Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD1997TAURUS V8-3.4L VIN N SHOREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE, COOLING AND EXHAUSTENGINECYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLYADJUSTMENTS
1997 Ford Taurus V8-3.4L VIN N SHO
Cylinder Head Assembly: Adjustments
1997 Ford Taurus V8-3.4L VIN N SHOSECTION Adjustments
1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Refer to Starting and Charging.
2. Remove valve cover. Service and Repair
NOTE: Camshaft lobes must be directed 90° or more away from valve tappets.
3. Insert feeler gauge under lobe at 90° angle to camshaft.
a. valve clearance intake (cold): 0.15-0.25 mm (0.006-0.010 inch).
b. valve clearance exhaust (cold): 0.25-0.35 mm (0.010-0.014 inch).
4. To adjust clearance, insert Tappet Compressor T89P-6500-A under camshaft next to lobe and rotate down to depress bucket valve tappet.
5. Insert Tappet Holder T96P-6500-AH, and remove compressor tool.
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION IS REQUIRED TO BE WORN DURING USE OF COMPRESSED AIR. FAILURE TO WEAR EYE PROTECTION COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
6. Direct a jet of compressed air toward hole in face of valve adjusting spacer to lift the valve adjusting spacer off of the valve tappet.
7. Determine size of valve adjusting spacer by numbers on bottom face of valve adjusting spacer or by measuring with a micrometer. Install replacement valve adjusting spacer that will permit specified clearance. Refer to Specifications. Install valve adjusting spacer with numbers down. Make sure valve adjusting spacer is properly seated.
8. Release tappet holder by installing tappet compressor tool.
9. Repeat procedure for each valve by rotating crankshaft as necessary.
10. After all valve clearances are checked and/or adjusted, inspect all valve adjusting spacers to make sure that they are fully seated in their bucket valve tappets.
11. Inspect valve cover gaskets and replace if damaged.
12. Install valve covers. Service and Repair
13. Connect battery ground cable. Refer to Starting and Charging.
2. Remove valve cover. Service and Repair
NOTE: Camshaft lobes must be directed 90° or more away from valve tappets.
3. Insert feeler gauge under lobe at 90° angle to camshaft.
a. valve clearance intake (cold): 0.15-0.25 mm (0.006-0.010 inch).
b. valve clearance exhaust (cold): 0.25-0.35 mm (0.010-0.014 inch).
Fig. 9 Valve Lifter Depression:
4. To adjust clearance, insert Tappet Compressor T89P-6500-A under camshaft next to lobe and rotate down to depress bucket valve tappet.
Fig. 10 Lifter Holder Tool Insertion:
5. Insert Tappet Holder T96P-6500-AH, and remove compressor tool.
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION IS REQUIRED TO BE WORN DURING USE OF COMPRESSED AIR. FAILURE TO WEAR EYE PROTECTION COULD RESULT IN POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
6. Direct a jet of compressed air toward hole in face of valve adjusting spacer to lift the valve adjusting spacer off of the valve tappet.
7. Determine size of valve adjusting spacer by numbers on bottom face of valve adjusting spacer or by measuring with a micrometer. Install replacement valve adjusting spacer that will permit specified clearance. Refer to Specifications. Install valve adjusting spacer with numbers down. Make sure valve adjusting spacer is properly seated.
8. Release tappet holder by installing tappet compressor tool.
9. Repeat procedure for each valve by rotating crankshaft as necessary.
10. After all valve clearances are checked and/or adjusted, inspect all valve adjusting spacers to make sure that they are fully seated in their bucket valve tappets.
11. Inspect valve cover gaskets and replace if damaged.
12. Install valve covers. Service and Repair
13. Connect battery ground cable. Refer to Starting and Charging.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.