Timing Drive Components: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

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Position the chain tensioner in a soft-jawed vise.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Fig 3: Holding Chain Tensioner Ratchet Lock Mechanism Away From Ratchet Stem With Small Pick

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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 timing marks in the timing chains are not evident, use a permanent-type marker to mark the crankshaft and camshaft timing marks on the LH and 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 as the exhaust cam sprocket timing mark.
3. Continue counting to 42. Mark the link as the intake sprocket timing mark.
Fig 5: Marking Link As Intake Sprocket Timing Mark
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: Positioning LH Timing Chain And Guide And Installing Bolts
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 LH Timing Chain Tensioner And 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.

Fig 8: Installing Crankshaft Damper Bolt And Rotating Crankshaft Clockwise 120 Degrees
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Verify that the RH camshafts are correctly positioned.

Fig 9: Verifying That RH Camshafts Are Correctly Positioned
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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: Positioning RH Timing Chain And Chain Guide And Installing Bolts
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 RH Timing Chain Tensioner And Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the LH and RH timing chain tensioner piston retaining wires.
Rotate crankshaft counterclockwise 120 degrees to top dead center (TDC)
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.
Fig 12: Verifying Timing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the crankshaft damper bolt.

Fig 13: Removing Crankshaft Damper Bolt
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NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Fig 14: Installing LH And RH Spark Plugs

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Install the LH and RH spark plugs.

CAUTION: This pulse wheel is used with several different engines. Install the pulse wheel with the keyway in the slot stamped 30 or 30 RFF only (orange in color).

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 .