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Home >> Ford >> 2003 >> Excursion 7.3 F, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different variant/trim >> Section 16 (Engine - 6.8L) >> In-Vehicle Repair >> Timing Drive Components >> Installation
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Timing Drive Components: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
CAUTION: Timing chain procedures must be followed exactly or damage to valves and pistons will result.
  1. Compress the tensioner using a soft-jawed vice.
    Fig 1: Compressing Tensioner Using Soft-Jawed Vice
    G01544658Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. While holding the ratchet mechanism with a pick, push the ratchet arm back into the tensioner housing.
    Fig 2: Pushing Ratchet Arm Back Into Tensioner Housing
    G01544659Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Install a paper clip on the tensioner to hold the plunger in during installation.
    Fig 3: Installing Paper Clip On Tensioner To Hold The Plunger
    G01544660Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. NOTE: There are 61 links in each timing chain.
    Fig 4: Marking Links On One End And One Link On Other End
    G01544661Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. If copper links are not visible, mark two links on one end and one link on the other end, and use as timing marks.
  6. On engines equipped with bolt-on sprockets, install the camshaft sprocket (2).
    1. Install the bolt (1).
    2. Tighten the bolt.
      • M10 bolt: Tighten in two stages.
        • Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
        • Stage 2: Tighten an additional 90 degrees.
      • M12 bolt: Tighten to 120 Nm (90 lb-ft).
    Fig 5: Installing Camshaft Sprocket And Bolts
    G01544662Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Install the timing chain guides.
    Fig 6: Installing Timing Chain Guides
    G01544663Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. NOTE: Slightly loosen the Camshaft Holding Tool to allow slight camshaft movement.
    Fig 7: Rotating LH And LH Camshaft With Camshaft
    G01544664Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Preposition the camshafts.
    1. Rotate the LH camshaft with the Camshaft Positioning Tool until the timing mark is approximately at 12 o'clock.
    2. Rotate the RH camshaft with the Camshaft Positioning Tool until the timing mark is approximately at 11 o'clock.
    • Tighten the Camshaft Holding Tool to maintain camshaft propositioning.
  10. CAUTION: Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise only. Do not rotate past the position shown or severe piston and/or valve damage can occur.
    Fig 8: Positioning Crankshaft With Special Tool
    G01544665Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Position the crankshaft with the special tool, remove the tool.
  12. Install the crankshaft sprocket, marking sure the flange faces forward.
    Fig 9: Installing Crankshaft Sprocket
    G01544666Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Install the lower end of the LH (inner) timing chain, aligning the timing marks.
    Fig 10: Installing Lower End Of LH (Inner) Timing Chain
    G01544667Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. NOTE: Be sure the upper half of the timing chain is below the tensioner guide dowel. If necessary, use the Camshaft Positioning Tool to adjust.
    Fig 11: Installing LH Timing Chain On Camshaft Sprocket
    G01544668Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    Fig 12: Aligning Timing Marks
    G01544669Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Install the LH timing chain on the camshaft sprocket with the two chain (marked) links and the timing marks aligned.
  16. CAUTION: The camshaft sprocket can jump time if the Camshaft Holding Tool is not secured.
    NOTE: Be sure the chain link and crankshaft sprocket timing marks are aligned.
    NOTE: The lower half of the timing chain must be positioned above the dowel.
    Fig 13: Installing RH (Outer) Timing Chain On Crankshaft Sprocket
    G01544670Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. Install the RH (outer) timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket.
  18. Position the timing chain on the camshaft sprocket. Make sure the two copper-colored (marked) links align with the camshaft sprocket timing mark.
    Fig 14: Positioning Timing Chain On Camshaft Sprocket
    G01544671Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  19. NOTE: The LH timing chain tensioner arm has a bump near the dowel hole, for identification.
    Fig 15: Positioning LH And RH Timing Chain Tensioner Arms On Dowel Pins
    G01544672Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  20. Position the LH and RH timing chain tensioner arms on the dowel pins. Position the timing chain tensioners and install the bolts.
  21. Remove the retaining clips from the RH and LH timing chain tensioners.
    Fig 16: Removing Retaining Clips From RH And LH Timing Chain Tensioners
    G01544673Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  22. Check for correct alignment of all timing marks.
    Fig 17: Checking For Correct Alignment Of All Timing Marks
    G01544674Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  23. Remove the special tools from the camshafts.
    Fig 18: Removing Special Tools From Camshafts
    G01544675Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  24. Install the crankshaft sensor ring on the crankshaft.
    Fig 19: Installing Crankshaft Sensor Ring On Crankshaft
    G01544676Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  25. Lubricate the balance shaft journals with clean engine oil.
  26. Using the index mark on the balance shaft, mark the corresponding gear tooth with chalk.
    Fig 20: Marking Corresponding Gear Tooth With Chalk Using Index Mark On Balance Shaft
    G01544677Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  27. Position the balance shaft on the journals.
    Fig 21: Positioning Balance Shaft On Journals
    G01544678Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  28. NOTE: It may be necessary to use an inspection mirror to see the marks.
    Fig 22: Aligning Chalk Mark On Balance Shaft With Camshaft Timing Mark
    G01544679Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  29. Align the chalk mark on the balance shaft with the camshaft timing mark as shown.
  30. Install the bearing caps in their original location. Install the bolts and tighten the bolts in the sequence shown.
    Fig 23: Installing Bearing Caps In Their Original Location
    G01544680Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  31. Install engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover .