In-Vehicle Repair: Camshafts: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If necessary, position the camshaft in a soft-jawed vise and install the camshaft phaser and sprocket and the bolt.
NOTE: If new parts are installed, transfer the reference marks made during disassembly to the new parts.
- 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 & Camshaft Reference Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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).
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.

Fig 2: Identifying Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Camshaft Alignment Plate.

Fig 3: Identifying Camshaft Alignment Plate In Slots On Rear Of Both Camshafts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the timing chain on the camshaft phaser and sprocket.

Fig 4: Locating Timing Chain On Camshaft Phaser & Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the exhaust camshaft drive gear in the timing chain and install the gear and bolt on the exhaust camshaft.
- Hand-tighten the bolt.
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.

Fig 5: Locating Exhaust Camshaft Drive Gear & Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the M6 x 30 mm bolt from the upper front cover timing hole to release the tensioner arm.
NOTE: Releasing the tensioner arm will remove the slack from the timing chain.
Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, tighten the bolt.
- Tighten to 72 Nm (53 lb-ft).
NOTE: The Camshaft Alignment Plate 303-465 is for camshaft alignment only. Using this tool to prevent engine rotation can result in engine damage.

Fig 6: Locating Flats On Camshaft & 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 drive belt. For additional information, refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Install the VCT oil control solenoid. For additional information, refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Install the valve cover. For additional information, refer to Installation .
Install the degas bottle. For additional information, refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .