Valve Spring-Lash Adjustment

Special Tools:

Removal
1. Remove the RH valve cover.
2. Remove the LH valve cover.

3. CAUTION: Rotating the crankshaft in a counterclockwise direction may cause engine damage. Crankshaft journals are directionally machined. Rotating the crankshaft counterclockwise can raise burrs on bearing surfaces, reducing engine life.

CAUTION: Camshaft lobes must be 180° away from each valve tappet or valve lash measurements will be incorrect.

Rotate the engine clockwise to position the camshaft lobe away from the shim surface.





4. Using the special tool, measure the clearance between the camshaft and the shim surface. Record the information.
5. Use a bright colored marker to mark the position of the timing chain in relation to the camshaft sprockets to make sure that the timing remains correct.

6. CAUTION: The camshaft caps must be installed in their original positions.

Mark the camshaft cap locations.





7. Remove the camshaft thrust cap and rear camshaft cap from the camshaft that requires shim adjustment.





8. Note: The taller special tool is installed in place of the rear camshaft cap to allow the camshaft to be lifted to remove the shims.

Install the special tools.
- Hand-tighten the bolts.





9. Remove the bolts and the center camshaft caps.

10. CAUTION: Do not use any means of marking the shims other than a permanent type marker. Any scratches or paint on the shims may result in incorrect lash adjustments and severe engine damage.

Use a permanent marker to mark the location of each shim.





11. Use a rubber-tipped air gun and compressed air to remove the shims that require adjustment.
- Blow compressed air between the shim edge and bucket rail to dislodge the shim.
12. Measure and record the thickness of each shim to correspond with valve clearance.
13. Use the following formula to calculate the required shim thickness.
- Valve clearance specification:
- Intake: 0.175 mm - 0.225 mm (0.0069 - 0.0089 inch)
- Exhaust: 0.325 mm - 0.375 mm (0.0128 - 0.0148 inch)
- Original shim thickness + measured clearance - desired clearance = required shim thickness.

Installation
1. Apply a light coat of Super Premium SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil XO-5W30-QSP or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-G to the replacement shim(s) and install the shim(s).
2. Apply Super Premium SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil XO-5W30-QSP or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-G to the camshaft journals and bearing caps.





3. Position the center camshaft journal caps and loosely install the bolts.





4. Remove the bolts and the special tools.





5. Position the camshaft journal rear and front thrust caps and loosely install the bolts.





6. Tighten the bolts in the indicated sequence.
7. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to rotate the camshafts two full revolutions and recheck the valve clearance.
8. Install the LH valve cover.
9. Install the RH valve cover.