Camshaft Phaser and Sprocket: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If new parts are installed, transfer the reference marks made during disassembly to the new parts.

Position the camshaft in a soft-jawed vise. Install the camshaft phaser and sprocket and the bolt.
- Align the reference marks on the camshaft phaser and sprocket and the camshaft. Tighten the bolt to 72 Nm (53 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Sprocket And Camshaft Reference Mark
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Install the intake camshaft with the alignment slots in the camshafts lined up so the Camshaft Alignment Plate can be installed without rotating the camshafts. Make sure the lobes on the No. 1 cylinder are in the same position as noted in the removal procedure. Rotating the camshafts when the timing chain is removed, or installing the camshafts 180 degrees out of position can cause severe damage to the valves and pistons.

NOTE: Lubricate the intake camshaft journals and bearing caps with clean engine oil.

Install the intake camshafts and bearing caps. Tighten the intake camshaft bearing caps in the sequence shown in 3 stages:
- Stage 1: Tighten the intake camshaft bearing cap bolts until finger-tight.
- Stage 2: Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
- Stage 3: Tighten to 16 Nm (142 lb-in).
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts Tightening Sequence
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Camshaft Alignment Plate.

Fig 3: Identifying Camshaft Alignment Plate Installation Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the timing chain on the camshaft phaser and sprocket.

Fig 4: Locating Timing Chain On Camshaft Phaser And Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The timing chain must be correctly engaged on the teeth of the crankshaft timing sprocket and the intake camshaft drive gear in order to install the exhaust camshaft drive gear onto the exhaust camshaft.

Position the exhaust camshaft drive gear in the timing chain and install the gear and bolt on the exhaust camshaft.
- Hand-tighten the bolt.
  
  Fig 5: Locating Exhaust Camshaft Drive Gear And Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Releasing the tensioner arm will remove the slack from the timing chain.

Remove the M6 x 30 mm (1.18 in) bolt from the upper front cover timing hole to release the tensioner arm.

NOTE: The Camshaft Alignment Plate is for camshaft alignment only. Using this tool to prevent engine rotation can result in engine damage.

Fig 6: Locating Flats On Camshaft And Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, tighten the exhaust camshaft drive gear bolt to 72 Nm (53 lb-ft).
Remove the Camshaft Alignment Plate.

Fig 7: Identifying Camshaft Alignment Plate Installation Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 6 mm x 18 mm bolt.

Fig 8: Locating Crankshaft Pulley Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg.

Fig 9: Identifying Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the upper timing hole plug in the engine front cover.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
  
  Fig 10: Locating Upper Front Cover Timing Hole Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Apply silicone gasket and sealant to the threads of the lower timing hole plug.
- Install the lower timing hole plug in the engine front cover.
  - Tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).
    
    Fig 11: Locating Lower Front Cover Timing Hole Plug
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the engine plug bolt.
- Tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
  
  Fig 12: Locating Engine Plug Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT .
Install the VCT solenoid. For additional information, refer to VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING (VCT) OIL CONTROL SOLENOID .