Hey gang. Recently acquired a 1988 Mercury Colony Park with the 5.0 EFI, and she's in great shape. Has a head gasket leak on one side that's pretty bad, so I'm going to go ahead and try to tackle that before it gets too cold. I've got a complete engine gasket set, but the only engines I've really torn into this far were old Ford Y-blocks...I've never done anything with hydraulic lifters and rockers. I've got the Chilton's manual, but any advice for the rocker re-installation on this specific engine? Thanks, Daniel
It's no problem. The lifters will not totally leak down, but of course, keep the pushrods and rocker assemblies in specific order, and use assembly lube as you put them back together. Torque the trunnion bolts to spec, and you should not have any problem on start-up, but do pay attention to simple detail and constantly recheck your work before buttoning up the engine. Ask me how I know.
Use your phone and take a lot of pictures when taking it apart. And mark all bolts! Some bolts could be broken if not careful, especially on exhaust manifold, better use an impact wrench as the vibration seems to damage those bolts less than regular wrenches/spanners.
The stock stamped rocker arms are pedestal mounted and as such, non-adjustable. Just torque to spec. Avoid "while I'm in there" syndrome.
Yeah, throw away that worthless Chiltons manual and get a real factory service manual if you plan to do any real work on this car.
No use for any manuals now... he sold it!! http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/threads/1988-mercury-colony-park-wagon.50184/