rocker arms (set of 24 for V6) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Valve cover bolt grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Intake manifold gaskets × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Spark plug tube seals × 6 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- Selenia Racing 10W-60 — 6 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and isolate cable
- Remove engine cover by releasing clips and lifting upward
- Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and cranking engine briefly
- Drain engine coolant into suitable container if radiator hoses interfere with access
- Document all electrical connector locations with photos before disconnection
Procedure
- 1Remove intake manifold and accessoriesDisconnect all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and breather hoses from intake manifold. Label each connection for reassembly. Remove air intake ducts and throttle body connections. Unbolt intake manifold and carefully lift away from engine. Remove any sensors or wiring harnesses attached to valve covers.
- 2Remove valve coversDisconnect ignition coil connectors and remove coil packs from each cylinder. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse sequence (outside to inside pattern). Gently pry valve covers loose using plastic tools at designated pry points. Do not damage gasket mating surfaces. Remove and discard old gaskets and seals.
- 3Lock camshafts in positionRotate crankshaft to TDC on cylinder 1 (both cam lobes pointing outward on cylinder 1). Install Maserati special camshaft locking tools into rear of each camshaft to prevent rotation. Verify timing marks are aligned. This is critical to prevent valve-to-piston contact during rocker arm removal and installation.⚠Failure to lock camshafts can result in catastrophic engine damage during this procedure.
- 4Remove rocker arm assembliesStarting from the center and working outward, gradually loosen rocker arm shaft bolts in 1/4 turn increments to release valve spring tension evenly. Once all bolts are loose, remove bolts completely and lift rocker arm shaft assembly from cylinder head. Repeat for opposite bank. Keep left and right bank components separated.
- 5Inspect and clean rocker arm boresRemove all old rocker arms from shafts and inspect shafts for wear, scoring, or damage. Clean all rocker arm mounting surfaces in cylinder heads using parts cleaner and clean rags. Inspect cam lobes for wear or pitting. Clean oil passages in cylinder head with compressed air. Ensure no debris remains in rocker arm bores.ℹ️Any damage to camshaft lobes or rocker arm shafts requires replacement before proceeding.
- 6Prepare new rocker armsUnpack new rocker arms and inspect for shipping damage. Lubricate all rocker arm pivot points and contact surfaces with clean engine oil. Install new rocker arms onto rocker arm shafts in correct orientation (oil holes must align). Ensure rocker arms move freely on shafts without binding.
- 7Install rocker arm assembliesPosition rocker arm shaft assemblies onto cylinder heads, ensuring all rocker arms are aligned with valve stems. Verify camshafts are still locked in position. Install rocker arm shaft bolts finger-tight. Check that each rocker arm is properly seated on its valve stem and cam lobe before tightening.
- 8Torque rocker arm shaft boltsTighten rocker arm shaft bolts evenly in sequence from center outward in 1/4 turn increments to prevent binding. Follow manufacturer's tightening sequence if available. Final torque all bolts to specification. Verify each rocker arm moves freely after tightening and properly contacts cam lobe. Repeat procedure for opposite cylinder bank.⚠Uneven tightening can bind rocker arms or damage shafts. Tighten gradually and evenly.Torque specRocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 9Verify valve train operationRemove camshaft locking tools. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions using socket on crankshaft pulley bolt. Feel for smooth rotation without binding or unusual resistance. Visually verify all rocker arms are operating correctly and contacting valves properly throughout rotation. Re-lock camshafts at TDC cylinder 1 and verify timing marks still align.⚠️If any binding or unusual resistance is felt, STOP immediately and investigate before proceeding.
- 10Clean and prepare gasket surfacesThoroughly clean valve cover gasket mating surfaces on cylinder heads using gasket scraper and solvent. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Surfaces must be completely clean and dry. Clean valve cover mating surfaces as well. Inspect for warpage or damage.
- 11Install valve coversInstall new spark plug tube seals into valve covers. Position new valve cover gaskets with integrated bolt grommets. Carefully place valve covers onto cylinder heads, ensuring gaskets remain properly positioned. Install valve cover bolts finger-tight. Tighten bolts in sequence (typically starting from center and working outward in crisscross pattern) to specified torque.Torque specCover Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall ignition coils and accessoriesInstall ignition coil packs into spark plug tubes and connect electrical connectors. Position intake manifold with new gaskets and install mounting bolts, tightening evenly. Reconnect all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, breather hoses, and fuel lines according to documentation taken during disassembly.Torque specIntake Manifold Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 13Refill fluids and complete assemblyRefill cooling system with Maserati OAT coolant if drained. Add fresh Selenia Racing 10W-60 engine oil to proper level (account for oil remaining in engine if not fully drained). Reconnect battery negative terminal. Install engine cover.
Reassembly
- Torque all fasteners to exact specifications using calibrated torque wrench
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
- Double-check that no tools or rags remain in engine bay before starting
- Verify all fluid levels are correct before starting engine
Verification
- Start engine and listen for unusual valve train noise such as ticking or tapping
- Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no oil leaks from valve covers
- Check for smooth idle with no misfires or rough running
- Perform test drive and verify normal engine performance under load
- Re-check valve cover bolt torque after first heat cycle (engine cool)
- Monitor oil consumption over next 500 miles to ensure proper sealing