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Home >> Ford >> 2021 >> Explorer Timberline >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different variant/trim >> Section 13 (Engine - 3.0L ECOBOOST) >> Removal And Installation >> Timing Chain >> Removal
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Timing Chain: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

RH and LH timing chains 

NOTE: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces, that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan, can cause engine failure.
  1. Remove the engine front cover. Refer to: Engine Front Cover .
  2. NOTE: Rotate the crankshaft utilizing only the original crankshaft pulley bolt. Failure to follow this direction may cause damage to the crankshaft and result in engine failure.

    Install the original crankshaft pulley bolt.

    GFD511337Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  3. NOTE: The VCT units have 2 timing marks on them, a triangle and a circle. For removal and installation of the RH side the triangle marks are used.

    1. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise.
    2. Position the crankshaft sprocket keyway at the 11 o'clock position.
    3. Verify the triangle  timing marks on the VCT units are at the 2 o'clock (intake) and 11 o'clock (exhaust) positions. If the circle  timing marks are at these positions the crankshaft must be turned clockwise one revolution (360 degrees).

    GFD511338Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  4. Remove the bolts and the RH timing chain tensioner.
    GFD511339Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  5. Remove the RH timing chain tensioner arm.
    GFD511340Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  6. Remove the bolts and the RH timing chain guide.
    GFD511341Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. Remove the RH timing chain.
    GFD511342Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  8. Remove the original crankshaft pulley bolt.
    GFD511343Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. Remove the timing chain sprocket.
    GFD511344Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    LH timing chain 

  10. Install the original crankshaft pulley bolt.
    GFD511345Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  11. NOTE: The crankshaft must be rotated clockwise one revolution (360 degrees). Failure to do so will result in incorrect camshaft timing.
    NOTE: The VCT units have 2 timing marks on them, a triangle and a circle. For removal and installation of the LH side the circle marks are used.

    1. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise one revolution (360 degrees).
    2. Position the crankshaft sprocket keyway at the 11 o'clock position.
    3. The circle  timing marks on the VCT units will be at the 10 o'clock (intake) and 12:30 (exhaust) positions.

    GFD511346Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  12. Remove the original crankshaft pulley bolt.
    GFD511345Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  13. Remove the bolts and the splash shield.
    GFD511347Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  14. Slide the oil pump drive belt off of the crankshaft sprocket and remove the belt.
    GFD511348Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  15. Remove the crankshaft sprocket.
    GFD511349Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  16. Remove the bolts and the LH timing chain tensioner.
    GFD511350Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  17. Remove the LH timing chain tensioner arm.
    GFD511351Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  18. Remove the bolts and the LH timing chain guide.
    GFD511352Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  19. Remove the LH timing chain.
    GFD511353Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  20. Remove the timing chain sprocket.
GFD511354Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY