Coolant Pump - 3.5L Ti-VCT, 3.7L Ti-VCT: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install 2 new gaskets, the coolant pump and the 8 bolts.
- Install the bolts finger tight.
Tighten the coolant pump bolts in the sequence shown in illustration in 2 stages.
- Stage 1: Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
- Stage 2: Tighten an additional 45 degrees.
Remove all of the shop towels from the oil pan opening.
NOTE: Drain any coolant that has accumulated in the oil pan and clean any residual coolant from the front of the engine and the 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.
- Install the oil pan drain plug and tighten to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft).
- 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 RH primary timing chain guide and the bolt.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
Assemble the RH VCT assembly, the RH exhaust camshaft sprocket and the RH secondary timing chain.
- Align the colored links with the timing marks.
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly to install the RH secondary timing assembly.

Position the 2 RH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain on the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
Install the 2 new RH VCT assembly bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
- Stage 1: Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
- Stage 2: Loosen one full turn.
- Stage 3: Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
- Stage 4: Tighten an additional 180 degrees.
NOTE: The VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.

Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and remove 303-1530.
- Make sure the secondary timing chain is centered on the timing chain tensioner guides.
Install the upper LH timing chain guide and the bolt.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly to align the timing marks.

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

Fig 1: Aligning Timing Marks On VCT Assemblies And Crankshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the lower LH primary timing chain guide and the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
Install the primary timing chain tensioner arm.
Reset the primary timing chain tensioner.
- Release the ratchet detent.
- Using a soft-jawed vice, compress the ratchet plunger.
- Align the hole in the ratchet plunger with the hole in the tensioner housing.
- Install a lockpin.
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly to remove slack from the timing chain to install the tensioner.

Install the primary tensioner and the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
- Remove the lockpin.
As a post-check, verify the correct alignment of all timing marks.
- There are 48 links between the RH intake VCT assembly colored link (1) and the LH intake VCT assembly colored link (2).
- There are 35 Links between the LH intake VCT assembly colored link (2) and the 2 crankshaft sprocket colored links (3).

NOTE: Do not use excessive force when installing the VCT oil control solenoid. Damage to the mega cap could cause the cylinder head to be inoperable. If it is difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and the VCT oil control solenoid to make sure there are no burrs, sharp edges or contaminants present on the mating surface. Only clean the external surfaces as necessary.

NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the installation of the VCT oil control solenoid.

NOTE: Keep the VCT oil control solenoid clean of dirt and debris.

Install the LH intake VCT oil control solenoid and the bolt.

Tighten the bolt in 2 stages.

Stage 1: Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

Stage 2: Tighten an additional 20 degrees.

NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the installation of the VCT oil control solenoid.

NOTE: Keep the VCT oil control solenoid clean of dirt and debris.

Install the RH intake VCT oil control solenoid and the bolt.

Tighten the bolt in 2 stages.

Stage 1: Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

Stage 2: Tighten an additional 20 degrees.

Remove the RH 303-1248.

Install the RH valve train oil tube and the 3 bolts.

Tighten the 3 bolts in 2 stages.

Stage 1: Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

Stage 2: Tighten an additional 45 degrees.

Remove the LH 303-1248.

Install the LH valve train oil tube and the 3 bolts.

Tighten the 3 bolts in 2 stages.

Stage 1: Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

Stage 2: Tighten an additional 45 degrees.

For 3.5L Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) engines, install the engine front cover. REFER to ENGINE FRONT COVER .
For 3.7L Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) engines, install the engine front cover. REFER to ENGINE FRONT COVER .
Remove and discard the engine oil filter.
NOTE: Lubricate the engine oil filter gasket with clean engine oil prior to installation.

Install a new engine oil filter.
- Tighten the engine oil filter in 2 stages.
  - Stage 1: Tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
  - Stage 2: Tighten an additional 180 degrees.
Fill the engine with clean engine oil.
Fill and bleed the cooling system. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .