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.
2008 Ford Explorer 2WD V6-4.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
System Specifications
Cylinder Head Bolts
NOTE: New cylinder head bolts must be installed. They are a torque-to-yield design and cannot be reused.
First pass: 12-mm bolts 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
Second pass: 12-mm bolts 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Third pass: 8-mm bolts 32 Nm (24 lb-ft).
Fourth pass: 12-mm bolts Tighten 90°
Final pass: 12-mm bolts Tighten an additional 90°
Cylinder Head Gasket Surface Flatness 0.08 mm (0.003 in) total
Intake Manifold Bolts 11 Nm (8 lb-ft).
Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts
First pass 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
Final pass 16 Nm (12 lb-ft).
Camshaft Sprocket Bolts
With SST 61 Nm (45 lb-ft).
Without SST 85 Nm (63 lb-ft).
Exhaust Manifold Studs 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
Discard the studs.
Exhaust Manifold Nuts 22 Nm (16 lb-ft).
Discard the nuts.
NOTE: New cylinder head bolts must be installed. They are a torque-to-yield design and cannot be reused.
First pass: 12-mm bolts 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
Second pass: 12-mm bolts 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Third pass: 8-mm bolts 32 Nm (24 lb-ft).
Fourth pass: 12-mm bolts Tighten 90°
Final pass: 12-mm bolts Tighten an additional 90°
Cylinder Head Gasket Surface Flatness 0.08 mm (0.003 in) total
Intake Manifold Bolts 11 Nm (8 lb-ft).
Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts
First pass 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
Final pass 16 Nm (12 lb-ft).
Camshaft Sprocket Bolts
With SST 61 Nm (45 lb-ft).
Without SST 85 Nm (63 lb-ft).
Exhaust Manifold Studs 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
Discard the studs.
Exhaust Manifold Nuts 22 Nm (16 lb-ft).
Discard the nuts.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.