Replace the variable valve timing (VVT) actuators (cam phasers) on the 3.5L EcoBoost engine to restore proper cam timing control and eliminate timing-related performance issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Left bank VVT actuator (cam phaser) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Right bank VVT actuator (cam phaser) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Valve cover gaskets (both banks) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• VVT solenoid O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Cam phaser bolts (if reuse not recommended) × 4 — Check service bulletin
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Motorcraft 5W-20

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clip attachments
4. Drain engine coolant from radiator petcock into suitable container
5. Remove air intake system including air filter housing and intake tubes
6. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and running engine until it stalls
7. Take multiple reference photos of timing chain routing and all timing marks
8. Label all electrical connectors and vacuum lines before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive system
   Remove the serpentine belt by rotating the tensioner clockwise. Remove the crankshaft pulley by holding the crankshaft with a holding tool and removing the center bolt. The crankshaft pulley must be removed to access the timing cover.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove valve covers
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors and remove all six coils from both banks. Remove the PCV hoses and breather tubes. Unbolt and remove both valve covers, noting the bolt sequence. Inspect valve cover gaskets and replace if showing any signs of deterioration.
   ℹ️Keep valve cover bolts organized by position as some may be different lengths.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove front timing cover
   Disconnect the coolant hoses from the timing cover. Remove all timing cover bolts in reverse of the tightening sequence, noting there are different bolt sizes. Carefully pry the timing cover away from the block using plastic pry points only. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with a plastic scraper.
   ⚠Do not pry against machined aluminum surfaces as this will cause gasket leaks. Use only designated pry points.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Verify and mark timing alignment
   Rotate the crankshaft to TDC cylinder #1 using the crankshaft pulley bolt. Verify all timing marks align: crankshaft keyway at 12 o'clock, both left bank cam lobes for cylinder #1 pointing outward, both right bank cam lobes for cylinder #6 pointing outward. Mark the chain-to-sprocket relationship with paint pen on all four cam sprockets and both crankshaft sprockets.
   ⚠️Failure to correctly identify and mark timing positions will result in engine damage. Triple-check all marks before proceeding.
5. 5

   Lock timing chains in position
   Install timing chain wedge tools or fabricated locking pins between the chain and guides to prevent chain movement. Ensure chains are under tension and cannot skip teeth. If using wedges, position them on both sides of each cam sprocket to prevent any rotation.
   ⚠Never allow the timing chains to go slack or they may jump teeth on the lower crankshaft sprockets.
6. 6

   Remove VVT solenoids
   Disconnect electrical connectors from all four VVT solenoids (intake and exhaust on each bank). Remove the solenoid mounting bolts and carefully pull the solenoids straight out. Inspect the solenoid screens for debris and clean if necessary. Replace O-rings on all solenoids.
   Torque spec

   VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove cam phaser bolts
   Hold each camshaft stationary using a wrench on the cam hex (located between lobes). Remove the cam phaser center bolt from each of the four positions. Note that the bolt holds the phaser to the camshaft. Keep phasers organized by position (LH intake, LH exhaust, RH intake, RH exhaust).
   ⚠The camshaft must be held completely stationary when removing phaser bolts. Do not allow cam to rotate or timing will be lost.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove old cam phasers
   With chains still locked in position, carefully slide each cam phaser forward off the camshaft. The phaser will come off with the timing chain still engaged on its teeth. Support the chain with wire or zip ties to prevent it from dropping. Inspect the camshaft journals and phaser mounting surfaces for wear or damage.
   ⚠Do not allow timing chains to slip off the crankshaft sprockets. Keep chains supported at all times.
9. 9

   Install new cam phasers
   Align the new cam phaser with the timing chain, ensuring the chain remains on the crankshaft sprocket and all timing marks still align. Slide the phaser onto the camshaft, aligning the locating pin on the cam with the phaser slot. Verify the previously made timing marks still align before proceeding to the next phaser. Repeat for all four positions.
   ⚠️Each phaser must be installed with the chain in exactly the same position as the old phaser. Verify timing marks after installing each phaser.
10. 10

    Install and torque cam phaser bolts
    Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of each new cam phaser bolt. Hold each camshaft stationary with a wrench on the hex. Install the bolt and torque to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft). Ensure the camshaft does not rotate during tightening. Perform this for all four phasers.
    ⚠Threadlocker is critical to prevent bolt loosening. Use only the specified medium-strength type.
    Torque spec

    Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify timing alignment before cover installation
    Remove the timing chain locking tools. Slowly rotate the crankshaft two complete revolutions by hand using the crankshaft bolt. Verify all timing marks realign perfectly at TDC. Check that no resistance or binding is felt during rotation. If marks do not align, disassemble and correct the timing before proceeding.
    ⚠️If timing marks do not realign after two full rotations, DO NOT start the engine. Disassemble and correct the timing.
12. 12

    Reinstall VVT solenoids
    Install new O-rings on all four VVT solenoids, lubricating with clean engine oil. Insert solenoids into their bores and install mounting bolts. Torque bolts to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Reconnect electrical connectors ensuring they click into place.
    Torque spec

    VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall timing cover
    Install new timing cover gasket and ensure all alignment pins are in place. Position timing cover carefully to avoid gasket displacement. Install all bolts finger-tight first, then torque 8mm bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft) in the specified sequence (center outward pattern). Reconnect coolant hoses.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley
    Clean the crankshaft snout and pulley bore. Align the pulley keyway with the crankshaft key and slide into position. Install the crankshaft bolt and torque to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft). If bolt is TTY type, follow manufacturer replacement guidelines.
    ℹ️Some service bulletins require crankshaft pulley bolt replacement. Verify current specification.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall valve covers and accessories
    Install new valve cover gaskets in the cover grooves. Position covers on cylinder heads and install bolts finger-tight. Torque all valve cover bolts to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) in the proper sequence (inside to outside pattern). Install ignition coils and reconnect all electrical connections. Reinstall PCV system, air intake, and engine cover.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Refill cooling system with Motorcraft Orange Coolant (13 quarts total capacity) and bleed air from system
2. Install new oil filter and refill engine with 6 quarts of Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend oil
3. Reinstall serpentine belt following the routing diagram on the belt routing decal
4. Reconnect negative battery cable
5. Prime fuel system by cycling ignition on/off three times without cranking

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without unusual noises or timing-related codes
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant or oil leaks from covers
• Monitor for cam position sensor codes (P0340-P0349) which would indicate timing issues
• Use scan tool to verify all four VVT actuators respond correctly to commanded positions
• Check for proper idle quality and throttle response - hesitation may indicate timing or phaser problems
• Perform a test drive and verify normal power delivery and absence of engine rattle on startup or acceleration
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and top off as necessary

More procedures for this vehicle