Timing Drive Components: 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 the RH primary timing chain guide and the bolt.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
NOTE: The following steps are only for the replacement of the secondary timing chain tensioners. Do not reuse the secondary timing chain tensioners if removed, or damage to the engine may occur.

For installation of the secondary timing chain tensioner, if removed. Perform the following steps 3 through 18.
NOTE: Apply clean engine oil to the secondary timing chain tensioner O-ring seals and mega cap bore.

NOTE: Do not remove the secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip, until instructed to do so.

Install the RH secondary timing chain tensioner by pushing it down all the way until a snap is heard and the tensioner is seated all the way down the mega cap bore.
Install the RH secondary timing chain tensioner shoe.
Remove and discard the RH secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip.
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 onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
Install the 2 new RH VCT 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.
Activate the RH secondary timing chain tensioner by pressing down on the secondary tensioner top shoe until it bottoms out, let go of the tensioner and it will spring up putting tension on the chain.
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 difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure 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 RH exhaust VCT oil control solenoid.
- Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in) then an additional 20 degrees.
NOTE: Apply clean engine oil to the secondary timing chain tensioner O-ring seals and mega cap bore.

NOTE: Do not remove the secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip, until instructed to do so.

Install the LH secondary timing chain tensioner by pushing it down all the way until a snap is heard and the tensioner is seated all the way down the mega cap bore.
Install the LH secondary timing chain tensioner shoe.
Remove and discard the LH secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip.
Assemble the 2 LH VCT assemblies and the LH secondary timing chain.
- Align the colored links with the timing marks.
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the LH secondary timing assembly.

Position the 2 LH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
Install the 2 new LH VCT 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.
Activate the LH secondary timing chain tensioner by pressing down on the secondary tensioner top shoe until it bottoms out, let go of the tensioner and it will spring up putting tension on the chain.
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 difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure 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 exhaust VCT oil control solenoid.
- 8 Nm (71 lb-in) then an additional 20 degrees.
NOTE: The following steps are for engines with secondary timing chain tensioner not removed.

Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and install the Secondary Chain Hold Down to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.
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 onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
Install the 2 new RH VCT 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 2 VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.

Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and remove the Secondary Chain Hold Down.
- Make sure the secondary timing chain is centered on the timing chain tensioner guides.
Compress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and install the Secondary Chain Hold Down to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.
Assemble the 2 LH VCT assemblies and the LH secondary timing chain.
- Align the colored links with the timing marks.
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the LH secondary timing assembly.

Position the 2 LH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
Install the 2 new LH VCT 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 2 VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.

Compress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and remove the Secondary Chain Hold Down.
- Make sure the secondary timing chain is centered on the timing chain tensioner guides.
Install the upper LH primary timing chain guide and the bolt.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
Install the crankshaft timing chain sprocket with timing dot mark out.
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.
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 vise, compress the ratchet plunger.
- Align the hole in the ratchet plunger with the hole in the tensioner housing.
- Install a suitable 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 correct alignment of all timing marks.
- There are 48 links in between the RH intake VCT assembly colored link (1) and the LH intake VCT assembly colored link (2).
- There are 35 links in between LH intake VCT assembly colored link (2) and the 2 crankshaft sprocket 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 difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure 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 to 8 Nm (71 lb-in) then an additional 20 degrees.
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 difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure 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 RH intake VCT oil control solenoid and the bolt.
- Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in) then an additional 20 degrees.
Remove the RH Camshaft Holding Tool.
Install the RH valve train oil tube and the 3 bolts and tighten in 2 stages:
- Stage 1: Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
- Stage 2: Tighten an additional 45 degrees.
Remove the LH Camshaft Holding Tool.
Install the LH valve train oil tube and the 3 bolts and tighten in 2 stages:
- Stage 1: Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
- Stage 2: Tighten an additional 45 degrees.
Install the engine front cover. Refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER .