On 2.3L and 2.5L engines, the head bolts are torque-to-yield type and should not be reused; purchase NEW head bolts. On 2008 and earlier models, open the fuel pressure release, disconnect the battery negative terminal, take out the intake duct connected to the air filter housing, disconnect accelerator and cruise control cables if installed, drain the cooling system and remove the timing belt/chain, camshafts, temporarily install the valve cover, disconnect the camshaft position sensor, remove the complete fuel rail and injectors, take out the alternator and its mounting bracket, remove 2009 and later models need to do the following; relieve the fuel system pressure, join the negative battery terminal, lift the car properly with jackstands, drain the cooling system, remove the variable camshaft timing solenoid, remove the timing chain, put marks on the camshafts and bearing caps, remove the camshafts, remove the valve lifters and ensure that you mark them to facilitate reinstallation, remove the intake manifold, remove And starting from the last sequence with which the bolts were tightened, undo each of them by half a turn and while jacking up the cylinder head from the engine compartment be careful not to damage the aluminum alloy employed in its construction. Scrub the surfaces of mating cylinder head and block, making sure that no carbon gets into the oil and water channels and with fingers and thumb, it is advisable to run the surfaces and check for nicks or scratches on them. Clean the contacted surfaces, make sure the locating dowels are set and the cylinder head bolt holes have no contact with oil or water. Choose a new head gasket depending the number located on the front face of the cylinder block, position it appropriately, and reinstall the crankshaft pulley, but before tightening of the bolts the Number 1 cylinder must be lowered to prevent impact with the valves. Engine guide studs help in the positioning of the cylinder head, then NEW head bolts that should have a light oil on the threads are tightened progressively as indicated below. In the 2.0L engine, tighten the bolts through the angle not the torque, for 2.3L & 2.5L engines follow live tightening stage & then use angle torque method on the last two stages. It is crucial to position the crankshaft back to its TDC before embarking on the installation of other components which is simply a reverse of the removal process; the catalytic converter complete with new gaskets, camshafts and timing belt/chain should then be fitted and tightened to manufacturer recommended torque; hoses, wirings and others components need to be routed correctly; the cooling system should be refilled to the recommended level; and the vehicle should After battery connection, Powertrain Control Module has to be put again on learning mode for idle and fuel trim.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist