Timing Drive Components: Removal

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.

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: Installation of new spark plug seals or VCT seals is only required if seals are damaged.

NOTE: The plastic connector on the VCT solenoid will rotate approximately 12 inside steel housing, which is normal.

Remove the engine front cover. Refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER .
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise and align the timing marks on the intake VCT assemblies as shown in illustration.
Remove the 3 bolts and the LH valve train oil tube.
NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the TDC position.

Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the LH camshafts.
Remove the 3 bolts and the RH valve train oil tube.
NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the TDC position.

Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the RH camshafts.
NOTE: The following 3 steps are for primary timing chains that the colored links are not visible.

Mark the timing chain link that aligns with the timing mark on the LH intake VCT assembly as shown in illustration.
Mark the timing chain link that aligns with the timing mark on the RH intake VCT assembly as shown in illustration.
NOTE: The crankshaft sprocket timing mark should be between the 2 colored links.

Mark the 2 timing chain links that align with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket as shown in illustration.
Remove the 2 bolts and the primary timing chain tensioner.
Remove the primary timing chain tensioner arm.
Remove the 2 bolts and the lower LH primary timing chain guide.
NOTE: Removal of the VCT oil control solenoid will aid in the removal of the primary timing chain.

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

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

Remove the bolt and the LH intake VCT oil control solenoid.
NOTE: Removal of the VCT oil control solenoid will aid in the removal of the primary timing chain.

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

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

Remove the bolt and the RH intake VCT oil control solenoid.
Remove the primary timing chain.
Remove the crankshaft timing chain sprocket.
NOTE: Do not use power tools to remove the bolt or damage to the LH primary timing chain guide may occur.

Remove the bolt and the upper LH primary timing chain guide
NOTE: The 2 VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.

NOTE: The Secondary Chain Hold Down is inserted through a hole in the top of the mega cap.

Compress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and install the Secondary Chain Hold Down in the hole on the rear of the secondary timing chain tensioner guide and let it hold against the mega cap to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.
Remove and discard the 2 LH VCT assembly bolts.
Remove the 2 LH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain.
NOTE: The 2 VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.

NOTE: The Secondary Chain Hold Down is inserted through a hole in the top of the mega cap.

Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and install the Secondary Chain Hold Down in the hole on the rear of the secondary timing chain tensioner guide and let it hold against the mega cap to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.
Remove and discard the 2 RH VCT assembly bolts.
Remove the 2 RH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain.
NOTE: Do not use power tools to remove the bolt or damage to the RH primary timing chain guide may occur.

Remove the bolt and the RH primary timing chain guide.
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 replacement of the secondary timing chain tensioner, perform the following 6 steps.
NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the removal of the VCT oil control solenoid.

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

Remove the LH exhaust VCT oil control solenoid.
Remove the LH secondary timing chain tensioner shoe.
Remove the LH secondary timing chain tensioner by pushing up from the bottom and remove.
NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the removal of the VCT oil control solenoid.

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

Remove the RH exhaust VCT oil control solenoid.
Remove the RH secondary timing chain tensioner shoe.
Remove the RH secondary timing chain tensioner by pushing up from the bottom and remove.