Cylinder Head Distortion

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SPECIAL TOOL CHART

	Feeler Gauge Set 303-D027 (D81L-4201-A) or equivalent
	Straight Edge 303-D039 (D83L-4201-a) or equivalent

NOTE: Make sure all cylinder head surfaces are clear of any gasket material, RTV, oil and coolant. The cylinder head surface must be clean and dry before running a flatness check.

NOTE: Use a straight edge that is calibrated by the manufacturer to be flat with 0.005 mm (0.0002 in) per running foot length. For example, if the straight edge is 61 cm (24 in) long, the machined edge must be flat with 0.010 mm (0.0004 in) from end to end.

Fig 1: Inspecting Cylinder Head For Flatness

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a straight edge and a feeler gauge, inspect the cylinder head for flatness in the sequence shown in Fig 1. If the cylinder head is distorted, install a new cylinder head.