Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, then remove the fan shroud and the fan along with the water pump pulley. Next, take off the drivebelts and drain the cooling system while removing the upper radiator hose. Proceed to remove the thermostat housing and gasket, and position the number one piston at top dead center on the compression stroke, ensuring to turn the crankshaft in the direction of normal rotation to avoid timing belt issues. Confirm that the distributor rotor points at the number one plug wire terminal, then remove the crankshaft drivebelt pulley and belt guide. For models from 1979 to 1990, detach the outer timing belt cover by removing four bolts and one screw; for 1991 and later models, remove one bolt and carefully release the eight interlocking tabs. Loosen the belt tensioner adjustment bolt, use a spreader tool to retract the tensioner, and if necessary, use a prybar to assist. Remove the timing belt and inspect it for wear, replacing it if damaged. Check the sprockets for any signs of wear or damage, and if needed, detach them after removing the mounting bolts, ensuring new sprockets are installed correctly and tightened to the specified torque. Align the valve timing mark on the camshaft sprocket with the pointer on the engine case, then install the timing belt over the crankshaft and auxiliary shaft sprockets, ensuring no slack exists between the camshaft and auxiliary sprockets. Loosen the tensioner adjustment bolt to allow the tensioner to engage the belt, tightening it afterward to the specified torque. Remove the spark plugs and rotate the crankshaft two complete turns in the normal direction to ensure proper seating of the belt, checking for any binding or contact issues. Tighten the tensioner adjustment and pivot bolts, rechecking the alignment of the valve timing marks. For models from 1979 to 1990, install the timing belt outer cover and tighten the bolts; for 1991 and later models, snap the cover into place and install the bolt. Complete the installation steps in reverse order, ensuring the crankshaft pulley/sprocket bolt is tightened to the specified torque. Bring the number one piston to top dead center on the compression stroke, remove the distributor cap to confirm the rotor's position, and remove the access plug from the timing belt cover. Check through the access hole to ensure the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket aligns with the pointer, and confirm that the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley aligns with the TDC mark on the belt cover before reinstalling the access plug. If the marks do not align, recheck the timing belt installation.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist 
