Timing Drive Components: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Fig 1: Compressing Tensioner Plunger

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fig 2: Installing Retaining Clip On Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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 3: Identifying Timing Marks
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 4: Rotating RH Camshaft Sprocket And Placing Timing Mark In Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the special tools from the camshaft.

Fig 5: Removing Special Tools From Camshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the crankshaft sprocket, making sure the flange faces forward.

Fig 6: Installing Crankshaft Sprocket
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 7: Installing Timing Chain Guide
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Unless otherwise instructed, do not rotate either the crankshaft or the camshafts, when the timing chains are removed and the cylinder heads are installed. Severe piston and valve damage will occur.

CAUTION: When instructed to do so, rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise only. Do not rotate past the position shown or severe piston and valve damage can occur.

NOTE: The number one cylinder is at top dead center (TDC) when the stud on the engine block fits into the slot in the handle of the special tool.

Fig 8: Identifying Number One Cylinder At TDC Position

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, position the crankshaft so the number one cylinder is at TDC.
Remove the special tool.
Position the LH (inner) timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket, aligning the copper (marked) link with the timing mark on the sprocket.

Fig 9: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Sprocket (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the LH timing chain on the camshaft sprocket, aligning the copper (marked) link with the timing marks on the sprocket.

Fig 10: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Sprocket (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fig 11: Installing LH Timing Chain Tensioner

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the LH timing chain tensioner arm on the dowel pin and install the LH timing chain tensioner.
Remove the retaining clip from the LH timing chain tensioner.

Fig 12: Removing Retaining Clip From LH Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the RH (outer) 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 Sprocket (1 Of 2)
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 14: Aligning Copper (Marked) Link With Timing Mark On Sprocket (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the RH timing chain tensioner arm on the dowel pin and install the RH timing chain tensioner.

Fig 15: Installing RH Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the retaining clip from the RH timing chain tensioner.

Fig 16: Removing Retaining Clip From RH Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Make sure that the copper (marked) chain links are lined up with the dots on the crankshaft sprockets and the camshaft sprocket.

Fig 17: Identifying Copper (Marked) Chain Links Aligned Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove special tools from the camshaft.

Fig 18: Removing Special Tools From Camshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the crankshaft sensor ring on the crankshaft.

Fig 19: Installing Crankshaft Sensor Ring On Crankshaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the roller followers. For additional information, refer to ROLLER FOLLOWER .
Install the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER .