Timing Drive Components: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Engines with ratcheting timing chain tensioners

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

CAUTION: Do not compress the ratchet assembly. This will damage the ratchet assembly.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Fig 1: Compressing Tensioner Plunger Using Vise

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Compress each tensioner plunger, using an edge of a vise.
Using a small screwdriver or pick, push back and hold the ratchet mechanism.

Fig 2: Pushing Back And Holding Ratchet Mechanism Using Small Screwdriver
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
While holding the ratchet mechanism, push the ratchet arm back into the tensioner housing.

Fig 3: Pushing Ratchet Arm Back Into Tensioner Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install a paper clip into the hole of each tensioner housing to hold the ratchet assembly and plunger in during installation.
- Remove the tensioner from the vise.
Fig 4: Installing Paper Clip Into Hole Of Tensioner Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with non-ratcheting timing chain tensioners

CAUTION: If one or both tensioner mounting bolts are loosened or removed, the tensioner-sealing bead must be inspected for seal integrity. Any cracks, tears, cuts or separation from the tensioner body or permanent compression of the seal bead, will require replacement of the tensioner.

Inspect the RH and LH timing chain tensioners.
- Install new tensioners as necessary.

CAUTION: The timing chain procedure must be followed exactly or damage to valves and pistons will result

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Fig 5: Compressing Tensioner Plunger Using Edge Of Vise

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Compress each tensioner plunger, using a vise.
Install a retaining clip on each tensioner to hold the plunger in during installation.

Fig 6: Installing Retaining Clip On Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All engines

If the copper links are not visible, mark one link on one end and one link on the other end, and use as timing marks.

Fig 7: Identifying Timing Chain Copper Links
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the camshaft sprockets and new bolts. Tighten the bolts in two stages.
- Stage 1: Tighten the bolt to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
- Stage 2: Tighten the bolt an additional 90 degrees (1/4 turn).
Fig 8: Installing Camshaft Sprockets
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, position the crankshaft so the number one cylinder is at top dead center (TDC).

Fig 9: Positioning Crankshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the crankshaft sprocket, making sure the flange faces forward.

Fig 10: Identifying Crankshaft Sprocket Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the timing chain guide.
1. Position the LH timing chain guide.
2. Install and tighten the LH bolts.
3. Position the RH timing chain guide.
4. Install and tighten the RH bolts.
Fig 11: Installing Timing Chain Guides - With Torque Specification
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the RH camshaft sprocket until the timing mark is approximately at the 11 o'clock position. Rotate the LH camshaft sprocket until the timing mark is approximately at the 12 o'clock position.

Fig 12: Identifying Timing Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the LH (inner) timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket, aligning the copper (marked) link with the timing mark on the sprocket.

Fig 13: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Crankshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the LH timing chain on the sprocket, aligning the copper (marked) link with the timing marks on the sprocket.

Fig 14: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Camshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The LH timing chain tensioner arm has a bump near the dowel hole for identification.

Fig 15: Installing LH Timing Chain Tensioner - With Torque Specification

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the LH timing chain tensioner arm on the dowel pin and install the LH timing chain tensioner.

Engines with ratcheting timing chain tensioners

Remove the retaining clip from the LH timing chain tensioner.

Fig 16: Removing Retaining Clip From LH Timing Chain Tensioner Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with non-ratcheting timing chain tensioners

Remove the retaining clip from the LH timing chain tensioner.

Fig 17: Timing Chain Tensioner Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All engines

Position the RH (outer) timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket, aligning the copper (marked) link with the timing mark on the sprocket.

Fig 18: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Crankshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the RH timing chain on the camshaft sprocket, aligning the copper (marked) link with the timing marks on the sprocket.

Fig 19: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Marks On Camshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the RH timing chain tensioner arm on the dowel pin and install the RH timing chain tensioner.

Fig 20: Installing RH Timing Chain Tensioner - With Torque Specification
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with ratcheting timing chain tensioners

Remove the retaining clip from the RH timing chain tensioner.

Fig 21: Removing Retaining Clip From RH Timing Chain Tensioner Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Engines with non-ratcheting timing chain tensioners

Remove the retaining clip from the RH timing chain tensioner.

Fig 22: Timing Chain Tensioner Retaining Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All engines

Make sure that the copper (marked) chain links are lined up with the dots on the crankshaft sprocket and the camshaft sprockets.

Fig 23: Identifying Camshaft & Crankshaft Alignment Links/Marks
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the camshaft until the lobe is in the up position.

Fig 24: Positioning Lobe Of Camshaft Up
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the special tool between the valve spring coils to prevent valve stem seal damage.

Fig 25: Installing Special Tool Between Valve Spring Coils
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Lubricate the camshaft roller followers using clean engine oil.

Fig 26: Installing Camshaft Roller Followers

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the camshaft roller followers.
1. Install the special tool.
2. Compress the valve spring.
3. Install the camshaft roller followers in their original locations.
Install the eight spark plugs.

Fig 27: Installing Spark Plugs
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the eight ignition coils and bolts.

Fig 28: Ignition Coils Bolts Torque Specification
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the eight ignition coil electrical connectors.

Fig 29: Connecting Ignition Coil Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the crankshaft sensor ring on the crankshaft.

Fig 30: Crankshaft Sensor Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER .