Camshaft - LH: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The camshaft procedure must be followed exactly or damage to the valves and pistons will result.

Position the crankshaft damper spoke at the 12 o'clock position and the timing mark indentation at the 1 o'clock position.

Fig 1: Locating Crankshaft Damper Spoke Timing Mark

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the LH valve cover. For additional information, refer to Valve Cover - LH .

NOTE: Damage to the camshaft phaser and sprocket assembly will occur if mishandled or used as a lifting or leveraging device.

Loosen and back off the LH camshaft phaser and sprocket bolt one full turn.
Disconnect the LH camshaft position (CMP) sensor electrical connector.

Fig 2: Identifying LH CMP Sensor Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the LH CMP sensor and the bolt.

Fig 3: Locating LH CMP Sensor Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: If the camshaft lobes are not exactly positioned as shown, the crankshaft keyway will require one full additional rotation to 12 o'clock.

The No. 5 cylinder camshaft lobe must be coming up on the exhaust stroke. Verify by noting the position of the 2 intake camshaft lobes and the exhaust lobe on the No. 5 cylinder.

Fig 4: Checking Position Of No. 5 Cylinder Intake And Exhaust Camshaft Lobes

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove only the 3 camshaft roller followers shown in the illustration.

Fig 5: Locating LH Cylinder Head Camshaft Roller Followers And Bolts

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NOTE: The camshaft roller followers must be installed in their original locations. Record camshaft roller follower locations. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.

NOTE: Do not allow the valve keepers to fall off the valve or the valve may drop into the cylinder. If a valve drops into the cylinder, the cylinder head must be removed. For additional information, refer to Cylinder Head .

NOTE: It may be necessary to push the valve down while compressing the spring.

Using the special tool, remove only the 3 designated camshaft roller followers from the previous step.

Fig 6: Compressing Spring Using Special Tool (303-1039)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The crankshaft cannot be moved past the 6 o'clock position once set or engine damage may occur.

Rotate the crankshaft clockwise, as viewed from the front, positioning the crankshaft damper spoke at the 6 o'clock position and the timing mark indentation at the 7 o'clock position.

Fig 7: Positioning Crankshaft Damper Spoke At 6 O'clock Position And Timing Mark Indentation At 7 O'clock Position

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Engine is not freewheeling. Camshaft procedure must be followed exactly or damage to valves and pistons will result.

NOTE: The Timing Chain Wedge tool must be installed square to the timing chain and the engine block.

NOTE: Engine front cover removed for clarity.

Install the special tool in the LH timing chain as shown.

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tool (303-1175)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not remove the Timing Chain Wedge tool at any time during assembly. If the special tool is removed or out of placement, the engine front cover must be removed and the engine must be retimed. For additional information, refer to Timing Drive Components .

NOTE: The timing chain must be installed in its original position onto the camshaft phaser and sprocket using the scribed marks, or damage to valves and pistons will result.

NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

Scribe a location mark on the timing chain and the camshaft phaser and sprocket assembly.

Fig 9: Identifying Scribe Marks Of Camshaft Phaser And Chain

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Remove the front thrust camshaft bearing cap straight upward from the bearing towers or the bearing cap may be damaged from side loading.

Remove the 2 bolts and the LH cylinder head camshaft front bearing cap.

Fig 10: Removing Camshaft Front Bearing Cap Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The camshaft bearing caps must be installed in their original locations. Record camshaft bearing cap locations. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.

Remove the remaining bolts in the sequence shown and remove the LH cylinder head camshaft bearing caps.

Fig 11: Removing Camshaft Bearing Caps Bolts In Sequence

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Clean and inspect the LH camshaft bearing caps.
- The camshaft front thrust bearing cap contains an oil metering groove. Make sure the groove is free of foreign material.

Fig 12: Identifying Camshaft Front Thrust Bearing Cap Oil Metering Groove

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Damage to the camshaft phaser and sprocket assembly will occur if mishandled or used as a lifting or leveraging device.

NOTE: Only use hand tools to remove the camshaft phaser and sprocket bolt or damage may occur to the camshaft or camshaft phaser and sprocket.

Remove the bolt and withdraw the camshaft from the camshaft phaser and sprocket assembly, leaving the camshaft phaser and sprocket assembly in place.
- Discard the bolt and washer.

Fig 13: Identifying Camshaft Phaser And Sprocket Assembly Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Inspect the camshaft phaser and sprocket for damage. For additional information, refer to Camshaft Phaser and Sprocket .