Timing Chain: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

RH and LH timing chains

NOTE: Timing chain procedures must be followed exactly or damage to valves and pistons will result.

Using a small pick, carefully push the LH tensioner rack pawl retainer away from the rack pawl and compress the tensioner plunger and rack using a vise.. Use the General Equipment: Vise

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- Install a retaining clip into the tensioner to hold the rack pawl and plunger in the seated position for tensioner installation.
- Remove the LH tensioner from the vise.
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If the copper links are not visible, mark the links on each end, and use as timing marks.

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NOTE: Verify the crankshaft keyway is at the 11 o'clock position.

NOTE: Make sure the upper half of the timing chain is below the tensioner arm dowel and above the chain guide pin.

Install the LH timing chain.
- Align the colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the LH VCT assembly.
- Align the colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
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Install the LH timing chain tensioner arm.

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Install the LH primary timing chain tensioner and bolts.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 45 deg.

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Install the LH timing chain guide and the bolt.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 45 deg.

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Remove the retaining clip from the LH timing chain tensioner.

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Using a small pick, carefully push the RH tensioner rack pawl retainer away from the rack pawl and compress the tensioner plunger and rack using a vise.. Use the General Equipment: Vise

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- Install a retaining clip into the tensioner to hold the rack pawl and plunger in the seated position for tensioner installation.
- Remove the RH tensioner from the vise.
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If the copper links are not visible, mark the links on each end, and use as timing marks.

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NOTE: Verify the crankshaft keyway is at the 11 o'clock position.

Install the RH timing chain.
- Align the colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
- Align the colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the RH VCT assembly.
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Position the RH timing chain tensioner arm on the dowel pin and install the RH timing chain tensioner and the bolts.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 45 deg.

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Install the RH timing chain guide and bolt.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 45 deg.

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Remove the retaining clip from the RH timing chain tensioner.

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As a post-check, verify correct alignment of all timing marks.

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- Rotate the engine clockwise until the No. 1 cylinder camshaft intake lobe is positioned so that the intake valve would be fully opened.
- Lubricate the all RH camshaft lopes with clean engine oil.
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NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Lubricate the LH and RH rocker arm shaft-to-valve tip and rocker arm-to-camshaft lobe contact area with clean engine oil prior to installation.

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Lubricate the all LH camshaft lopes with clean engine oil.

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Install the LH intake rocker arm shaft assembly and the bolts finger-tight and tighten the bolts sequence shown, in 3 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 177 lb.in (20 Nm) | Stage 3: 60 deg.

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Rotate the engine clockwise until the No. 1 cylinder camshaft exhaust lobe is positioned so that the exhaust valve would be fully opened.

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Install the LH exhaust rocker arm shaft assembly and the bolts finger-tight and tighten the bolts sequence shown, in 3 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 177 lb.in (20 Nm) | Stage 3: 60 deg.

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Rotate the engine clockwise until the No. 1 cylinder camshaft intake lobe is positioned so that the intake valve would be fully closed.

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Install the RH intake rocker arm shaft assembly and the bolts finger-tight and tighten the bolts sequence shown, in 3 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 177 lb.in (20 Nm) | Stage 3: 60 deg.

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Rotate the engine clockwise until the No. 1 cylinder camshaft exhaust lobe is positioned so that the exhaust valve would be fully closed.

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Install the RH exhaust rocker arm shaft assembly and the bolts finger-tight and tighten the bolts sequence shown, in 3 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 177 lb.in (20 Nm) | Stage 3: 60 deg.

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RH timing chain

NOTE: The following 13 steps cover installation of the RH timing chain only (when the RH timing chain was the only side removed).
Using a small pick, carefully push the RH tensioner rack pawl retainer away from the rack pawl and compress the tensioner plunger and rack using a vise.. Use the General Equipment: Vise

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- Install a retaining clip into the tensioner to hold the rack pawl and plunger in the seated position for tensioner installation.
- Remove the RH tensioner from the vise.
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If the copper links are not visible, mark 2 links on each end, and use as timing marks.

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NOTE: Verify the crankshaft keyway is at the 11 o'clock position.

NOTE: The LH timing chain does not need to be aligned with the LH timing marks to install the RH timing chain.

Install the RH timing chain.
- Align the colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
- Align the colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the RH VCT assembly.
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Position the RH timing chain tensioner arm on the dowel pin and install the RH timing chain tensioner and the bolts.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 45 deg.

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Install the RH timing chain guide and bolt.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 45 deg.

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Remove the retaining clip from the RH timing chain tensioner.

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NOTE: The LH timing chain does not need to be aligned with the LH timing marks to install the RH timing chain.

As a post-check, verify correct alignment of the RH timing marks.

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Lubricate the RH rocker arm shaft-to-valve tip and rocker arm-to-camshaft lobe contact area with clean engine oil prior to installation.

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- Rotate the engine clockwise until the No. 1 cylinder camshaft intake lobe is positioned so that the intake valve would be fully closed.
- Lubricate the all RH camshaft lopes with clean engine oil.
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Install the RH intake rocker arm shaft assembly and the bolts finger-tight and tighten the bolts sequence shown, in 3 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 177 lb.in (20 Nm) | Stage 3: 60 deg.

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Rotate the engine clockwise until the No. 1 cylinder camshaft exhaust lobe is positioned so that the exhaust valve would be fully closed.

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Install the RH exhaust rocker arm shaft assembly and the bolts finger-tight and tighten the bolts sequence shown, in 3 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 177 lb.in (20 Nm) | Stage 3: 60 deg.

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RH and LH timing chains
Remove the crankshaft bolt.

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Install the lower spark plugs. Refer to: Spark Plugs .
Install the engine front cover. Refer to: Engine Front Cover .