PROBLEM FORD HEADS ROMEO STYLE 1L2E
Recommended repair p/n 5553

If you are repairing a 1L2E head, this is a Romeo 2001 and up PI head. Due to a countersink problem with the head design, a special add-on tool P/N 55518 is needed to give the hole clearance for the repair kit to work. p/n 5553 kit includes the counter bore tool . Note: If repairing a failed helicoil insert read here.

The most important part in the above casting number is the second set of digits 1L2E.

Location of casting number:

This Casting number can be found just above the exhaust manifold you will need a mirror to see it from the top view. If using a mirror note that the numbers will appear backwards.
If looking down from the passenger side it should be located just below the oil dip stick.
If looking down from the driver side it should be located back near the firewall.

Below is a Section view of problem:
The left picture "problem head 1L2E" will not allow the reamer to the correct location.
The p/n 5553 kit includes a counterbore that will prepair the hole by cutting out the "extra step" of aluminum
not present in other ford heads.

CLICK HERE FOR LARGER VIEW

The counterbore p/n 55518 is a self guiding tool that has a pilot shank with 45 degree stop just before the 4 cutting teeth. The counterbore will cut out the extra material found in the 1L2E heads and will stop at the correct depth by stopping on the original OEM taper seat in the aluminum head.



Note: Previously repaired hole
If you need to repair a Ford 2001 and up Romeo 1L2E head that was previously repaired the original taper
seat has been removed and the p/n 55518 counterbore will not have the OEM original taper to stop on.

We can still repair this by removing the head and counterbore manually to remove the extra step
of material found in the 1L2E head. We measure the pilot extending from the chamber side 3/8".
CLICK HERE FOR IMAGE:

You may optionally try to countersink manually by hand 3/8 inch but use caution! We have not personally tried this. You will have to place the counterbore in the hole then mark the wrench to visually go down 3/8 of an inch.

Now continue with the p/n 5553 repair and the insert will be in the correct location.