Removal and Installation

CAUTION: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces, that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan, can cause engine failure.

Rotate the crankshaft until the piston is at the top of its stroke with both the intake and exhaust valves closed prior to removing the rocker arm.
Remove the rocker arms. For additional information, refer to VALVE TRAIN COMPONENTS - EXPLODED VIEW and ROCKER ARM in this article.
Remove the spark plugs. For additional information, refer to ENGINE IGNITION .

CAUTION: If a valve drops into the cylinder, remove the cylinder head. For additional information, refer to CYLINDER HEAD - LH or CYLINDER HEAD - RH in this article.

Hold the valve in the cylinder head.
- Apply a minimum of 689 kPa (100 psi) of compressed air into the cylinder.
Using the special tool, compress the valve springs.

Fig 1: Compressing Valve Spring Using Special Tool (303-163)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: If the components are to be reinstalled, they must be installed in the same position. Mark the components for location.

Remove the following:
1. Valve spring retainer key
2. Valve spring retainer
3. Valve spring
4. Valve stem seal
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Spring Retainer Key, Spring Retainer, Spring And Stem Seal
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Inspect the components. For additional information, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .

CAUTION: Do not release the compressed air from the cylinder until after the valve spring keys are installed.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.