'05 Did Ford swap valve covers???

[Iggy S]

Greeting all! Ok I got myself in deep with a 05 Expedition. Short version, I decided to replace the valve covers as they were leaking. Did Ford stop making the 15 bolt version 5G696AA? All I can find is a 9 bolt version. Called a few Ford parts departments and got the 9L1Z6582C part number for the driver's side. Picture shows 9 bolts, BUT the exploded view shows 15. What am I missing?

 

[Iggy S]

I went by a Ford dealer today. Parts department told me 9 bolt pattern is the correct replacement part. Not sure how I feel about that

 

[whtbronco]

Tascaparts.com shows the same thing you found. It's not unusual for a part to be superseded. I agree I think I'd prefer the 15 bolt valve cover, seems like it would be less likely to leak.

If you think you need to replace the valve cover it looks like you'll have to go with a used replacement. One alternative is maybe you can find an original as new old stock on eBay. Otherwise it's the 9 bolt replacement.