Install a 2001 Ford Taurus Valve Cover Gasket

The Ford Taurus engine uses two different methods to seal the valve cover to the engine head. Some models use a pre-cured reusable gasket, while other models use silicone sealant to form a bead of sealing material. On models that are equipped with plastic valve covers, either the silicone or gasket may be used; on models that have aluminum valve covers, silicone must be used. Use the type of gasket material that originally was used by the factory on your engine

Procedures:
1. Unhook the negative battery clamp; this is the one with the (-) on it.
2. Remove any hoses or wires that are on top of the valve cover. Label them so you can put them back in the right location.
3. Remove the valve cover bolts by using the wrench to turn them counterclockwise. Remove the valve cover from the engine. Scrape off any old gasket material with the scraper.
4. Install the new gasket or new silicone sealer and allow it to dry for a few minutes. Put the valve cover back on the engine.
5. Tighten the valve cover bolts by turning them clockwise with the wrench. Replace the wires and hoses. Connect the negative battery clamp and start the engine checking for leaks. Read More »»

How to Install Head Bolts

If you have never installed head bolts, it is best to do your homework and arm yourself with the bolt torque and tightening order specs of the engine you're working on. Proper bolt lubrication, cleaning, and deburring, along with aluminum heads and washer placement, all help to make the engine work properly upon completion. There is no such thing as a quick-and-dirty job when it comes to head bolt installation: do it right or you'll have a problem on your hands.

Procedure:
1. Inspect each bolt to assure clean and undamaged threads. Use a wire brush to clear any foreign matter off the threads. Use the service manual to check proper bolt length for each location. If the head has been resurfaced, bolts may be slightly too long and bottom out before exerting the proper downward force on the head. In this case, use hardened steel washers to make up for lost head height.
2. Run a bottoming tap down each bolt hole to clear out any debris. Apply motor oil to all bolt threads and to the bottom of the bolt head. If the head is aluminum, use manufacturer-recommended hardened steel washers under each bolt head, chamfered-side up, lubricated. If the head has been resurfaced, you will have to use thicker washers to make up for lost head height to keep bolts from bottoming out. Make sure all surfaces on the head, washers and bolts are clean and burr-free.
3. Drop each bolt into its respective location and finger tighten. Use the service manual for bolt-tightening sequence. Use the beam-deflector torque wrench to tighten all bolts in 3 to 5 steps. The first step tightens all bolts in sequence to a percentage of full torque. Each subsequent step tightens all bolts in sequence to progressively higher torque specs until the final step sets the bolts to the rated final torque. Guesswork can warp the head or cause leakage and overheating.
4. Re-check torque on all bolts. If you missed one, this step will find it. Bolts are made to stretch somewhat, so the final torque check assures proper clamp force on the head. Read More »»

Directions for How to Install a Harmonic Balancer

The harmonic balancer, also known as a harmonic or crank pulley damper, lessens the vibration of your engine. It is located at the front of the engine on the crank shaft. Replacement of the harmonic balancer can be time consuming and tricky.

Procedures:
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable, placing it safely against the battery. Drain the radiator into a large bucket; do not drain on the ground if you use coolant.
2. Remove the belts, radiator hose, fan shroud and other items that may be in the way. Mark any wires that may be in the way for correct placement later.
3. Remove the harmonic balancer bolt, then gently pull the harmonic balancer from the crankshaft using the Special Tool 8513A insert and the jaw puller. Clean the damper bore and crankshaft nose thoroughly.
4. Slide the harmonic balancer on the crankshaft nose gently and ensure it is on as far as you can push it by hand. Press the harmonic balancer onto the crankshaft with the Special Tool 8512-A.
5. Install the harmonic balancer bolt, using the torque wrench to tighten to 176 N·m or 129 ft. lbs. Replace the belts, radiator hose, fan shroud and other items if removed. Refill the radiator. Connect the battery cable. Read More »»