<HR style="COLOR: #666666" SIZE=1> Hey guys this is my first post so please forgive me if I don't provide enough information the 1st time, but I have a 99 6.8 Superduty with some serious problems with my number two cylinder and I'm looking for some advice on pulling the head. I already have the fluid drained and the intake and exhaust manifolds off. I looking at the overhead cam and timing chain and would rather not completely remove the timing cover and chain if at all possible. Please let me know if anyone ever successfully or unsuccessfully tried this maneuver with out removing the timing cover and chain.

 

I have heard it's better to remove the cover and the entire chain. Once you're in there, retiming everything is much easier ...

Also, there is a chain tensioner under the cover that needs to be collapsed before you put everything back together again.

Triumph TR7's had a 4-cyl overhead cam engine with a real roller chain, just like Ford's modular. Once you get the gear off the cam, the tensioner expands and you can NOT get the gear and chain back onto the cam.

Don't know if Ford's tensioner ratchets out like that, I'm pretty sure I read somewhere you have to put a pin in it or something to that effect.

My point being: You're this far into it. Take off the timing cover and be done with it. I don't think there's any way around it.

art k.

 

Can the head be removed without removing the front chain cover. I broke a EZ out off trying to get a broken stud out and can"t get it out. I have tried three times to replace the gasket and it eventually blows out. It's the last stud on the drivers side. It looks like the head will separate from the chain case. Not sure how to secure the cam gear and the timing. If anyone has any suggestions it would be appreciated. Did I mention its in a class A motor home, easy to work on from the top but the front is all enclosed. KP

 

No. It is an over head cam.

 

Replace the plastic chain guides on the front of the engine (if it's the same as a 5.4). They're cheap to replace and get brittle and break over time.

 

NICE NECRO POST DUDE! you just replied to a post from 8/18/05

 

Head removal from F350 with a V10 6.8 engine looking for any tips to make it easier!