Here's a general outline. Specific procedures may vary slightly depending on your exact engine configuration. Always refer to a Ford shop manual specific to your year and engine for precise instructions and torque specifications.
Tools You'll Need (at minimum):
* Socket set: Various sizes, including those for the rocker arm nuts and possibly the pushrod retaining clips.
* Wrenches: Possibly for various fasteners.
* Pushrod retainer removal tool: Essential to prevent damage to the pushrods and lifters. Improper removal can bend the pushrods.
* Lifter removal tool: These vary, some are magnetic, some are designed to hook onto the lifter. You absolutely need a tool; prying them out could damage the engine block.
* Clean rags: To keep the engine clean and prevent debris from falling into the engine.
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
* Shop manual: Absolutely crucial for torque specs, procedures, and diagrams.
Procedure (General Steps):
1. Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before performing any engine work to prevent accidental shorts.
2. Access the Valve Cover: Remove the valve cover. This often involves removing various bolts and possibly some other components depending on the particular engine setup.
3. Remove Rocker Arms: Carefully remove the rocker arms and set them aside in a safe, organized manner. Keep track of which rocker arm goes where – they are often not interchangeable. Note the orientation. You'll likely need to remove the rocker arm shaft nuts first.
4. Remove Pushrods: This is where a pushrod retainer removal tool is critical. Use the tool to carefully remove the pushrods from the rocker arms and lifters. Again, keep them organized to prevent misplacement.
5. Remove Lifters: Use your lifter removal tool to carefully extract each lifter from its bore. Do not pry or force them out. If a lifter is particularly stubborn, you might need to use a small amount of penetrating oil and let it soak for a while.
6. Inspect Lifters: Once removed, inspect the lifters for wear, damage, or any other issues.
7. Installation (Reverse Order): Installation is the reverse of removal. Pay close attention to ensure everything is correctly aligned and torqued to the proper specifications as per your shop manual.
Important Considerations:
* Engine Timing: You're working near the valve train, which is critical to engine timing. While you aren't directly adjusting timing, it's crucial to maintain proper alignment throughout the process to avoid problems after reassembly.
* Cleanliness: Keep everything meticulously clean to prevent debris from entering the engine.
* Torque Specifications: Follow the torque specifications in your shop manual precisely. Over-tightening or under-tightening can cause serious damage.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable with this process, it's best to have a professional mechanic perform the work. Improperly removing or installing lifters can lead to significant engine damage.
This is a complex procedure. A detailed shop manual specific to your 1995 Ford E-250 with the 4.9L engine is absolutely essential. Don't rely solely on this general information. Use it as a guide, but defer to the shop manual for precise instructions and torque specifications. Safety first!
