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Timing Drive Components: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

All engines 

  1. Install the RH primary timing chain guide and the bolt.
    • Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
      Fig 1: Locating Bolt And RH Primary Timing Chain Guide
      G07929623Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    Engines with secondary timing chain tensioner removed 

    NOTE: The following steps are only for the replacement of the secondary timing chain tensioners. Do not reuse the secondary timing chain tensioners if removed or damage to the engine may occur.
  2. NOTE: Apply clean engine oil to the secondary timing chain tensioner O-ring seals and mega cap bore.
    NOTE: Do not remove the secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip, until instructed to do so.
    Fig 2: Installing RH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner By Pushing It Down All Way Until A Snap Is Heard
    G07929624Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Install the RH secondary timing chain tensioner by pushing it down all the way until a snap is heard and the tensioner is seated all the way down the mega cap bore.
  4. Install the RH secondary timing chain tensioner shoe.
    Fig 3: Locating RH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Shoe
    G07929625Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Remove and discard the RH secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip.
    Fig 4: Locating RH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Shipping Clip
    G07929626Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Assemble the RH Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) assembly, the RH exhaust camshaft sprocket and the RH secondary timing chain.
    • Align the colored links with the timing marks.
      Fig 5: Aligning Colored Links With Timing Marks
      G07929627Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the RH secondary timing assembly.
    Fig 6: Positioning RH VCT Assemblies And Secondary Timing Chain Onto Camshafts
    G07929628Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Position the 2 RH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
  9. Install the 2 new RH VCT bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
    • Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
    • Stage 2: Loosen one full turn.
    • Stage 3: Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
    • Stage 4: Tighten an additional 180 degrees.
      Fig 7: Locating RH VCT Bolts
      G07929629Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Activate the RH secondary timing chain tensioner by pressing down on the secondary tensioner shoe until it bottoms out, let go of the tensioner and it will spring up putting tension on the chain.
    Fig 8: Pressing Down On RH Secondary Tensioner Shoe
    G07929630Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. NOTE: Do not use excessive force when installing the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) oil control solenoid. Damage to the mega cap could cause the cylinder head to be inoperable. If difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure there are no burrs, sharp edges or contaminants present on the mating surface. Only clean the external surfaces as necessary.
    NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the installation of the VCT oil control solenoid.
    NOTE: Keep the VCT oil control solenoid clean of dirt and debris.
  12. Install the RH exhaust VCT oil control solenoid.
    • Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in) then an additional 20 degrees.
      Fig 9: Locating RH Exhaust VCT Oil Control Solenoid
      G07929631Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. NOTE: Apply clean engine oil to the secondary timing chain tensioner O-ring seals and mega cap bore.
    NOTE: Do not remove the secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip, until instructed to do so.
    Fig 10: Installing LH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner By Pushing It Down All Way Until Snap Is Heard
    G07929632Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Install the LH secondary timing chain tensioner by pushing it down all the way until a snap is heard and the tensioner is seated all the way down the mega cap bore.
  15. Install the LH secondary timing chain tensioner shoe.
    Fig 11: Locating LH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Shoe
    G07929633Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Remove and discard the LH secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip.
    Fig 12: Locating LH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Shipping Clip
    G07929634Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. Assemble the 2 LH VCT assemblies and the LH secondary timing chain.
    • Align the colored links with the timing marks.
      Fig 13: Aligning Colored Links With Timing Marks
      G07929635Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  18. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the LH secondary timing assembly.
    Fig 14: Positioning LH VCT Assemblies And Secondary Timing Chain Onto Camshafts
    G07929636Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  19. Position the 2 LH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
  20. Install the 2 new LH VCT bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
    • Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
    • Stage 2: Loosen one full turn.
    • Stage 3: Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
    • Stage 4: Tighten an additional 180 degrees.
      Fig 15: Locating LH VCT Bolts
      G07929637Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  21. Activate the LH secondary timing chain tensioner by pressing down on the secondary tensioner shoe until it bottoms out, let go of the tensioner and it will spring up putting tension on the chain.
    Fig 16: Pressing Down On LH Secondary Tensioner Shoe
    G07929638Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  22. NOTE: Do not use excessive force when installing the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) oil control solenoid. Damage to the mega cap could cause the cylinder head to be inoperable. If difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure there are no burrs, sharp edges or contaminants present on the mating surface. Only clean the external surfaces as necessary.
    NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the installation of the VCT oil control solenoid.
    NOTE: Keep the VCT oil control solenoid clean of dirt and debris.
  23. Install the LH exhaust VCT oil control solenoid.
    • Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in) then an additional 20 degrees.
      Fig 17: Locating LH Exhaust VCT Oil Control Solenoid
      G07929639Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    Engines with secondary timing chain tensioner not removed 

  24. Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and install the Secondary Chain Hold Down to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.
    Fig 18: Locating RH Secondary Chain Hold Down
    G07929640Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  25. Assemble the RH VCT assembly, the RH exhaust camshaft sprocket and the RH secondary timing chain.
    • Align the colored links with the timing marks.
      Fig 19: Aligning Colored Links With Timing Marks
      G07929641Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  26. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the RH secondary timing assembly.
    Fig 20: Locating RH VCT Assemblies And Secondary Timing Chain
    G07929642Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  27. Position the 2 RH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
  28. Install the 2 new RH VCT bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
    • Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
    • Stage 2: Loosen one full turn.
    • Stage 3: Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
    • Stage 4: Tighten an additional 180 degrees.
      Fig 21: Locating RH VCT Assembly Bolts
      G07929643Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  29. NOTE: The 2 VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.
  30. Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and remove the Secondary Chain Hold Down.
    • Make sure the secondary timing chain is centered on the timing chain tensioner guides.
      Fig 22: Locating Secondary Chain Hold Down And Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Guide
      G07929644Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  31. Compress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and install the Secondary Chain Hold Down to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.
    Fig 23: Locating LH Secondary Chain Hold Down
    G07929645Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  32. Assemble the 2 LH VCT assemblies and the LH secondary timing chain.
    • Align the colored links with the timing marks.
      Fig 24: Aligning Colored Links With Timing Marks
      G07929646Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  33. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the LH secondary timing assembly.
    Fig 25: Locating LH VCT Assemblies And Secondary Timing Chain
    G07929647Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  34. Position the 2 LH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
  35. Install the 2 new LH VCT bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
    • Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
    • Stage 2: Loosen one full turn.
    • Stage 3: Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
    • Stage 4: Tighten an additional 180 degrees.
      Fig 26: Locating LH VCT Assembly Bolts
      G07929648Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  36. NOTE: The 2 VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.
  37. Compress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and remove the Secondary Chain Hold Down.
    • Make sure the secondary timing chain is centered on the timing chain tensioner guides.
      Fig 27: Locating Secondary Chain Hold Down And Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Guide
      G07929649Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    All engines 

  38. Install the upper LH primary timing chain guide and the bolt.
    • Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
      Fig 28: Locating Bolt And Upper LH Primary Timing Chain Guide
      G07929650Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  39. Install the crankshaft timing chain sprocket with timing dot mark out.
    Fig 29: Locating Crankshaft Timing Chain Sprocket
    G07929651Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  40. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to align the timing marks.
    Fig 30: Aligning Primary Timing Chain Colored Links With Timing Marks On VCT Assemblies And Crankshaft Sprocket
    G07929652Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  41. Install the primary timing chain with the colored links aligned with the timing marks on the VCT assemblies and the crankshaft sprocket.
  42. Install the lower LH primary timing chain guide and the 2 bolts.
    • Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
      Fig 31: Locating Bolts And Lower LH Primary Timing Chain Guide
      G07929653Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  43. Install the primary timing chain tensioner arm.
    Fig 32: Locating Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Arm
    G07929654Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  44. Reset the primary timing chain tensioner.
    • Release the ratchet detent.
    • Using a soft-jawed vise, compress the ratchet plunger.
    • Align the hole in the ratchet plunger with the hole in the tensioner housing.
    • Install a suitable lockpin.
      Fig 33: Resetting Primary Timing Chain Tensioner
      G07929655Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  45. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly to remove slack from the timing chain to install the tensioner.
  46. Install the primary tensioner and the 2 bolts.
    • Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
    • Remove the lockpin.
      Fig 34: Locating Primary Tensioner And Bolts
      G07929656Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  47. As a post-check, verify correct alignment of all timing marks.
    • There is 48 links in between the RH intake VCT assembly colored link (1) and the LH intake VCT assembly colored link (2).
    • There is 35 links in between LH intake VCT assembly colored link (2) and the 2 crankshaft sprocket links (3).
      Fig 35: Locating Timing Marks
      G07929657Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  48. NOTE: Do not use excessive force when installing the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) oil control solenoid. Damage to the mega cap could cause the cylinder head to be inoperable. If difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure there are no burrs, sharp edges or contaminants present on the mating surface. Only clean the external surfaces as necessary.
    NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the installation of the VCT oil control solenoid.
    NOTE: Keep the VCT oil control solenoid clean of dirt and debris.
  49. Install the LH intake VCT oil control solenoid and the bolt.
    • Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in) then an additional 20 degrees.
      Fig 36: Locating Bolt And LH Intake VCT Oil Control Solenoid
      G07929658Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  50. NOTE: Do not use excessive force when installing the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) oil control solenoid. Damage to the mega cap could cause the cylinder head to be inoperable. If difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure there are no burrs, sharp edges or contaminants present on the mating surface. Only clean the external surfaces as necessary.
    NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the installation of the VCT oil control solenoid.
    NOTE: Keep the VCT oil control solenoid clean of dirt and debris.
  51. Install the RH intake VCT oil control solenoid and the bolt.
    • Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in) then an additional 20 degrees.
      Fig 37: Locating Bolt And RH Intake VCT Oil Control Solenoid
      G07929659Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  52. Remove the RH Camshaft Holding Tool.
    Fig 38: Identifying RH Camshaft Holding Tool
    G07929660Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  53. Install the RH valve train oil tube and the 3 bolts and tighten in 2 stages.
    • Stage 1: Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
    • Stage 2: Tighten an additional 45 degrees.
      Fig 39: Locating Bolts And RH Valve Train Oil Tube
      G07929661Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  54. Remove the LH Camshaft Holding Tool.
    Fig 40: Identifying LH Camshaft Holding Tool
    G07929662Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  55. Install the LH valve train oil tube and the 3 bolts and tighten in 2 stages.
    • Stage 1: Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
    • Stage 2: Tighten an additional 45 degrees.
      Fig 41: Locating Bolts And LH Valve Train Oil Tube
      G07929663Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  56. Install the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER .