Coolant Pump: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Sable, 2008 Ford Taurus X, and 2008 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Clean and inspect all sealing surfaces.

Install the coolant pump and the 8 bolts.
- Tighten in the sequence shown to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

Fig 1: Identifying Coolant Pump Bolts Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove all of the shop towels from the oil pan opening.

NOTE: Any coolant that has accumulated in the oil pan must be drained from the pan and any residual coolant cleaned from the front of the engine and oil pan. Failure to remove all traces of the coolant can result in oil contamination and severe engine damage.

Remove the oil pan drain plug and allow any accumulated coolant to drain.
- Remove any residual coolant from the front of the engine and the oil pan using regulated, compressed air and clean, lint-free shop towels.
- Install the oil pan drain plug and tighten to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft).
Loosen the RH primary timing chain guide upper bolt.
- Position the RH primary timing chain guide and install the lower bolt.
- Tighten the 2 bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

Fig 2: Locating RH Primary Timing Chain Guide Lower Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the primary timing chain with the colored links aligned with the timing marks on the VCT assemblies and the crankshaft sprocket.

Fig 3: Aligning Timing Marks On VCT Assemblies & Crankshaft Sprocket

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the upper LH primary timing chain guide and the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

Fig 4: Locating Upper LH Primary Timing Chain Guide Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the lower LH primary timing chain guide and the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

Fig 5: Locating Lower LH Primary Timing Chain Guide Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the primary timing chain tensioner arm.

Fig 6: Locating Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Arm

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Reset the primary timing chain tensioner.
- Rotate the lever counterclockwise.
- Using a soft-jawed vise, compress the plunger.
- Align the hole in the lever with the hole in the tensioner housing.
- Install a suitable lockpin.

Fig 7: Compressing Plunger Using A Soft-Jawed Vise

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to remove slack from the timing chain and install the tensioner.

Install the primary tensioner and the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
- Remove the lockpin.

Fig 8: Locating Primary Tensioner Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

As a post check, verify correct alignment of all timing marks.

Fig 9: Verifying Correct Alignment Of All Timing Marks

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install new VCT housing seals.

Fig 10: Locating VCT Housing Seals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Make sure the dowels on the VCT housing are fully engaged in the cylinder head prior to tightening the bolts.

Install the LH VCT housing and the 3 bolts.
- Tighten in the sequence shown to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

Fig 11: Identifying LH VCT Housing Bolts Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Make sure the dowels on the VCT housing are fully engaged in the cylinder head prior to tightening the bolts.

Install the RH VCT housing and the 3 bolts.
- Tighten in the sequence shown to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

Fig 12: Identifying RH VCT Housing Bolts Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Lubricate the engine oil filter gasket with clean engine oil prior to installing the oil filter.

Install a new engine oil filter.
- Tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in) and then rotate an additional 180 degrees.
Install the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE - 3.5L article.
Fill and bleed the cooling system. For additional information, refer to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding .