Ford 3L8Z-6268-AA Chain - Timing

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Only turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation - clockwise (as seen from the right-hand side of the vehicle). The following procedure is made easier by supporting the engine with a floor jack from below or an engine support fixture from above and loosening or removing the motor mounts to allow the engine to be lowered somewhat for better access. The timing system is complex, and severe engine damage will occur if mistakes are made. Do not attempt this procedure unless highly experienced with this type of repair. If unsure of abilities, consult an expert. Double-check all work and ensure everything is correct before attempting to start the engine. Begin by removing the camshaft cover, coolant recovery bottle, battery, and battery tray. Set the engine to TDC, then remove the timing chain cover. Loosen the timing chain tensioner by inserting a small screwdriver into the access hole in the tensioner and releasing the pawl mechanism. Press against the timing chain guide to depress the piston into the tensioner housing, and when fully depressed, insert a locking pin (approximately 1.5 mm) to lock the piston in its compressed position. Hold the camshafts by the hexagon on the shafts to prevent them from turning, using an open-end wrench. With the camshafts held in position, remove the camshaft sprocket retaining bolts and remove the camshaft sprockets and timing chain. Do not rotate the crankshaft at all until the final timing chain installation. If required, unbolt the fixed timing chain guide and withdraw the tensioner timing chain guide from its pivot pin on the cylinder head. To remove the tensioner, undo the two retaining bolts and remove the timing chain tensioner from the cylinder block, taking care not to remove the locking pin. To remove the timing chain sprocket from the crankshaft, the oil pump drive chain will need to be removed, noting its installation direction and marking the sprocket for correct installation. Keep all components identified for position to ensure correct installation. Clean all components thoroughly and wipe dry. Examine the chain tensioner and tensioner guide for excessive wear or other damage, checking the guides for deep grooves made by the timing chain. Examine the timing chain for excessive wear by holding it horizontally and checking for movement in the chain links. If in doubt, compare it to a new chain and renew as necessary. Examine the teeth of the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets for excessive wear and damage. Before installing the timing chain tensioner, compress and lock the piston until installation. To do this, insert a small screwdriver into the access hole in the tensioner and release the pawl mechanism. Lightly clamp the tensioner in a soft-jawed vice and slowly compress the piston, ensuring it remains aligned with its cylinder. When completely compressed, insert a locking pin/1.5 mm diameter wire rod into the special hole to lock the piston in its compressed position. Before starting the engine, carefully rotate the crankshaft by hand through at least two full revolutions using a socket and breaker bar on the crankshaft pulley center bolt. If any resistance is felt, stop immediately, as there may be an issue, likely valves contacting the pistons. If not already fitted, slide the crankshaft drive sprocket (and washer, where fitted) onto the crankshaft, ensuring it is installed the same way as noted on removal. Replace the tensioner to the cylinder block and tighten the retaining bolts to the specified torque setting, taking care not to remove the locking pin. Replace the fixed timing chain guide and tighten the two retaining bolts, then slide the tensioner timing chain guide back into place on the upper pivot pin. Replace the intake camshaft sprocket onto the camshaft, but do not tighten the retaining bolt at this stage. With the timing chain around the exhaust camshaft sprocket, replace the timing chain and sprocket, feeding the timing chain around the crankshaft drive sprocket and intake camshaft sprocket. With the timing chain in place, hold pressure against the tensioner guide and withdraw the tensioner locking pin to tension the timing chain. Check that the engine is still set to TDC, then tighten both camshaft retaining bolts to the specified torque setting, using an open-end wrench on the hexagon on the camshafts to stop them from turning. Replace the timing chain cover and the crankshaft pulley. Remove the camshaft locking plate and crankshaft timing peg, then turn the engine in the direction of engine rotation two full turns. Replace the camshaft locking plate and crankshaft timing peg to ensure the engine is still set at TDC, and finally, replace the camshaft cover.

To remove the timing cover, first disconnect the negative battery cable. Loosen the water pump pulley bolts, then remove the drivebelt and drivebelt idler pulley along with the water pump pulley. Next, remove the crankshaft pulley, ensuring the engine remains at TDC with the valve cover removed. Disconnect the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor electrical connector and remove the sensor, noting that a new sensor must be installed each time it is removed, using the special alignment tool provided. Support the engine from above and raise it enough to remove the right engine mount. Disconnect the electrical connector to the power steering pressure switch, unbolt the power steering pump without disconnecting the hoses, and remove the crankshaft front oil seal. Finally, remove the bolts and the timing cover. For installation, reverse the removal steps while ensuring to clean the mating surfaces, apply a 2.5 mm bead of RTV sealant within four minutes, tighten the bolts in sequence, install a new crankshaft front oil seal, re-time the engine, and use a new crankshaft position sensor with the alignment tool, ensuring not to tighten the sensor mounting bolts until the tool is in place. To remove the timing chain and tensioner, first remove the timing cover, then compress the timing chain tensioner and insert a pin to hold it in the compressed position, being cautious not to compress the ratchet mechanism. Remove the two tensioner mounting bolts and the tensioner, followed by the loose timing chain guide and timing chain. If necessary, remove the left chain guide and camshaft sprockets. For installation, remove the camshaft alignment tool if installed, loosen but do not remove the camshaft phaser and sprocket bolts, and hold the camshaft while turning the sprocket bolt. Install the left chain guide if removed, followed by the timing chain and right chain guide. Install the timing chain tensioner, tighten the fasteners, and remove the pin to release the tensioner. Finally, install the camshaft alignment tool and tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts while holding the camshafts in place. The timing cover can now be installed.

To remove the timing cover for 2008 and earlier models, disconnect the negative battery cable, remove the drive belt and tensioner, disconnect the crankshaft position sensor electrical connector, and move the wiring harness away from the engine cover. Remove the crankshaft position sensor, crankshaft pulley, water pump pulley, and the electrical connector to the power steering pressure switch. Move the power steering pump aside after removing its bolt, then remove the bolts securing the engine cover. For 2009 and later models, raise the vehicle and support it on jackstands, disconnect the negative battery terminal, remove the drive belt and idler pulley, and then the crankshaft pulley. Support the engine with a floor jack, remove the front engine oil seal, water pump pulley, drive belt idler pulley and bracket, and the crankshaft position sensor. Loosen the front cover bolts evenly and tap the cover sideways if necessary before removal. For installation, clean the mating surfaces, install the engine cover within four minutes of applying a 2.5 mm bead of RTV sealant, tighten all bolts to specified torque settings, and ensure to re-time the engine using a new crankshaft position sensor with the necessary alignment tool. To remove the timing chain and tensioner, apply the parking brake, jack up the front of the vehicle, and support it on jackstands. Remove the timing cover, compress the timing chain tensioner, and place a pin to hold it in the compressed position. If the ratchet mechanism needs resetting, remove the tensioner, relieve the tension on the ratchet, and then reinstall the tensioner. Remove the tensioner mounting bolts, the loose timing chain guide, and the timing chain. If necessary, the left chain guide and camshaft sprockets can be removed. For installation, remove the camshaft alignment tool if installed, loosen the camshaft sprocket bolts without removing them, and install the left chain guide, timing chain, and right chain guide. Install the timing chain tensioner, tighten the fasteners, and remove the pin to engage the chain guide. Reinstall the camshaft alignment tool and tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts while holding the camshafts in place. Finally, install the timing cover.

Lift the rear timing chain from the cam sprockets and remove the chain.

Mark all parts that will be reused to ensure they can be reinstalled in their original locations.

The procedure is very difficult due to a lack of clearance. It may be easier to remove the engine from the vehicle if major engine work is being performed.

Install the timing chain tensioner and tighten the fasteners to the torque, then remove the pin to release the tensioner to engage the chain guide.