Branch tube on and 06 F-350

[38ryr88]

I was wondering if anyone has any "ideas" on an easier way to remove the rocker arms on 6,7,and 8 when doing the branch tube on an 06 F-350 ? Seems no matter how careful I am , I always end up fishing for the ball bearings while trying to remove the arm ! When I re-install them I use grease to hold the ball in the rocker while attempting to slide it onto the push rod but always seem to end up loosing it multiple time before I can get it to seat properly. I know I have the special tool installed properly and the valve bridges seem fully compressed. I know the eng has to be rotated 1 more revloution for #6. It seems like the push rods in cylinders 7 & 8 are still seated too far in the rocker arm to remove as described in the wsm? Is there a way to possibly rotate the eng slightly before of after tdc to get a precious few millimeters for #7 and #8 ? Seems each time I have to do a branch tube , I loose so much time removing and re-installing the rockers that I tell myself I am just going to pull the engine next time ! Dont know if I am doing something wrong or if it is simply a repair that is going to take numerous times to master. Any tips would be greatly appreciated,

 

Thank you .

[Alex Bruene]

I tell myself I am just going to pull the engine next time

That's what I do... Well, I don't tell myself I'm going to pull the engine... I actually pull the engine.

[mchan68]

I lift the cab and pull the tranny, leaving the engine in the chassis. So far, I haven't had any issues with doing it using this method.

[38ryr88]

Thank you for the input gentlemen ! I abandoned the wsm procedure for the rocker arm removal.I ended up turning the engine over til push rods were at their lowest point then removed them. I will definately pull the engine or cab next time for sure ! Thank you again.

[eastendpowerstroke]

Many of us have abandoned Fords belief that the branch tube must be replaced if it's bent

You didn't say if you had a cracked/broken tube or only bent?

Ford Say's if it's bent it has to be replaced, but International says to bend it back and test it.

I have "persuaded" many tubes back into shape and only had to actually replace one branch tube, I always reinstall the IPR and air test before reassembly.

If you search the 6.0L forum you'll find quite a few discussions on the branch tube.

[Tony302600]

Many of us have abandoned Fords belief that the branch tube must be replaced if it's bent

You didn't say if you had a cracked/broken tube or only bent?

Ford Say's if it's bent it has to be replaced, but International says to bend it back and test it.

I have "persuaded" many tubes back into shape and only had to actually replace one branch tube, I always reinstall the IPR and air test before reassembly.

If you search the 6.0L forum you'll find quite a few discussions on the branch tube.

I agree with this 110%. The 650-750's have a steel rear cover so you can pry back the branch tube using a pry bar and the rear cover. Worked like a charm. We got a CP 650 towed into our shop that got a 40 hour branch tube replacement quote from another dealer. I can't remembr what we charged to bend back the tube and put the revised fitting in.

[Mekanik]

I'm with you. bend it back and re-test. I had a thread on this earlier this year where the branch tube broke the rear cover. After reading the responses here, I advised the tech working on it to just bend it back. It worked fine and has had no problems since.