Coolant Pump - 3.5L: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. 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: On early build engines, the timing chain rides on the inner side of the RH timing chain guide. Late build engines are equipped with a different design RH timing chain guide that requires the timing chain to ride on the outer side of the RH timing chain guide. For service, all replacement RH timing chain guides will be the late build design.

All vehicles

Remove the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE MECHANICAL - 3.5L -- FUSION & MKZ article.
Remove and discard the engine oil filter.
Engines equipped with early build RH timing chain guides
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise and align the timing marks on the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) assemblies as shown in the illustration.

Fig 1: Locating Timing Marks On Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines equipped with late build/replacement RH timing chain guides
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise and align the timing marks on the VCT assemblies as shown in the illustration.

Fig 2: Locating Timing Marks On VCT Assemblies
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles

NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the Top Dead Center (TDC) position.

Fig 3: Identifying LH Camshafts Camshaft Holding Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the LH camshafts.

NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the TDC.

Fig 4: Identifying RH Camshafts Camshaft Holding Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the RH camshafts.
Remove the 3 bolts and the RH VCT housing.

Fig 5: Locating VCT Housing Bolts - RH
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 3 bolts and the LH VCT housing.
NOTE: The following 3 steps are for primary timing chains when the colored links are not visible.

Fig 6: Locating VCT Housing Bolts - LH
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Mark the timing chain link that aligns with the timing mark on the RH intake VCT assembly as shown in the illustration.

Fig 7: Locating RH Intake VCT Assembly Timing Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Mark the timing chain link that aligns with the timing mark on the LH intake VCT assembly as shown in the illustration.

Fig 8: Locating LH Intake VCT Assembly Timing Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Mark the timing chain link that aligns with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket as shown in the illustration.

Fig 9: Locating Crankshaft Sprocket Timing Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 bolts and the primary timing chain tensioner.

Fig 10: Locating Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the primary timing chain tensioner arm.

Fig 11: Locating Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 bolts and the lower LH primary timing chain guide.

Fig 12: Locating Lower LH Primary Timing Chain Guide Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the primary timing chain.

Fig 13: Locating Primary Timing Chain
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 bolts and the upper LH primary timing chain guide.

Fig 14: Locating Upper LH Primary Timing Chain Guide And Mounting Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines equipped with early build RH timing chain guides
Remove the RH primary timing chain guide lower bolt.

Fig 15: Locating Primary Timing Chain Guide Lower Bolt - RH
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The RH primary timing chain guide must be repositioned to allow the coolant pump to be removed.

Fig 16: Locating Primary Timing Chain Guide Upper Bolt - RH

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the RH primary timing chain guide upper bolt.
- Rotate the guide and tighten the bolt.
Engines equipped with late build/replacement RH timing chain guides
Remove the RH primary timing chain guide lower bolt.

Fig 17: Locating RH Primary Timing Chain Guide Lower Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The RH primary timing chain guide must be repositioned to allow the coolant pump to be removed.

Fig 18: Locating RH Primary Timing Chain Guide And Upper Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the RH primary timing chain guide upper bolt.
- Rotate the guide and tighten the bolt.
All vehicles
Place clean, lint-free shop towels in the oil pan opening to prevent coolant from entering the oil pan during coolant pump removal.
Remove the 8 bolts and the coolant pump.

Fig 19: Locating Coolant Pump Mounting Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.