engine
Oil Pump
for 2012 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD
Difficulty
Expert
Time
7.2 h
Tools
11
Steps
15
🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.
This procedure involves removing the engine timing chain cover and related components to access and replace the oil pump on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.
Warnings
⚠️This procedure requires precise timing chain alignment. Incorrect installation will result in catastrophic engine damage.
⚠️Engine must be completely cool before starting. Hot coolant and oil can cause severe burns.
⚠The 3.5L EcoBoost has specific timing procedures. Do not rotate crankshaft or camshafts independently once timing components are removed.
⚠Use only the specified RTV silicone on timing cover mating surfaces. Excessive RTV can block oil passages.
ℹ️Take photos of timing chain alignment marks before disassembly for reference during reassembly.
Tools required
Torque wrench (10-80 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Oil drain pan (8+ quart capacity)Essential
Engine support fixture or hoistEssential
Timing chain alignment toolsEssential
Harmonic balancer pullerEssential
RTV silicone gasket makerEssential
Pry bar (plastic)
Brake cleaner and shop rags
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Cooling system drain panEssential
Parts
- Oil pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil pump pickup tube O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Harmonic balancer bolt × 1 — One-time use fastener
- Engine oil filter × 1 — FL-820S or equivalent
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Timing chain tensioner gasket × 2 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil — 6 qt
- Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool
- Disconnect negative battery cable
- Raise and secure vehicle on jack stands
- Remove engine cover and intake tubing
- Install engine support fixture to support engine weight
- Place drain pans under vehicle for oil and coolant
- Remove front wheels and inner fender splash shields for access
Procedure
- 1Drain fluids and remove accessoriesDrain engine oil and coolant. Remove the radiator hoses connected to timing cover, power steering pump (support aside without disconnecting lines), A/C compressor (support aside), and serpentine belt tensioner. Remove the coolant bypass tube from timing cover.Torque specOil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
- 2Remove front engine mountSupport engine with fixture. Remove the passenger side engine mount and bracket to allow engine to be lowered for timing cover access. This provides necessary clearance between engine and firewall.Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
- 3Remove harmonic balancerRemove the single center bolt from harmonic balancer (discard bolt as it is one-time use). Use harmonic balancer puller to remove balancer from crankshaft. Do not use impact tools or pry against balancer as this will damage it.
- 4Remove timing coverRemove all timing cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. There are multiple bolt lengths - mark locations for reassembly. Carefully separate timing cover from engine block using plastic pry tool. Do not damage mating surfaces.⚠Note bolt locations as different length bolts are used in specific positions.Torque specCover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
- 5Mark and verify timing alignmentBefore removing any timing components, verify and photograph timing marks on crankshaft and both camshaft sprockets. All timing marks must be aligned with their respective indicators. Mark the timing chain direction of rotation with paint marker.⚠️Failure to properly document timing alignment will result in engine damage upon startup.
- 6Remove timing chain tensioners and guidesRemove both primary timing chain tensioners by compressing and locking them, then removing mounting bolts. Remove timing chain guides. Keep all components organized for proper reassembly.Torque specGasket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
- 7Remove timing chainsRemove the primary timing chain from crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Do not rotate crankshaft or camshafts once chains are removed. Use timing alignment tools to lock camshafts and crankshaft in position.⚠️Install camshaft and crankshaft locking tools immediately to prevent rotation and valve-to-piston contact.
- 8Remove oil panRemove all oil pan mounting bolts. Carefully separate oil pan from engine block using plastic pry tool at designated pry points. Clean all old gasket material from both oil pan and engine block mating surfaces with brake cleaner.Torque specOil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 9Remove oil pump pickup tubeRemove the two bolts securing oil pump pickup tube to oil pump and the support bracket bolt to main bearing cap. Remove pickup tube and discard O-ring seal.Torque specOil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 10Remove and replace oil pumpRemove the oil pump mounting bolts from front of engine block. Remove oil pump assembly by pulling straight out from engine block. Clean mounting surface thoroughly. Install new oil pump with new pickup tube O-ring, ensuring pump is fully seated against block before installing bolts. Torque oil pump bolts in crisscross pattern.⚠Ensure oil pump drive chain is properly engaged with crankshaft before tightening bolts.Torque specOil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 11Install oil pump pickup tubeInstall new O-ring on pickup tube. Install pickup tube to oil pump and support bracket. Torque bolts to specification in sequence: pump bolts first, then support bracket bolt.Torque specOil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 12Install oil panApply thin continuous bead of RTV silicone to oil pan mating surface (3mm bead). Install new oil pan gasket. Install oil pan within 10 minutes of RTV application. Install all oil pan bolts and torque in sequence from center outward.ℹ️Allow RTV to cure for at least 30 minutes before adding oil.Torque specOil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 13Reinstall timing chains and componentsWith camshafts and crankshaft still locked in timing position, install primary timing chain over crankshaft sprocket and both camshaft sprockets, ensuring all timing marks align exactly as photographed. Install timing chain guides and new tensioner gaskets. Install and release timing chain tensioners.Torque specGasket Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
- 14Install timing coverClean all old gasket material and RTV from timing cover and engine block mating surfaces. Apply 2.5mm bead of RTV silicone to engine block mating surface at split lines between oil pan and block. Install new timing cover gasket. Install timing cover and all bolts hand-tight first. Torque 8mm timing cover bolts to specification in proper sequence starting from center and working outward.⚠Install timing cover within 10 minutes of RTV application to ensure proper seal.Torque specCover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
- 15Reinstall remaining componentsInstall harmonic balancer onto crankshaft using new center bolt. Install engine mount and bracket. Reinstall all accessories including A/C compressor, power steering pump, belt tensioner, and serpentine belt. Reconnect coolant hoses and bypass tube. Install splash shields and wheels. Remove engine support fixture.Torque specMounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Install new oil filter and refill engine with 6 quarts of Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil
- Refill cooling system with Motorcraft Orange coolant to proper level
- Reconnect negative battery cable
- Before starting engine, manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions and verify timing marks realign properly
- Prime oil pump by cranking engine with fuel pump fuse removed until oil pressure gauge shows pressure
Verification
- Start engine and verify no oil leaks from oil pan, timing cover, or oil pump areas
- Verify oil pressure builds immediately on startup and maintains normal pressure at idle (40-70 psi)
- Listen for abnormal engine noises that could indicate timing or oil pump issues
- Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant leaks from timing cover
- Check oil level after engine reaches operating temperature and adjust if necessary
- Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine operation under load