John Deere — Remove Cylinder Head (Two-Valve Head Engines)
Repair & overhaul
From a John Deere service manual covering: 4045, 4045TF120, 6068, 6068 HF485, 6068HF158, 6068TF120, 6068TF250, 6068TFM50, 6068TFM76. Check it applies to your exact model before use.
Applies to: John Deere 4045, John Deere 4045TF120, John Deere 6068, John Deere 6068 HF485, John Deere 6068TF120, John Deere 6068TF250, John Deere 6068TFM50, John Deere 6068TFM76
Before you start
- Allow exhaust system to cool before working
- Do NOT drain coolant until coolant temperature is below operating temperature
- Never use screwdrivers or pry bars between block and head
Procedure
- Drain engine oil and coolant.
- Remove air inlet elbow.
- Disconnect turbocharger oil inlet and oil drain lines; remove turbocharger.
- Remove rocker arm cover nuts, O-rings and cover.
- Remove exhaust manifold and thermostat housing/coolant manifold.
- Remove fuel filters and fuel supply pump.
- Remove fuel leakoff line, fuel delivery lines and injection nozzles.
- Remove rocker arm assembly.
- Disconnect coolant temperature connector.
- Remove push rods and identify for reassembly.
- Record cylinder head cap screw torque before removal.
- Remove all cap screws and discard; lift head from block.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Full service-parts list: John Deere 4045 →, John Deere 6068 →, John Deere 6068 HF485 →, John Deere 6068TF250 →, John Deere 6068TFM50 →, John Deere 6068TFM76 →
Source: John Deere service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.