Camshaft Phaser and Sprocket: Removal

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: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces, that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan can cause engine failure.

NOTE: Do not rotate the camshafts or crankshaft unless instructed to do so in this procedure. Rotating the camshafts or crankshaft with timing components loosened or removed can cause serious damage to the valves or pistons.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING -- ESCAPE, ESCAPE HYBRID, MARINER & MARINER HYBRID .
Remove the accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT .
Remove the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid. For additional information, refer to VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING (VCT) OIL CONTROL SOLENOID .
Check the valve clearance. For additional information, refer to VALVE CLEARANCE CHECK .

NOTE: Failure to position the No. 1 piston at Top Dead Center (TDC) can result in damage to the engine. Turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation only.

Using the crankshaft pulley bolt, turn the crankshaft clockwise to position the No. 1 piston at Top Dead Center (TDC).
- The hole in the crankshaft pulley should be in the 6 o'clock position.
  
  Fig 1: Turning Crankshaft Clockwise
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

NOTE: The camshaft timing slots are offset. If the Camshaft Alignment Plate cannot be installed, rotate the crankshaft one complete revolution clockwise to correctly position the camshafts.

Fig 2: Identifying Camshaft Alignment Plate Installation Position

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Camshaft Alignment Plate in the slots on the rear of both camshafts.
Remove the engine plug bolt.

Fig 3: Locating Engine Plug Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg will contact the crankshaft and prevent it from turning past TDC . However, the crankshaft can still be rotated in the counterclockwise direction. The crankshaft must remain at the TDC position during the camshaft removal and installation.

Fig 4: Installing Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg.

NOTE: Only hand-tighten the bolt or damage to the front cover can occur.

Fig 5: Locating Crankshaft Pulley Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install a standard 6 mm x 18 mm bolt through the crankshaft pulley and thread it into the front cover.
Remove the lower timing hole plug from the engine front cover.

Fig 6: Locating Lower Front Cover Timing Hole Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the upper timing hole plug from the engine front cover.

Fig 7: Locating Upper Front Cover Timing Hole Plug
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Reposition the Camshaft Alignment Plate to the slot on the rear of the intake camshaft only.

Fig 8: Identifying Camshaft Alignment Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Releasing the ratcheting mechanism in the timing chain tensioner allows the plunger to collapse and create slack in the timing chain. Installing the M6 x 30 mm (1.18 in) bolt into the upper front cover timing hole will lock the tensioner arm in a retracted position and allow enough slack in the timing chain for removal of the exhaust camshaft gear.

Using a small pick tool, release the timing chain tensioner ratchet through the lower front cover timing hole.
- Have an assistant rotate (using the flats of the camshaft) the exhaust camshaft clockwise to collapse the timing chain tensioner plunger.
- Insert the M6 x 30 mm (1.18 in) bolt into the upper front cover timing hole to hold the tensioner arm in the retracted position.
  
  Fig 9: Rotating Exhaust Camshaft
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, remove the bolt and the exhaust camshaft drive gear.

Fig 10: Locating Flats On Camshaft To Prevent Camshaft Rotation
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the Camshaft Alignment Plate.

Fig 11: Identifying Camshaft Alignment Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the timing chain from the camshaft phaser and sprocket.

Fig 12: Locating Timing Chain On Camshaft Phaser And Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Mark the position of the camshaft lobes on the No. 1 cylinder for installation reference.

Fig 13: Identifying Camshaft Lobe Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Failure to follow the camshaft loosening procedure can result in damage to the intake camshaft.

Remove the intake camshaft from the engine.
- Loosen the intake camshaft bearing cap bolts, in the sequence shown, one turn at a time until all tension is released from the camshaft bearing caps.
- Remove the bolts and the camshaft bearing caps.
- Remove the intake camshaft.
  
  Fig 14: Identifying Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts Loosening Sequence
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Mark the camshaft phaser and sprocket and the camshaft for reference during installation.

Fig 15: Identifying Sprocket And Camshaft Reference Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Place the camshaft in a soft-jawed vise. Remove the bolt and the camshaft phaser and sprocket.