4L SOHC HEAD Gasket Replace

[rogi]

I've finally got the left head (only) off our SOHC 4L 2001 XLT. I had it pressure tested (passed), and resurfaced to remove warpage, and I'm now ready to put Humpty back together again. I've found the various instuctions (Haynes, etc) for resetting the cam/timing to be difficult to follow, and wonder if anyone has put together a good step by step on how to replace a head gasket (in vehicle) for the engine? My #1 Cly is NOT currently at TDC, and I have yet to purchase the alignment tools because I'm not sure I can get this right even with it.
I also have a question about the fuel injectors. The injection ports on the heads contain rubber inserts that receive the injectors, but I do not see these parts listed online either with new injectors, or as replacement parts in the "fuel" catagories online. Are these only available from the dealer?
Rogi

 

[2000StreetRod]

tool kit

It is difficult to time the left camshaft with the engine in the vehicle without the OTC 6488 timing tool kit. The timing slot on the rear of the left camshaft is near the firewall and hard to see. Also, the chain should be taught when the camshaft is timed. The spring pressure of the tensioner is inadequate so it is replaced with a special tensioner during the timing process. I was able to purchase a one time only used OTC 6488 for $150 on eBay. If you wait a while you can do the same and then resell for about the same price.

Was the jackshaft front sprocket ever loosened? If not, then the right camshaft should still be timed correctly. Otherwise, both camshafts will have to be timed.

Before installing the head I suggest positioning the crankshaft to TDC with #1 cylinder on the compression stroke. Has the left camshaft been assembled onto the head? If not, and the rocker arms are in place you must be very careful not to break a camshaft bearing cap when installing the camshaft.

If you PM me your email address I'll send you the assembly instructions for the Mustang SOHC V6 which I found to be very helpful.

The part number for the seals between the injectors and the head is difficult to locate. I believe shelbygt was able to determine the OEM part number. I'll try and find it. I bought a set for my Volvo 850 Turbo wagon and they looked about the same as the ones on my Sport but they may not be an exact fit.

 

[2000StreetRod]

injector seal PN

I found the Ford part number for the injector seal or insulator from one of shelbygt's threads: The insulators were 5.48 each F77Z-9G512-AA

Also, if your left head is fully assembled you should make sure it is close to the correct timing position before bolting it in. The camshaft position sensor should be pointed upward and the timing slot should be parallel the head surface that mates with the valve cover as shown below.

 

[rogi]

4L SOHC Head Gasket Replacement

2000StreetRod (AKA Dale?),
Thanks much for this very useful info!
The right head and jackshft remain untouched, and I have not removed the cam from the left head.
I guess I should have set the #1 to TDC before pulling the left head but did not, so I'll do this before putting the head back on as you suggest (assume this can be done by feeling for compression at #1 plug hole?).
My email: rah9@cornell.edu
Please send on the Mustang instructions as they sound like just what I need (Haynes is pretty worthless on this engine, at least in their Explorer volume).
Also thanks for the OEM# on the injector insulators. And one more question: is the camshaft position sensor (which should be pointing up) the off-center dot on the front end of the left cam?
Regards,
Roger Hubbs (Rogi)

 

[2000StreetRod]

nub

I'll send the assembly instructions this evening when I get to my other computer. The camshaft position sensor nub is identified by the green arrow in the photo below.

From now on I'll only purchase Ford OEM timing chain components. See this thread: SOHC V6 Timing Chain Parts Sources
I purchase my new Ford parts online from tousleyfordparts.com or tascaparts.com

The finger over the spark plug hole is one way to determine if cylinder #1 is on the compression stroke. If the valve cover is off you can make sure the #1 camshaft lobes are not depressing the cam followers/valves.

 

[2000StreetRod]

camshaft oiler

Make sure the tube above the camshaft is in good condition. The flimsy mounts are easily broken if care is not used when working with the head. By now you should have the assembly instructions.

 

[rogi]

Having finally received the special alignment toolkit, I set the left cam, and have one question before I put the valve cover back on. When I got everything locked down with the tools and applied 62 ft lbs to the sprocket bolt, the bolt torqued to 62 lbs, but kept moving (at that torque). Q: do I have a striped bolt, or is this normal?
Rogi

 

[ozmedia]

SOHC timing

If you PM me your email address I'll send you the assembly instructions for the Mustang SOHC V6 which I found to be very helpful.

Would you still be able to pass on instructions if I was to PM you?

 

[rogi]

Yes, I've still got the pdf.