Replace the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) actuators (cam phasers) on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine to restore proper valve timing control and eliminate timing-related engine noise or performance issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• VVT actuator/cam phaser - right bank × 1 — Ford BL3Z-6A257-A or equivalent
• VVT actuator/cam phaser - left bank × 1 — Ford BL3Z-6A257-A or equivalent
• Valve cover gasket - right × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket - left × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover bolt grommets × 20 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• VVT solenoid O-rings (if disturbed) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-820-S filter

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 7.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 5 minutes
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips
4. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
5. Remove upper radiator hose and coolant bypass hose if needed for access
6. Remove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner counterclockwise
7. Label and disconnect all ignition coils and spark plug wires
8. Photograph engine bay and timing marks for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve covers
   Disconnect PCV hoses and any vacuum lines from valve covers. Remove ignition coils from both banks. Unbolt valve covers in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve covers off and set aside. Inspect valve cover gaskets and replace if reusing covers.
2. 2

   Position engine to TDC cylinder #1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using breaker bar on crankshaft pulley bolt until the timing marks on both camshafts align with their respective timing marks on the cylinder head. The crankshaft keyway should point upward at 12 o'clock. Use paint marker to mark crankshaft pulley position relative to timing cover for reference.
   ⚠Always rotate engine in normal rotation direction (clockwise from front). Never turn backwards.
3. 3

   Remove crankshaft pulley and front timing cover
   Hold crankshaft pulley with holding tool and remove crankshaft pulley bolt using breaker bar. Remove pulley. Remove all timing cover bolts, noting different lengths and locations. Carefully pry timing cover away from engine block using plastic pry points. Remove cover and gasket material, being careful not to damage sealing surfaces.
   ℹ️Timing cover bolts are different lengths. Organize and label for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark timing chain positions
   Verify all timing marks are aligned (cam sprockets aligned with head marks, crankshaft at TDC). Use paint marker to mark timing chain position on all four cam sprockets (intake and exhaust on both banks) and the crankshaft sprocket. Mark chain links directly adjacent to timing marks on sprockets. Take detailed photos of timing alignment from multiple angles.
   ⚠️These timing marks are your only reference for reassembly. Multiple clear marks and photos are essential.
5. 5

   Compress and secure timing chain tensioners
   Remove the two primary timing chain tensioner bolts (one per bank). Carefully extract tensioners. Using tensioner compression tool or bench vise, slowly compress tensioner piston fully. Insert retaining pin or safety wire through hole to hold tensioner compressed. Set aside for reinstallation.
   ⚠Tensioners are spring-loaded. Control compression carefully to prevent damage or injury.
6. 6

   Secure timing chain and remove cam phaser
   Working on the affected bank, use tie wire or wedge to secure timing chain to prevent it from falling into engine. Hold camshaft stationary using wrench on camshaft hex (located between cam lobes). Remove cam phaser bolt. Note any washers or spacers. Carefully wiggle cam phaser off camshaft while supporting timing chain. Do NOT allow chain to slip off crankshaft sprocket. Mark which phaser is intake vs exhaust.
   ⚠️Do not allow timing chain to drop or jump position. Secure chain with wire or keeper tool at all times.
   ⚠Cam phasers are handed and marked differently for intake vs exhaust. Do not mix up during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect timing components
   With cam phasers removed, inspect timing chain for excessive wear, stretching, or damage. Check timing chain guides and tensioner contact surfaces for wear grooves. Inspect camshaft nose for scoring or damage. Check cam phaser mounting surfaces on camshafts. If timing chain shows wear beyond specifications (measure with timing chain gauge tool), replace chain set while components are accessible.
8. 8

   Install new cam phasers
   Ensure timing marks are still aligned. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to new cam phaser bolts. Install correct cam phaser (intake or exhaust) onto camshaft, aligning timing chain with marks made during removal. Support chain to prevent dropping. Thread cam phaser bolt by hand. Hold camshaft stationary with wrench on hex and torque cam phaser bolt to specification.
   ⚠️Verify timing chain link marks align EXACTLY with marks on cam phaser before torquing. Even one tooth off will cause engine damage.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install timing chain tensioners
   Verify all timing marks remain aligned on all cam phasers and crankshaft. Install compressed timing chain tensioners with retaining pins still installed. Thread tensioner bolts and torque to specification. After both tensioners are secured, carefully remove retaining pins to release tensioners. Tensioners should extend and apply proper chain tension.
   ⚠Do not release tensioner pins until tensioners are fully bolted in place.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify timing alignment
    Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise using socket on crankshaft bolt. Watch all timing marks as engine rotates. After two full rotations, all timing marks should return to exact TDC alignment. If any mark is off even slightly, do NOT proceed - disassemble and correct timing immediately.
    ⚠️If timing marks do not align perfectly after two rotations, timing is incorrect. Do not start engine or continue assembly.
11. 11

    Reinstall timing cover
    Clean all gasket surfaces on engine block and timing cover thoroughly with plastic scraper. Apply new timing cover gasket with light coating of RTV on both sides. Carefully position timing cover onto engine, ensuring it seats properly on all dowel pins. Install timing cover bolts in correct locations (note different lengths). Tighten 8mm bolts in sequence from center outward to specification.
    ℹ️Some bolts thread into coolant passages. Apply thread sealant where specified in service manual.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley
    Clean crankshaft snout and pulley bore. Align crankshaft pulley keyway with crankshaft key and slide pulley onto crankshaft. Apply light oil to new crankshaft bolt threads (if TTY type, use new bolt). Hold pulley with holding tool and torque crankshaft pulley bolt to specification. If using TTY bolt, follow additional angle-torque specifications from service manual.
    ℹ️Some applications use torque-to-yield (TTY) crankshaft bolts that require angle torque after initial torque. Verify specification.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall valve covers
    Install new valve cover gaskets and grommets onto valve covers. Clean valve cover mating surfaces on cylinder heads. Position valve covers carefully onto heads, ensuring gaskets remain properly seated. Install valve cover bolts with new grommets. Tighten bolts in sequence (center outward pattern) to specification. Do not overtighten as this will damage gaskets.
    ⚠Valve cover bolts are low torque. Use accurate torque wrench and do not exceed specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Complete reassembly and fill fluids
    Reinstall ignition coils and connect all electrical connectors. Reinstall serpentine belt. Reconnect coolant hoses if removed. Install new oil filter and fill engine with proper quantity and specification of engine oil. Reconnect battery negative cable. Double-check all connections and verify no tools remain in engine bay.

Reassembly

1. If replacing cam phasers on both banks, repeat steps 6-8 for opposite bank before reinstalling timing cover
2. Use new valve cover gaskets and grommets - reusing old gaskets will result in oil leaks
3. Tighten all fasteners to specified torque values using calibrated torque wrench
4. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
5. Verify serpentine belt is properly routed on all pulleys before starting engine

Verification

• Before starting engine, rotate crankshaft by hand two full revolutions to verify smooth operation with no binding
• Check that oil level is correct on dipstick after filling
• Start engine and verify oil pressure builds immediately (within 2-3 seconds)
• Listen for any timing chain noise or rattles - engine should run smoothly and quietly
• Check for oil leaks around valve covers and timing cover while engine idles
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no check engine lights or VVT-related fault codes
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal power delivery and smooth acceleration with no timing-related hesitation
• Scan for fault codes using OBD-II scanner - should show no VVT system codes (P0010, P0011, P0020, P0021, etc.)
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary

More procedures for this vehicle