VCT Housing filter/screen - Internal hex Plug

Tiny
LARRYCV7
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 FORD F-150
  • 170 MILES
2009 Ford F-150 XLT
Super-Crew 4x4 King
5.4L / 3V
6-Speed
VIN: 1FTPW14V29FB35855

I'm in the middle of a timing job on my truck.
I've reinstalled the VCT housing assemblies onto the cylinder heads. I've also replaced the VCT housing filter/screens, (Not the screens on the VCT Sensors themselves) for both the Lt & Rt heads, (tiny little basket filter looking things). However, for whatever reason my Chilton manual doesn't mention what the torque value is on the internal hex plugs that holds the filter/screens in place.

I've tried the forums for help. One person says 106 In Lbs. Whether it's right or not I don't know (seems) a bit much and I really don't want to crush the filter nor restrict oil movement through it.

If there's no torque value is there a measurement as to how far into the housing the plug should be recessed? For the same reason as before don’t want to crush the filter nor restrict the movement of oil through it.

I bought LOCTITE 243 so it can be applied to the plug to help seal and hold it in place after installation. Again, not sure if it'll be sufficient or not?

I would appreciate any info you could provide!
Sunday, February 1st, 2026 AT 7:49 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,546 POSTS
There is no torque spec for it because it is easy to crush the filter, Basically you just snug it up against the filter with your fingers. Because you don't want to crush the filter. Normally the plug is just recessed a bit. I generally apply a drop of blue loctite and just snug it down so the filter is held in. Then let the blue cure while the rest goes together.
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Sunday, February 1st, 2026 AT 9:40 PM

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