Timing Chains: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

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

NOTE: Install the sprockets with the timing marks facing outward.

Fig 1: Installing Crankshaft Sprockets

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the crankshaft sprockets. See Fig 1.
Position the chain tensioner in a soft-jawed vise. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Positioning Chain Tensioner In A Soft-Jawed Vice (Left Side Shown, Right Side Similar)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Hold the chain tensioner ratchet lock mechanism away from the ratchet stem with a small pick. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Holding Ratchet Lock Away From Ratchet Stem (Left Side Shown, Right Side Similar)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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 0.06" (1.5 mm) wire or paper clip. See Fig 4.

Fig 4: Retaining Tensioner Piston
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If timing marks in the timing chains are not evident, use a permanent-type marker to mark the crankshaft and camshaft timing marks on the left side and right side timing chains. Mark any link to use as the crankshaft timing mark (1). See Fig 5. Starting with the crankshaft timing mark, count 29 links and mark the link (2). Continue counting to 42 and mark the link (3).

Fig 5: Locating Timing Marks On Timing Chain
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the left side timing chain and guide and install the bolts. Align the marks on the timing chain with the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. See Fig 6.

Fig 6: Aligning Left Timing Chain Marks
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install the left side timing chain tensioner and tensioner arm, install the tensioner arm. See Fig 7. Position the tensioner. Install the bolts. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 7: Installing Left Timing Chain Tensioner & Tensioner Arm
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. See Figure.
Verify that the right side camshafts are correctly positioned. See Figure.
Position the right side 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. See Fig 8.

Fig 8: Aligning Right Timing Chain Marks
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install the right side timing chain tensioner and tensioner arm, install the tensioner arm. See Fig 9. Position the tensioner. Install the bolts. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 9: Installing Right Timing Chain Tensioner & Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the left side and right side 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 10: Verifying Cam Timing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Verify the timing with the following steps. See Fig 10. There should be 12 chain links between the front camshaft timing marks (1). There should be 27 chain links between the camshaft and crankshaft timing marks (2). There should be 30 chain links between the camshaft and crankshaft timing marks (3).
Remove the crankshaft damper bolt. See Figure.
Install the left and right spark plugs. See Figure.

NOTE: This pulse wheel is used with several different engines. For Sable and Taurus, install the pulse wheel with the keyway in the slot stamped "30" or "30 RFF" only (Orange in color). For Escape, install the pulse wheel with the keyway in the slot stamped "20-25-34Y-30M" (Blue in color). No coding is given for Lincoln LS from manufacturer.

Install the ignition pulse wheel. See Figure.
Install engine front cover. See FRONT COVER . To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts/nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .