Front Timing Cover & Seal: Removal

Perform step 1) in REMOVAL under WATER PUMP R & I. Drain engine oil. Remove crankshaft pulley. Remove crankshaft damper. Remove seal if not removing front timing cover. On 5.8L engines, disconnect fuel pump outlet line from fuel pump. Remove fuel pump and lay pump aside with flexible fuel line still attached.
On all models, remove bolts retaining oil pan-to-front timing cover. Using a thin blade, cut oil pan gasket flush with cylinder block prior to separating the front timing cover. Remove the front timing cover retaining bolts. Remove the front cover and water pump as an assembly. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Exploded View of Front Timing Cover Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard gaskets. If front cover removal is restricted by oil pan, oil pan-to-cylinder block may be loosened to allow ample clearance. Oil pan gasket may then have to be replaced.