Timing Chains: Removal

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: Numbers in parenthesis refer to numbers in illustrations.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove the engine front cover. See FRONT COVER .

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.

Fig 1: Locating Ignition Pulse Wheel

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove ignition pulse wheel. See Fig 1.
Install damper bolt. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Locating Damper Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove left and right side spark plugs. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Locating Spark Plugs
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to position the crankshaft keyway in the 11 o'clock position and position the camshafts in the correct position. See Fig 4. This will position the number one cylinder at Top Dead Center (TDC). Verify that the camshafts are correctly located. If not, rotate the crankshaft one additional turn and recheck.

Fig 4: Locating Crankshaft & Camshaft Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise 120 degrees to the 3 o'clock position to locate the right side camshafts in the neutral position. See Fig 5.

Fig 5: Locating Crankshaft 3 O'Clock Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Verify that the right side camshafts are in the neutral position. See Fig 6.

Fig 6: Verifying Right Side Camshaft Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To remove the right side timing chain tensioner arm, remove the bolts (1). See Fig 7. Remove the tensioner (2). Remove the tensioner arm (3).

Fig 7: Removing Right Side Chain Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolts, right side timing chain guide and the timing chain. See Fig 8.

Fig 8: Removing Right Side Timing Chain
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise 600 degrees (1-2/3 turns) to position the crankshaft keyway in the 11 o'clock position. See Fig 9. This will position the left side camshafts in the neutral position.

Fig 9: Locating Crankshaft 11 O'Clock Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Verify that the left side camshafts are in the neutral position. See Fig 10.

Fig 10: Verifying Left Side Camshaft Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To remove the left side timing chain tensioner arm, remove the bolts (1). See Fig 11. Remove the tensioner (2). Remove the tensioner arm (3).

Fig 11: Removing Left Side Timing Chain Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the left side timing chain and timing chain guide. See Fig 12.

Fig 12: Removing Left Side Timing Chain
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the damper bolt and the crankshaft sprockets. See Fig 13.

Fig 13: Locating Crankshaft Sprockets
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.