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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 >> Engine Front Cover >> Removal
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Engine Front Cover: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
NOTE: The turbocharger compressor vanes can be damaged by even the smallest particles. When removing any turbocharger or engine air intake system component, ensure that no debris enters the system. Failure to do so may result in damage to the turbocharger.
NOTE: Special attention needs to be given to the sealing ports for the oil feed, the oil drain, and the coolant tubes, on turbocharged engines. The sealing ports must be totally clean and free from O-ring residue, have no damage to the sealing surface and the tubes to ensure that there are no leaks or repeat repairs.
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. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
  2. Release the fuel system pressure. Refer to: Fuel System Pressure Release .
  3. Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect .
  4. Drain the engine cooling system. Refer to: Engine Cooling System Draining, Vacuum Filling and Bleeding .
  5. Remove the following items:

    1. Refer to: Oil Pan .
    2. Refer to: Degas Bottle .
    3. Refer to: Valve Cover RH .
    4. Refer to: Valve Cover LH .
    5. Refer to: Oil Cooler .
    6. LH side. Refer to: Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Intake Pipe .

  6. Release the clamps and disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses.

    • Position the hoses aside.

    GFD511154Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. Remove the following items:

    1. Refer to: Accessory Drive Belt .
    2. Refer to: Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner .
    3. NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the thermostat housing. The coolant pump and thermostat housing can be removed as an assembly.

      Refer to: Coolant Pump .

    4. Refer to: Generator - 3.0L EcoBoost .
    5. Refer to: Crankshaft Front Seal .
    6. LH and RH. Refer to: Halfshaft .
    7. NOTE: The original engine mount-to-engine bolts, subframe bolts and transmission crossmember bolts will be required to temporarily install the engine mount, subframe and transmission crossmember. Do not discard these fasteners until instructed to in this engine front cover procedure.

      Refer to: Engine Mount LH .

  8. Raise the jack stand.
    GFD511255Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. Install the original transmission crossmember bolts.

    Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

    GFD511256Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  10. Remove the adjustable jack stand.
    GFD511257Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  11. Remove the wire harness bracket bolt, then move out of the way.
    GFD511174Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  12. Remove the turbocharger oil return tube bolts, then remove the turbocharger oil return tube.
    GFD511175Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    • NOTE: Use brake cleaner and a nylon brush to clean. Do not use a metal brush, damage to sealing area will result in leaks.

      Inspect for blockage in the turbocharger tube. Check the tube, the sealing surfaces and the flange for flatness and damage. Ensure that the retaining bracket is not bent, check for square-ness of the retaining bracket to the O-ring area. Install new components if needed.

      Material: Motorcraft® Metal Brake Parts cleaner / PM-4-A, PM-4-B

    1. Remove and discard the turbocharger oil return tube O-ring seal.

    GFD511176Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  14. Remove and discard the turbocharger oil return tube tube-to-engine block gasket.
    GFD511177Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  15. Disconnect the front axle disconnect actuator electrical connector and vent hose.
    GFD511178Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  16. Remove the bolts and the front axle disconnect actuator.
    GFD511179Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  17. Remove and discard the seal.
    GFD510648Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  18. Install the LH engine mount, the original bolts finger-tight and then tighten in sequence.

    Torque: 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)

    GFD511180Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  19. NOTE: Make sure that the LH and RH engine mount studs are in the subframe when raised.

    With the aid of an assistant, raise the front and rear jack stand evenly.

    GFD511181Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  20. Install the original front subframe bolts finger tight.
    GFD511182Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  21. Install the original middle subframe bolts finger tight.
    GFD511183Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  22. Install the original rear subframe bolts finger tight.
    GFD511184Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  23. Tighten the front subframe bolts.

    Torque: 195 lb.ft (265 Nm)

    GFD511182Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  24. Tighten the middle subframe bolts.

    Torque: 195 lb.ft (265 Nm)

    GFD511183Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  25. Tighten the rear subframe bolts.

    Torque: 52 lb.ft (70 Nm)

    GFD511184Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  26. Remove adjustable jack stands.
    GFD510565Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  27. Remove Special Service Tool: 303-F072 Support Bar, Engine.
    GFD511258Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  28. Remove the two M8 x 1.25 bolts and the special tools. Remove Special Service Tool: 303-050 (T70P-6000) Lifting Bracket, Engine.
    GFD511259Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  29. Remove the bolts and the heat shield.
    GFD511187Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  30. Remove the bolt, then disconnect the turbocharger coolant return tube from the turbocharger.
    GFD511188Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    • NOTE: Use brake cleaner and a nylon brush to clean. Do not use a metal brush, damage to sealing area will result in leaks.

      Inspect the turbocharger tube and the sealing surfaces. Ensure that the retaining bracket is not bent, check for square-ness of the retaining bracket to the O-ring area. Install new components if needed.

      Material: Motorcraft® Metal Brake Parts cleaner / PM-4-A, PM-4-B

    1. Remove and discard the turbocharger coolant return tube O-ring seal.

    GFD511158Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  32. Remove the turbocharger oil supply tube bolt, then disconnect the turbocharger oil supply tube.
    GFD511190Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  33. Disconnect the clamp and the turbocharger wastegate control hose. Use the General Equipment: Hose Clamp Remover /Installer
    GFD511191Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  34. Remove the turbocharger coolant supply tube bolt, then remove the outer tube.
    GFD511192Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    • NOTE: Use brake cleaner and a nylon brush to clean. Do not use a metal brush, damage to sealing area will result in leaks.

      Inspect the turbocharger tube and the sealing surfaces. Ensure that the retaining bracket is not bent, check for square-ness of the retaining bracket to the O-ring area.

      Material: Motorcraft® Metal Brake Parts cleaner / PM-4-A, PM-4-B

    1. Remove and discard the turbocharger coolant supply tube O-ring seal. Inspect the rubber gasket. Install new components if needed.

    GFD511193Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  36. Remove the upper turbocharger nuts.
    GFD511194Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  37. Remove the turbocharger studs.
    GFD511195Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  38. Remove the turbocharger bolt, then remove the turbocharger and gasket. Discard the gasket.
    GFD511196Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  39. Remove the turbocharger oil supply tube bolt, then disconnect the turbocharger oil supply tube from the turbocharger.
    GFD511197Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    • NOTE: Use brake cleaner and a nylon brush to clean. Do not use a metal brush, damage to sealing area will result in leaks.

      Inspect the turbocharger tube and the sealing surfaces. Ensure that the retaining bracket is not bent, check for square-ness of the retaining bracket to the O-ring area.

      Material: Motorcraft® Metal Brake Parts cleaner / PM-4-A, PM-4-B

    1. Remove and discard the turbocharger oil supply tube O-ring seals and the turbocharger oil supply tube oil filter. Install new components if needed.

    GFD511169Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    • NOTE: Use brake cleaner and a nylon brush to clean. Do not use a metal brush, damage to sealing area will result in leaks.

      Inspect the turbocharger tube and the sealing surfaces. Ensure that the retaining bracket is not bent, check for square-ness of the retaining bracket to the O-ring area. Install new components if needed.

      Material: Motorcraft® Metal Brake Parts cleaner / PM-4-A, PM-4-B

    1. Remove and discard the turbocharger coolant return tube O-ring seals.

    GFD511198Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  42. Disconnect the A/C compressor electrical connectors.

    • Detach the wiring harness retainer.

    GFD511199Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  43. Remove the bolts.

    • Position the A/C compressor aside.

    GFD511200Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  44. Detach the wiring harness retainer.
    GFD511201Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  45. Remove the bolt and idler pulley.
    GFD511260Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  46. NOTE: There are 5 different types of fasteners, note location of each fastener for assembly.

    Remove the engine front cover fasteners.

    GFD511261Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  47. Using a large flat-bladed screwdriver and the indicated pry pads, release the sealer and remove the engine front cover. Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver
    GFD511203Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  48. Remove and discard the engine front cover gaskets.
    GFD511204Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  49. Remove and discard the oil gallery seal (6G068).
    GFD511205Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  50. NOTE: Only use a 3M™ Roloc® Bristle Disk (2-in white, part number 07528) to clean the engine front cover. Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes or any other power abrasive disk to clean front cover.

    • Clean the engine front cover using a 3M™ Roloc® Bristle Disk (2-in white, part number 07528) in a suitable tool turning at the recommended speed of 15, 000 RPM. Refer to: RTV Sealing Surface Cleaning and Preparation .

    • Thoroughly wash the engine front cover to remove any foreign material, including any abrasive particles created during the cleaning process.

    GFD511206Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  51. NOTE: Place clean, lint-free shop towels over exposed engine cavities. Carefully remove the towels so foreign material is not dropped into the engine. Any foreign material (including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces) that enters the oil passages may cause engine failure.
    NOTE: Do not use wire brushes, power abrasive discs or 3M™ Roloc® Bristle Disk (2-in white part number 07528) to clean the sealing surfaces. These tools cause scratches and gouges that make leak paths. They also cause contamination that will cause premature engine failure. Remove all traces of the gasket.

    Make sure that the mating faces of the engine block are clean and free of foreign material. Refer to: RTV Sealing Surface Cleaning and Preparation . Use the General Equipment: Plastic Scraper

GFD511207Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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