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Old 08-13-2018, 08:14 AM
NotTacoTruck NotTacoTruck is offline
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Default Replacement 4.0 SOHC Valve Keepers?

Has anyone had to buy replacement valve keepers? Not having any luck finding them on the local auto store web sites. NAPA has some "universal" keepers, but none seem to match the measurements I have. I am working on an 2004 FX4-Level II (4.0 SOHC).

I am replacing a broken spring on the intake valve on #3 cylinder, which is passenger side closest to the timing chain. I had the chain blocked off with rags, so I don't *think* the missing keeper made it down there, but I was not able to find it on top of the head with a magnet like the 50 or so other times I lost it. I wanted to work on a plan "B" in case I cannot find it after searching again and draining the oil out tonight.

If there are any other general words of wisdom, this is where I am on the project:

I have borrowed a spring compressor designed for Ford SOHC, but am fighting to get good light and access to drop the keepers back in. Access to #3 is tight! Still messing with the correct balance of grease, and tools that are magnetized and not magnetized. I don't think I have room to get a finger in there to place the keepers, but have not tried.

I am using rope in the cylinder to hold the valve in position, and in the process for the keeper figured out that the valve was still dropping about 1/8" as I was trying to install the keepers. I adjusted the rope and got the valve supported without any drop now, so once I have two keepers again I hope they will install correctly now.
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'04 FX4-L2 4.0 SOHC / 5-SP Auto
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Old 08-13-2018, 11:11 AM
NotTacoTruck NotTacoTruck is offline
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Default Re: Replacement 4.0 SOHC Valve Keepers?

Thank you djfllmn.

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F77Z-6518-AA is the Ford P/N if anyone else finds this thread.
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'04 FX4-L2 4.0 SOHC / 5-SP Auto
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Old 08-13-2018, 11:26 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Replacement 4.0 SOHC Valve Keepers?

Several tool truck companies make a hose that adapts to a spark plug thread on one end, and a Air compressor coupler the other.. Even a cheap pancake compressor will fill the cylinder then you can use a valve spring tool to push the spring down effectively and focus on putting the keepers in efficiently
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Old 08-17-2018, 05:50 AM
NotTacoTruck NotTacoTruck is offline
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Default Re: Replacement 4.0 SOHC Valve Keepers?

I managed to find the missing keeper and complete the project. Adding some notes to the thread for ideas on how to find lost keepers.

Probing around with a wand magnet found one keeper that dropped and was out of sight. The second time one got away the magnet did not work. I started tapping every part on the truck that I could reach with a rubber mallet to try to bounce it free. It ended up falling out from what I think was a heat shield around the one of the cats.

With two keepers in-hand, for I took a few minutes to add rags to block of any spaces between the head and the shock tower. The holes in the head for oil drainage were already blocked off.

When I started the process I was using compressed air in the cylinder, but did not like how the piston was moving to BDC and did not have anything to hold the crank. I probably just being chicken here, but I felt much better with the rope method and piston at the top. It took about 5 tries to get the rope positioned on the valve correctly, but once it was set the piston held the valve in place.

I used a borrowed Stallion ST-126 spring compressor. Take the time to find a way to secure the tool in the compressed position. You will want two hands when placing the keepers, and there really is not enough room for two people to work (at least not on Cyl #3). I took the handle off my floor jack and slid it over the tool handle, then used ratchet straps tied to a lift post to adjust the compressor handle where I needed it.

Thanks again for the replies. I hope the notes on this thread can help someone out in the future! Great info on the timing chain tensioners on the sticky. Looks like that will be my next project.
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Old 08-17-2018, 10:45 AM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Replacement 4.0 SOHC Valve Keepers?

If I may add a suggestion.. And even harbor freight has them cheap if you're not a tool truck chaser. Magnetic parts trays are phenomenally helpful rather than laying small parts around and about on the vehicle to chance dropping or losing in the chassis or engine bay.
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