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Timing Drive Components: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Timing chain procedures must be followed exactly or damage to valves and pistons will result.
    CAUTION: Prior to installation, inspect the tensioner-sealing bead for seal integrity. If cracks, tears, separation from the tensioner body or permanent compression of the seal bead is observed, install a new tensioner. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.
  1. Compress the tensioner plunger, using a vise.
    2. Fig 1: Compressing Tensioner Plunger
    G03885344Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Install a retaining clip on the tensioner to hold the plunger in during installation.
    3. Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Clip on Tensioner
    G03881580Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: There are 61 links in each timing chain.
  3. If copper links are not visible, mark 2 links on one end and 1 link on the other end, and use as timing marks.
    4. Fig 3: Locating Timing Chain Marks
    G03885317Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Install the RH camshaft spacer ring, both camshaft sprockets, flat washers and tighten the bolts in 2 stages.
    • Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
    • Stage 2: Tighten an additional 90 degrees.
    5. Fig 4: Exploded View Of Camshaft Sprockets
    GF0011763Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Install the timing chain guides and the 4 bolts.
    • Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
    6. Fig 5: Locating Timing Chain Guides Bolts
    G03920972Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: Slightly loosen the Camshaft Holding Tool to allow slight camshaft movement.
  6. 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.
    3. Tighten the Camshaft Holding Tool to maintain camshaft pre-positioning.
    7. Fig 6: Aligning Timing Marks
    GF0011764Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    CAUTION: Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise only. Do not rotate past the position shown or severe piston and/or valve damage may occur.
  7. Position the crankshaft with the special tool, then remove the tool.
    8. Fig 7: Positioning Crankshaft With Special Tool (303-448)
    G03919963Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Install the crankshaft sprocket, making sure the flange faces forward.
    9. Fig 8: Identifying Crankshaft Sprocket
    G03919967Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Install the lower end of the LH timing chain, aligning the timing marks.
    10. Fig 9: Aligning Timing Mark Of Crankshaft Sprocket With Single Copper Link On Chain
    G03886474Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    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.
  10. Install the LH timing chain on the camshaft sprocket with the 2 chain (marked) links and the timing marks aligned.
    11. Fig 10: Installing Left Timing Chain
    GF0011765Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    CAUTION: The camshaft sprocket can jump time causing engine damage 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.
  11. Install the RH (outer) timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket.
    12. Fig 11: Aligning Timing Mark On Crankshaft Sprocket With Single Copper Chain Link
    G03885327Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Position the timing chain on the camshaft sprocket. Make sure the 2 copper-colored (marked) links align with the camshaft sprocket timing mark.
    13. Fig 12: Aligning Copper-Colored (Marked) Links With Camshaft Sprocket Timing Mark
    G03885328Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: The LH timing chain tensioner arm has a bump near the dowel hole, for identification.
  13. Position the LH and RH timing chain tensioner arms on the dowel pins and install the timing chain tensioners and the 4 bolts.
    • Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
    14. Fig 13: Timing Chain Tensioners & Bolts
    GF0011766Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Remove the retaining clips from the RH and LH timing chain tensioners.
    15. Fig 14: Identifying Retaining Clip And Timing Chain Tensioner
    G03881591Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Check for correct alignment of all timing marks.
    16. Fig 15: Identifying Alignment Of All Timing Marks
    G03906021Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Remove the special tools from the camshafts.
    17. Fig 16: Installing Special Tool On Camshafts
    GF0011762Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. Install the crankshaft sensor ring on the crankshaft.
    18. Fig 17: View Of Crankshaft Sensor Ring At Crankshaft
    G04583449Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  18. Lubricate the balance shaft journals with clean engine oil.
  19. Using the index mark on the balance shaft, mark the corresponding gear tooth with chalk.
    20. Fig 18: Identifying Balance Shaft And Gear Tooth Marks
    G03886484Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  20. Position the balance shaft on the journals.
    21. Fig 19: Installing Balance Shaft
    GF0011767Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: It may be necessary to use an inspection mirror to see the marks.
  21. Align the chalk mark on the balance shaft with the camshaft timing mark as shown.
    22. Fig 20: Aligning Mark On Balance Shaft With Camshaft Timing Mark
    G03886486Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  22. Install the bearing caps in their original locations and tighten the 6 bolts in the sequence shown.
    • Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
    23. Fig 21: Balance Shaft Caps & Bolts Torque Sequence
    GF0011768Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  23. Install engine front cover. For additional information, refer to Engine Front Cover .
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