Camshaft Phaser and Sprocket: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

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: Do not rotate the camshafts or crankshaft unless instructed to do so in this procedure. Rotating the camshafts or crankshaft with timing components loosened or removed can cause serious damage to the valves or pistons.

All vehicles

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
Remove the accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE - 2.3L article.
If equipped, remove the 7 screws and the underbody cover.

Fig 1: Locating Splash Shield Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) solenoid. For additional information, refer to ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS - 2.3L article.
Check the valve clearance. For additional information, refer to Valve Clearance Check .

NOTE: Failure to position the No. 1 piston at Top Dead Center (TDC) can result in damage to the engine. Turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation only.

Using the crankshaft pulley bolt, turn the crankshaft clockwise to position the No. 1 piston at Top Dead Center (TDC).
- The hole in the crankshaft pulley should be in the 6 o'clock position.

Fig 2: Identifying Hole In Crankshaft Pulley In 6 O'Clock Position

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The Camshaft Alignment Plate is for camshaft alignment only. Using this tool to prevent engine rotation can result in engine damage.

NOTE: The camshaft timing slots are offset. If the Camshaft Alignment Plate cannot be installed, rotate the crankshaft one complete revolution clockwise to correctly position the camshafts.

Install the Camshaft Alignment Plate in the slots on the rear of both camshafts.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Camshaft Tool (303-465)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Automatic transaxle vehicles

Remove the 2 halfshaft carrier bracket bolts and slide the RH halfshaft 12 mm (0.47 in) out of the transaxle.

Fig 4: Locating Half Shaft Carrier Bracket Bolts And Sliding Rh Halfshaft Out Of Transaxle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles

Remove the engine plug bolt.

Fig 5: Locating Engine Plug Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg will contact the crankshaft and prevent it from turning past TDC. However, the crankshaft can still be rotated in the counterclockwise direction. The crankshaft must remain at the TDC position during the camshaft removal and installation.

Install the Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (303-507)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Only hand-tighten the bolt or damage to the front cover can occur.

Install a standard 6 mm (0.23 in) x 18 mm (0.7 in) bolt through the crankshaft pulley and thread it into the front cover.

Fig 7: Identifying 6 mm x 18 mm Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the lower timing hole plug from the engine front cover.

Fig 8: Locating Lower Front Cover Timing Hole Plug

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the upper timing hole plug from the engine front cover.

Fig 9: Locating Upper Front Cover Timing Hole Plug

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Reposition the Camshaft Alignment Plate to the slot on the rear of the intake camshaft only.

Fig 10: Identifying Special Tool (303-465) In Slots On Rear Of Camshafts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Releasing the ratcheting mechanism in the timing chain tensioner allows the plunger to collapse and create slack in the timing chain. Installing the M6 x 30 mm (1.18 in) bolt into the upper front cover timing hole will lock the tensioner arm in a retracted position and allow enough slack in the timing chain for removal of the exhaust camshaft gear.

Using a small pick tool, release the timing chain tensioner ratchet through the lower front cover timing hole.
- Have an assistant rotate the exhaust camshaft clockwise (using the flats of the camshaft) to collapse the timing chain tensioner plunger.
- Insert the M6 x 30 mm (1.18 in) bolt into the upper front cover timing hole to hold the tensioner arm in the retracted position.

Fig 11: Unlocking Chain Tensioner Ratchet Through Lower Front Cover Timing Hole

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, remove the bolt and the exhaust camshaft drive gear.

Fig 12: Identifying Exhaust Camshaft Drive Gear Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the Camshaft Alignment Plate.

Fig 13: Identifying Special Tool (303-465) In Slots On Rear Of Camshafts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the timing chain from the intake camshaft drive gear.

Fig 14: Locating Timing Chain On Intake Camshaft Drive Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Mark the position of the camshaft lobes on the No. 1 cylinder for installation reference.

Fig 15: Locating Camshaft Lobe

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Failure to follow the camshaft loosening procedure can result in damage to the intake camshaft.

Remove the intake camshaft from the engine.
- Loosen the intake camshaft bearing cap bolts, in the sequence shown, one turn at a time until all tension is released from the camshaft bearing caps.
- Remove the bolts and the camshaft bearing caps.
- Remove the intake camshaft.

Fig 16: Identifying Loosening Sequence Of Intake Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Mark the camshaft phaser and sprocket and the camshaft for reference during installation.

Fig 17: Locating Marks On Camshaft Phaser

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Place the camshaft in a soft-jawed vise. Remove the bolt and the camshaft phaser and sprocket.