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

WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure, refer to SAFETY WARNINGS . Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

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.

Drain the cooling system. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .
For 3.5L Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) engines, remove the engine front cover. REFER to ENGINE FRONT COVER .
For 3.7L Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) engines, 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.

Fig 1: Aligning Timing Marks On Intake VCT Assemblies
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 3 bolts and the LH valve train oil tube.
NOTE: 303-1248 will hold the camshafts in the TDC position.

Install 303-1248 onto the flats of the LH camshafts.
Remove the 3 bolts and the RH valve train oil tube.
NOTE: 303-1248 will hold the camshafts in the TDC position.

Install 303-1248 onto the flats of the RH camshafts.
NOTE: The 3 steps are for primary timing chains which have colored links that 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 primary timing chain tensioner arm.
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 free 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 free of dirt and debris.

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

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

NOTE: 303-1530 is inserted through a hole in the top of the mega cap.

Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner guide and let install 303-1530 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 the secondary timing chain.
NOTE: Do not use power tools to remove the bolt or the RH primary timing chain guide may be damaged.

Remove the bolt and the RH primary timing chain guide.
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, the coolant pump and the gaskets.
- Discard the gaskets.