In-Vehicle Repair: Camshafts: Installation

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: If new parts are installed, transfer the reference marks made during disassembly to the new parts.

If necessary, position the camshaft in a soft-jawed vise and install the camshaft phaser and sprocket and the bolt
- Align the reference marks on the camshaft phaser and sprocket and the camshaft. Tighten the bolt to 72 Nm (53 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Sprocket And Camshaft Reference Mark
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Install the camshafts with the alignment slots in the camshafts lined up so the Camshaft Alignment Plate can be installed without rotating the camshafts. Make sure the lobes on the No. 1 cylinder are in the same position as noted in the removal procedure. Rotating the camshafts when the timing chain is removed, or installing the camshafts 180 degrees out of position can cause severe damage to the valves and pistons.

NOTE: Lubricate the camshaft journals and bearing caps with clean engine oil.

Install the camshafts and bearing caps in their original location and orientation. Tighten the bearing caps in the sequence shown in 3 stages:
- Stage 1: Tighten the camshaft bearing cap bolts one turn at a time, until finger-tight.
- Stage 2: Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
- Stage 3: Tighten to 16 Nm (142 lb-in).
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts Tightening Sequence
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Camshaft Alignment Plate.

Fig 3: Identifying Camshaft Alignment Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the timing chain on the intake camshaft drive gear.

Fig 4: Locating Timing Chain On Camshaft Phaser And Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The timing chain must be correctly engaged on the teeth of the crankshaft timing sprocket and the intake camshaft drive gear in order to install the exhaust camshaft drive gear onto the exhaust camshaft.

Position the exhaust camshaft drive gear in the timing chain and install the gear and bolt on the exhaust camshaft.
- Hand-tighten the bolt.
  
  Fig 5: Locating Exhaust Camshaft Drive Gear And Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Releasing the tensioner arm will remove the slack from the timing chain.

Remove the M6 x 30 mm bolt from the upper front cover timing hole to release the tensioner arm.

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

Using the flats on the camshafts to prevent camshaft rotation, tighten the bolts.
- Tighten to 72 Nm (53 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Locating Flats On Camshaft And Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the Camshaft Alignment Plate.

Fig 7: Identifying Camshaft Alignment Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 6 mm x 18 mm bolt.

Fig 8: Locating Crankshaft Pulley Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg.

Fig 9: Identifying Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the upper front cover timing hole plug.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
  
  Fig 10: Locating Upper Front Cover Timing Hole Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Apply silicone gasket and sealant to the threads of the lower front cover timing hole plug.
- Install the plug and tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).
  
  Fig 11: Locating Lower Front Cover Timing Hole Plug
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the engine plug bolt.
- Tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
  
  Fig 12: Locating Engine Plug Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the accessory drivebelt. For additional information, refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE - 2.5L .
Install the front RH wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
Install the VCT oil control solenoid. For additional information, refer to ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS - 2.5L .