Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Unit: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Installation of the RH secondary timing chain tensioner

NOTE: The following 10 steps are only for the installation of the RH secondary timing chain tensioners. Do not reuse the secondary timing chain tensioners if removed, or damage to the engine may occur.

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

Apply clean engine oil to the secondary timing chain tensioner O-ring seals and mega cap bore.

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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.

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Install the RH secondary timing chain tensioner shoe.

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Remove and discard the RH secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip.

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Align the colored links with the timing marks and assemble the RH VCT units.

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NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the RH secondary timing assembly.

Position the RH VCT units and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT units with the dowel pins in the camshafts.

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Install the new RH VCT unit bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm) | Stage 2: Loosen: 1turn(s) | Stage 3: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm) | Stage 4: 180°

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Activate the RH secondary timing chain tensioner by pressing down on the secondary timing chain and tensioner top shoe until it bottoms out, let go of the tensioner and it will spring up putting tension on the chain.

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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 and the bolt.

Torque: Stage 1: 71 lb.in (8 Nm) | Stage 2: 20°

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RH variable camshaft timing (VCT) unit
Align the colored links with the timing marks and assemble the RH VCT units.

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NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the RH VCT units.

Position the RH VCT units and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT units with the dowel pins in the camshafts.

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Install the new RH VCT unit bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm) | Stage 2: Loosen: 1turn(s) | Stage 3: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm) | Stage 4: 180°

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NOTE: Make sure the secondary timing chain is centered on the timing chain tensioner guides.

NOTE: The exhaust VCT oil control solenoid is removed for clarity.

Remove Special Service Tool: 303-1530 Tool, Chain Tensioner Hold Down.

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Installation of the LH secondary timing chain tensioner

NOTE: The following 10 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.
NOTE: Do not remove the secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip, until instructed to do so.

Apply clean engine oil to the secondary timing chain tensioner O-ring seals and mega cap bore.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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.

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Install the LH secondary timing chain tensioner shoe.

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Remove and discard the LH secondary timing chain tensioner shipping clip.

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Align the colored links with the timing marks and assemble the LH VCT units.

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Position the LH VCT units and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT units with the dowel pins in the camshafts.

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Install the new LH VCT unit bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm) | Stage 2: Loosen: 1turn(s) | Stage 3: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm) | Stage 4: 180°

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Activate the LH secondary timing chain tensioner by pressing down on the secondary timing chain and tensioner top shoe until it bottoms out, let go of the tensioner and it will spring up putting tension on the chain.

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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 and the bolt.

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LH variable camshaft timing (VCT) unit
Align the colored links with the timing marks on the LH VCT units.

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NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the LH secondary timing assembly.

Position the LH VCT units and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT units with the dowel pins in the camshafts.

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Install the new LH VCT unit bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
Torque: Stage 1: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm) | Stage 2: Loosen: 1turn(s) | Stage 3: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm) | Stage 4: 180°

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NOTE: Make sure the secondary timing chain is centered on the timing chain tensioner guides.

NOTE: The exhaust VCT oil control solenoid is removed for clarity.

Remove Special Service Tool: 303-1530 Tool, Chain Tensioner Hold Down.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

All variable camshaft timing (VCT) unit
Install the timing chain. Refer to: Timing Chain .
Road test the vehicle.