Your Vehicle: 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 L4-2.0L DOHC VIN 3
 
Vehicle » Technical Service Bulletins » All Technical Service Bulletins » Engine Head Gasket - Approved Replacement Procedures » Service Procedure » Installation Onto the Cylinder Block Surface  
 
 
  Installation Onto the Cylinder Block Surface  
 
WARNING ANY GASKET SEALING AIDS WHICH ARE NOT LIMITED TO, AND INCLUDE AVIATION CEMENT, COPPER SPRAYS, OR GLUES ARE NOT TO BE USED. THE GASKET MUST BE FITTED DRY WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL SEALING AIDS. ATTEMPTS TO SEAL WITH THESE COMPOUNDS WILL CAUSE HEAD SHIMMING AND/OR NEW LEAK PATHS. THESE COMPOUNDS HAVE ALSO BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE EMISSIONS SENSORS TO FAIL THEREBY TRIPPING FAULT CODES IN THE PCM.

Ensure that all surfaces of the cylinder block, cylinder head, and gasket are fully free of any solid or liquid contamination and have been prepared for assembly using Motorcraft Metal Surface Cleaner, F4AZ-19A536-RA, or equivalent solvent. Also ensure that any residual dirt on the engine was removed successfully from the surrounding areas of the block to head face of the head and the block.

Using Workshop Manual procedures, assemble the head to the block carefully. Do not allow the gasket surfaces to scrape or bang against other engine parts. The head may pick up material along the way, if this is allowed. Once in place, with dowels properly aligned to the head and ensuring that the head is fully square, seated, and resting on the block deck in a level condition, install new "torque-to-yield" cylinder head bolts to a finger tight condition. Refer to the appropriate model year Workshop Manual for the procedure to torque the head bolts in the correct sequence and at the intervals specified. Failure to follow these instructions may result in a warped head, and damaged head bolt threads.

Do not use "cheater pipes" on torque wrenches. Use a known quality, calibrated torque wrench. Pull evenly and steady on each bolt. Do not exert side pressures on the bolt hex, which can disrupt the integrity of the bolt head and give a false reading on the final torque value of the fastener.

Once the engine is fully reassembled, be sure that fluid levels have been topped off as required for the operation. When the engine is ready for starting, ensure that the engine 6i1 pump is (was) primed properly and is in a "ready to start" condition with all engine oil galleys having been charged with oil.

WARNING DO NOT RACE THE ENGINE UPON INITIAL STARTUP. MAINTAIN ENGINE IDLE TO BUILD OIL PRESSURE. USE OF A MECHANICAL PRESSURE GAUGE WILL ENSURE THAT OIL FLOW HAS DEVELOPED ON THE PUMP'S PRESSURE SIDE. A DEFECTIVE GAUGE OR LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL NOT VERIFY PRESSURE HAS BEEN OBTAINED. SEVERE INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE WILL RESULT IF PRESSURE IS NOT OBSERVED AND STEADILY MAINTAINED.

Allow a warm up period, which brings the engine to normal operating temperature. Check for leaks around the gasket joints of the head, front cover, and associated component parts. The vehicle should be road tested within normal guidelines to raise the engine to operating temperature and verify the repair is sound.

Shut down the engine, allow for a cool-down and drain-back period to enable fluids to return to levels. Check fluid levels using owner guide recommendations (dipstick, sight gages, etc.).