Timing Drive Components: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Failure to verify correct timing drive component alignment will result in severe engine damage.

NOTE: Install the sprockets with the timing marks out.

Fig 1: Installing Crankshaft Sprockets

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the crankshaft sprockets.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Fig 2: Positioning Chain Tensioner In Soft-Jawed Vise

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the chain tensioner in a soft-jawed vise.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Fig 3: Identifying Chain Tensioner Ratchet Lock

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Hold the chain tensioner ratchet lock mechanism away from the ratchet stem with a small pick.

CAUTION: During tensioner compression, do not release the ratchet stem until the tensioner piston is fully bottomed in its bore or damage to the ratchet stem will result.

Slowly compress the timing chain tensioner.
Retain the tensioner piston with a 1.5 mm (0.06 in) wire or paper clip.

Fig 4: Retaining Tensioner Piston With Paper Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If the timing marks on the timing chains are not evident, use a permanent-type marker to mark on the LH and the RH timing chains.
1. Mark any link to use as the crankshaft timing mark.
2. Starting with the crankshaft timing mark, count 29 links and mark the link.
3. Continue counting to 42 and mark the link.
Fig 5: Marking Crankshaft Timing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the LH timing chain and guide and install the bolts.
- Align the marks on the timing chain with the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets.
Fig 6: Aligning Timing Chain Marks With Marks On Camshaft & Crankshaft Sprockets
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the LH timing chain tensioner and tensioner arm.
1. Install the tensioner arm.
2. Position the tensioner.
3. Install the bolts.
Fig 7: Installing Tensioner Arm & Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the crankshaft damper bolt and rotate the crankshaft clockwise 120 degrees until the crankshaft keyway is in the 3 o'clock position.

Fig 8: Identifying Crankshaft Keyway
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Verify that the RH camshafts are correctly positioned.

Fig 9: RH Camshafts Correct Positions
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the RH timing chain and chain guide and install the bolts.
- Align the marks on the timing chain with the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets.
Fig 10: Aligning Marks On Timing Chain
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the RH timing chain tensioner and tensioner arm.
1. Install the tensioner arm.
2. Position the tensioner.
3. Install the bolts.
Fig 11: Installing Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the LH and RH timing chain tensioner piston retaining wires.
Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise 120 degrees to top dead center (TDC).

CAUTION: Failure to verify correct timing drive component alignment will result in severe engine damage.

Fig 12: Identifying Camshaft Timing Marks

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Verify the timing with the following steps.
1. There should be 12 chain links between the front camshaft timing marks.
2. There should be 27 chain links between the camshaft and crankshaft timing marks.
3. There should be 30 chain links between the camshaft and crankshaft timing marks.
Remove the crankshaft damper bolt.

Fig 13: Removing Crankshaft Damper Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Fig 14: Installing LH & RH Spark Plugs

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the LH and RH spark plugs.

CAUTION: This pulse wheel is used in several different engines. Install the pulse wheel with the keyway in the slot stamped "20-25-34Y-30M" (color blue).

Fig 15: Installing Ignition Pulse Wheel

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the ignition pulse wheel.
Install the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER .