Ford 2W7Z-6049-DARM Kit

To embark on an engine overhaul, the first step is to prepare the cylinder heads and valve train parts by cleaning and inspecting them. Take off any old gasket material and sealing compound from the surfaces. Use a solvent, dry it, and clean all parts thoroughly. The crack inspection process of the cylinder head starts with a visual check for cracks or other signs of damage. Check for warpage with a straight edge. Examine the valve seats as well as measure valve stem-to-guide clearance. Inspect valves for wear and imperfections. Check valve margin width. Look at the valve springs for wear and take free lengths measurements. Confirm retainers' condition along with their keepers'. Inspect rocker arm components for wear. Assess pushrods as well as rocker arm studs for damage. Replace any parts that have either worn out or are damaged in any way in this section.

Check the valve stem-to-guide clearance by measuring the lateral movement of the valve stem with a dial indicator attached securely to the head. The valve must be in the guide and approximately 1/16-inch off the seat. The total valve stem movement indicated by the gauge needle must be divided by two to obtain the actual clearance. If there's still some doubt regarding the condition of the valve guides, they should be checked by an automotive machine shop.

Clean all parts thoroughly, ensuring all oil passages are open, and check the rocker arm faces for wear and damage.

If a valve binds in the guide during removal, it should be pushed back into the head and the area around the keeper groove should be deburred with a fine file or whetstone.

A required camshaft holding fixture should be used to lock the camshafts in place, and these fixtures should be left in place until after reassembly is complete.

Remove the rocker arm nuts, pivot balls, and rocker arms from the cylinder head studs, and label the parts or store them separately to ensure they can be reinstalled in their original locations.

The mating surfaces must be perfectly clean. Use a gasket scraper to remove all traces of carbon and old gasket material, then clean the surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone.