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.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist