Timing Drive Components: Installation

Engines with ratcheting timing chain tensioners 

CAUTION: Timing chain procedure must be followed exactly or damage to valves and pistons will result.
CAUTION: Do not compress the ratchet assembly. This will damage the ratchet assembly.
NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
1. Compress each tensioner plunger, using an edge of a vise.
Fig 1: Compressing Tensioner Plunger
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Using a small screwdriver or pick, push back and hold the ratchet mechanism.
Fig 2: Pushing Back And Holding Ratchet Mechanism
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. While holding the ratchet mechanism, push the ratchet arm back into the tensioner housing.
Fig 3: Compressing Tensioner Plunger
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Install a paper clip into the hole of each tensioner housing to hold the ratchet assembly and plunger in during installation.
   • Remove the tensioner from the vise.
Fig 4: Installing Paper Clip Into Tensioner Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with non-ratcheting timing chain tensioners 

NOTE: If one or both tensioner mounting bolts are loosened or removed, the tensioner-sealing bead must be inspected for seal integrity. Any cracks, tears, cuts or separation from the tensioner body or permanent compression of the seal bead, will require installation of a new tensioner.
5. Inspect the RH and LH timing chain tensioners.
   • Install new tensioners as necessary.
CAUTION: The timing chain procedure must be followed exactly or damage to valves and pistons will result.
NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
6. Compress each tensioner plunger, using a vise.
Fig 5: Compressing Tensioner Plunger
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Install a retaining clip on each tensioner to hold the plunger in during installation.
Fig 6: Identifying Retaining Clip on Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All engines 

8. If the colored links are not visible, mark one link on one end and one link on the other end, and use as timing marks.
Fig 7: Identifying Timing Chain Copper Links
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Install the camshaft sprockets and new bolts. Tighten the bolts in 2 stages.
   • Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
   • Stage 2: Tighten an additional 90 degrees (1/4 turn).
Fig 8: Camshaft Gear Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Using the special tool, position the crankshaft so the No. 1 cylinder is at top dead center (TDC).
Fig 9: Positioning Crankshaft With No. 1 Cylinder At TDC
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Install the crankshaft sprocket, making sure the flange faces forward.
Fig 10: Identifying Crankshaft Sprocket Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Install the timing chain guide.
    1. Position the LH timing chain guide.
    2. Install and tighten the LH bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
    3. Position the RH timing chain guide.
    4. Install and tighten the RH bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
Fig 11: Timing Chain Guides
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
13. Rotate the RH camshaft sprocket until the timing mark is approximately at the 11 o'clock position. Rotate the LH camshaft sprocket until the timing mark is approximately at the 12 o'clock position.
Fig 12: Identifying LH And RH Camshaft Timing Mark Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
14. Position the LH (inner) timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket, aligning the colored (marked) link with the timing mark on the sprocket.
Fig 13: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Crankshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
15. Install the LH timing chain on the sprocket, aligning the colored (marked) link with the timing marks on the sprocket.
Fig 14: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Camshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The LH timing chain tensioner arm has a bump near the dowel hole for identification.
16. Position the LH timing chain tensioner arm on the dowel pin and install the LH timing chain tensioner.
    • Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Fig 15: Locating LH Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with ratcheting timing chain tensioners 

17. Remove the retaining clip from the LH timing chain tensioner.
Fig 16: Removing Paper Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with non-ratcheting timing chain tensioners 

18. Remove the retaining clip from the LH timing chain tensioner.
Fig 17: View Of Retaining Clip And Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All engines 

19. Position the RH (outer) timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket, aligning the colored (marked) link with the timing mark on the sprocket.
Fig 18: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Crankshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
20. Install the RH timing chain on the camshaft sprocket, aligning the colored (marked) link with the timing marks on the sprocket.
Fig 19: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Camshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
21. Position the RH timing chain tensioner arm on the dowel pin and install the RH timing chain tensioner.
    • Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Fig 20: RH Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with ratcheting timing chain tensioners 

22. Remove the retaining clip from the RH timing chain tensioner.
Fig 21: Removing Paper Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with non-ratcheting timing chain tensioners 

23. Remove the retaining clip from the RH timing chain tensioner.
Fig 22: View Of Retaining Clip And Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All engines 

24. Make sure that the colored (marked) chain links are lined up with the dots on the crankshaft sprocket and the camshaft sprockets.
Fig 23: Identifying Copper (Marked) Chain Links And Dots On Crankshaft Sprockets And Camshaft Sprockets
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
25. Rotate the camshaft until the lobe is in the up position.
Fig 24: Positioning Camshaft Lobe Up
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
26. Install the special tool between the valve spring coils to prevent valve stem seal damage.
Fig 25: Installing Special Tool Between Valve Spring Coils
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Lubricate the camshaft roller followers using clean engine oil.
27. Install the camshaft roller followers.
    1. Install the special tool.
    2. Compress the valve spring.
    3. Install the camshaft roller followers in their original locations.
Fig 26: Installing Camshaft Roller Followers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Only use hand tools when removing or installing the spark plugs, damage may occur to the cylinder head or spark plug.
28. Install the 8 spark plugs.
    • Tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).
Fig 27: Spark Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
29. Install the 8 ignition coils and bolts.
    • Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
Fig 28: Ignition Coils & Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
30. Connect the 8 ignition coil electrical connectors.
Fig 29: Ignition Coil Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
31. Install the crankshaft sensor ring on the crankshaft.
Fig 30: View Of Crankshaft Sensor Ring At Crankshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
32. Install the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to Engine Front Cover .
WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article.
33. If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system.