Got everything ordered including an IAC ($70) and thermostat ($9) from TeamFordParts for just under $600 shipped.

The Ford tech I have on stand-by should the need arise suggested I also consider replacing the valve guide seals at 77k miles. What do you guys think and what's involved? How many would I need?

 

oh yeah replace those for sure! Easy! just have to take the springs out.

 

How many do I need? I assume they are all the same part number? Take the springs out huh...doesn't sound like a simple R&R, but if it is I need to get some more parts.

 

I got an exploded view of the cylinder heads from the dealership and the closest we could find was the valve bushings. They are long, cylindrical bushings that appear as though the narrow shaft of the valve rides on. There are like 4 or 5 parts that go in "behind" it though, so I wasn't sure. If that's them, looks like I would need 16 of them, and that I might need to remove the cams, etc.

 

HI!... What your explaining is the "VALVE GUIDES". Like this :





VALVE SEALS :



For more detailed pics of the heads check out my galleries.

 

Ah ha! Thank again Neal. I think I can pick those out of the 'sploded diagram. ...so if the cams have to come out, are those retainer bolts TTY that will need replacing? Next to the retainers, the diagram says "not service w/o head".

 

Yup, there they are: #6571.

 

HI!... You can reuse the cam girdle bolts.