Ford Explorer 4.6 engine valve cover removal?

Valve Covers

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

4.6L Engine
Left Side

1. Disconnect the crankcase breather tube from the valve cover.
2. Remove the bolt and position the oil level indicator tube aside.
3. Detach the wiring harness retainers from the valve cover studs.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Detach the wiring harness retainers from the valve cover studs (arrows)
4. Note the locations of the bolts and stud bolts for installation reference.
   
   NOTE

   To prevent stretching the valve cover gasket, loosen silicone gasket and sealant from the cylinder head by sliding a flat knife between the valve cover gasket and cylinder head.
5. Loosen the bolts and stud bolts and remove the valve cover.

To install:

WARNING

Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surfaces. These tools cause scratches and gouges that make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of old sealant.

1. Clean and inspect the valve cover mating surface of the cylinder head with silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep and a plastic scraping tool. Follow the directions on the packaging.
2. Inspect the valve cover gasket. If the gasket is damaged, remove and discard the gasket. Clean the valve cover gasket groove with soap and water or a suitable solvent.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. If a new gasket is being installed, apply gasket adhesive completely around the gasket groove in the valve cover
3. If a new gasket is being installed, apply gasket adhesive completely around the gasket groove in the valve cover.
4. Apply gasket sealant in 2 places where the engine front cover meets the cylinder head.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Apply gasket sealant in 2 places where the engine front cover meets the cylinder head
5. Position the valve cover and finger tighten the bolts and stud bolts.
6. Tighten the bolts and stud bolts in the sequence shown to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Valve cover tightening sequence-4.6L engines
7. Connect the engine wiring harness retainers to the valve cover studs.
8. Position the oil level indicator tube and install the bolt and tighten to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
9. Connect the crankcase breather hose to the valve cover.

Right Side

1. Remove the air cleaner assembly and the air cleaner outlet pipe.
2. Disconnect the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) tube from the PCV valve.
3. Remove the heater control valve and hose assembly bracket bolt.
4. Disconnect the vacuum hose connector and position the heater control valve and hose assembly aside.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Disconnect the vacuum hose connector (arrow)
5. Remove the 2 A/C tube clamp nuts and position the A/C tube aside.
6. Disconnect the engine wiring harness retainers from the valve cover studs and position the harness aside.
   
   NOTE

   To prevent stretching of the valve cover gasket, loosen the silicone gasket and sealant from the cylinder head by sliding a flat knife between the valve cover gasket and the cylinder head.
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Right Hand engine wiring harness retainers on the valve cover studs
7. Remove the 8 stud bolts, the 3 bolts and the valve cover.

To install:

WARNING

Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surfaces. These tools cause scratches and gouges which make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of old sealant.

1. Clean and inspect the valve cover mating surface of the cylinder head with silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep and a plastic scraping tool. Follow the directions on the packaging.
2. Inspect the valve cover gasket. If the gasket is damaged, remove and discard the gasket. Clean the valve cover gasket groove with soap and water or a suitable solvent.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. If a new gasket is being installed, apply gasket adhesive completely around the gasket groove in the valve cover
3. If a new gasket is being installed, apply gasket adhesive completely around the gasket groove in the valve cover.
4. Apply gasket sealant in 2 places where the engine front cover meets the cylinder head.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Apply gasket sealant in 2 places where the engine front cover meets the cylinder head
5. Position the valve cover and install the 8 stud bolts and 3 bolts finger tight.
6. Tighten the 8 stud bolts and 3 bolts in the sequence shown to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Right side valve cover tightening sequence-4.6L engine
7. Connect the engine wiring harness retainers to the valve cover studs.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Right Hand engine wiring harness retainers on the valve cover studs
8. Position the A/C tube and install the 2 clamp nuts and tighten to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
9. Position the heater control valve and hose assembly, connect the vacuum connector and install the bolt and tighten to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Disconnect the vacuum hose connector (arrow)
10. Connect the PCV valve tube to the PCV valve.