This procedure replaces the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and associated components on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, requiring removal of the front engine accessories and timing cover to access the timing system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chains, guides, tensioners, and sprockets) × 1 — Use OEM Ford or premium aftermarket kit
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-500S filter
• Coolant (if draining cooling system) × 1 — Motorcraft Orange Coolant
• Cam phaser bolts (if reusable condition questionable) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 7.5 qt
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 16 qt

Preparation

1. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
2. Raise vehicle on lift or support safely on jack stands at all four corners
3. Remove engine cover and air intake assembly
4. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
5. Drain cooling system by opening radiator petcock and removing lower radiator hose
6. Remove serpentine drive belt and tensioner
7. Remove electric cooling fans and radiator upper support
8. Support engine from above using support bar or hoist with load leveler
9. Label and photograph all electrical connections and vacuum lines before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Front Accessories and Pulleys
   Remove the alternator, A/C compressor (without disconnecting refrigerant lines - secure aside), power steering pump (if equipped with supplemental pump), and idler pulleys. Using crankshaft pulley holder or impact wrench, remove the crankshaft pulley bolt (turns clockwise to loosen as it is reverse-threaded on some applications - verify direction). Remove crankshaft damper pulley using appropriate puller if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft pulley bolt (M16, tighten then +90°)100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Right Engine Mount and Valve Covers
   Support engine securely. Remove right-side engine mount bolts to allow engine to be lowered slightly for clearance. Remove ignition coils and spark plugs. Remove both valve covers by loosening bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Inspect and clean valve cover mating surfaces thoroughly.
   Torque spec

   Valve cover bolts10 Nm (89 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove Timing Cover
   Disconnect camshaft position sensors and any wiring attached to timing cover. Remove all timing cover bolts noting their locations as they are different sizes (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm). Carefully separate timing cover from engine block. Remove old gasket material using plastic scraper - do not gouge aluminum surfaces. Remove and discard crankshaft front seal.
4. 4

   Verify TDC and Mark Timing Positions
   Rotate crankshaft to TDC cylinder #1 (compression stroke). Verify timing marks: crankshaft keyway at 12 o'clock, both camshaft slots should be parallel to valve cover surface. Take detailed photos of all timing mark alignments, chain routing around all sprockets and guides, and cam phaser positions before disassembly. Mark left and right bank timing relationships clearly.
   ⚠This is the most critical step. Any errors in documenting timing positions will result in engine damage upon startup.
5. 5

   Remove Timing Chain Tensioners and Chains
   Remove both timing chain tensioners (left and right banks). Note that tensioners should have locking pins or clips installed for storage. Remove timing chain guides by removing their bolts. Carefully remove both timing chains, noting routing path. Remove cam phaser bolts while holding camshafts stationary using hex section of camshaft or holding tool. Remove cam phasers and camshaft sprockets.
   Torque spec

   Primary timing chain tensioner bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing chain guide bolts12 Nm (106 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove Crankshaft Timing Components
   Remove crankshaft timing sprocket and idler sprockets. Inspect crankshaft keyway for damage. Remove oil pump if timing chain kit requires replacement of oil pump drive components. Clean all timing component mounting surfaces on engine block and cylinder heads.
7. 7

   Inspect and Prepare New Components
   Inspect all new timing kit components. Verify cam phasers, sprockets, chains, guides, and tensioners are included and correct for application. Pre-compress new timing chain tensioners and install locking pins or clips to hold them in compressed position. Apply light engine oil to all timing chain contact surfaces and sprocket teeth.
   ℹ️Some aftermarket kits may not include cam phasers. Verify your kit contents match job requirements before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install Crankshaft Components and Guides
   Install oil pump (if removed) and torque bolts. Install crankshaft timing sprocket with timing mark facing outward, aligning keyway properly. Install timing chain idler sprockets and torque bolts. Install new timing chain guides and torque bolts. Ensure all guides are properly seated and not binding.
   Torque spec

   Timing chain guide bolts12 Nm (106 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install Camshaft Sprockets and Chains
   With crankshaft still at TDC position, install cam phasers and camshaft sprockets onto camshafts ensuring proper orientation. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolts. While holding camshafts stationary on hex section, torque cam phaser bolts. Install timing chains around sprockets following routing documented in step 4, ensuring colored or marked links align with timing marks on all sprockets.
   ⚠Cam phaser bolts require threadlocker and must be held with camshaft stationary during tightening. Camshaft rotation during this step will cause timing misalignment.
10. 10

    Install Timing Chain Tensioners
    Verify timing chain routing one final time against reference photos. Install both timing chain tensioners with locking pins/clips still installed. Torque tensioner bolts. After both are secured, carefully remove locking pins/clips to allow tensioners to apply pressure to chains. Listen for proper seating of tensioner plungers.
    ⚠Do not remove tensioner locking pins until both tensioners are fully bolted in place. Premature release can cause chain misalignment.
    Torque spec

    Primary timing chain tensioner bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify Timing Alignment
    Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise (viewed from front) using breaker bar on crankshaft bolt. Return to TDC position and verify all timing marks realign exactly as they were initially: crankshaft keyway at 12 o'clock, camshaft slots parallel to valve cover surface, all colored chain links aligned with marks. If alignment is off by even one tooth, disassemble and correct immediately.
    ⚠️If timing marks do not realign perfectly after two full rotations, DO NOT proceed. Disassemble and identify the error. Starting engine with incorrect timing will destroy valves and pistons.
12. 12

    Install New Timing Cover Seal and Prepare Cover
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover using seal driver or appropriately sized socket. Seal should be flush or slightly recessed. Clean timing cover mating surfaces completely. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone (Motorcraft TA-31) to timing cover sealing surfaces per Ford specifications - typically at block-to-oil pan joints and cylinder head-to-block corners. Install new timing cover gasket.
    ℹ️RTV application must follow Ford pattern specifications. Excess RTV can break off and clog oil passages.
13. 13

    Install Timing Cover
    Carefully position timing cover onto engine, ensuring crankshaft front seal slides onto crankshaft snout without damage. Install all timing cover bolts finger-tight, noting correct positions for 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm bolts. Following Ford tightening sequence (consult service manual for exact pattern - generally starts at center and works outward), torque bolts in three stages: first to 50% of spec, then 75%, then final torque values according to bolt size.
14. 14

    Install Crankshaft Pulley and Front Accessories
    Install crankshaft damper pulley, ensuring it seats fully onto crankshaft snout. Install and torque crankshaft pulley bolt. Note if bolt is TTY (torque-to-yield) type - if so, it should be replaced and may require angle torque specification. Reinstall all front accessories: idler pulleys, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and alternator with their respective mounting bolts torqued properly.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft pulley bolt (M16, tighten then +90°)100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install Valve Covers and Complete Reassembly
    Install new valve cover gaskets. Apply small dab of RTV at cylinder head-to-timing cover corners if specified by gasket manufacturer. Install valve covers and torque bolts in proper sequence (center outward pattern) to specification. Install spark plugs and ignition coils. Reinstall camshaft position sensors. Reinstall engine mount and remove engine support. Install serpentine belt tensioner and belt. Reconnect all electrical connections and vacuum lines. Install radiator support, cooling fans, air intake, and engine cover.
    Torque spec

    Valve cover bolts10 Nm (89 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install new oil filter and refill engine with 7.5 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 synthetic oil
2. Refill cooling system with 16 quarts of Motorcraft Orange Coolant and bleed air from system
3. Reconnect negative battery cable
4. Before starting, perform final visual inspection of all connections, belts, and for any tools left in engine bay

Verification

• Prime oil system by cranking engine with fuel pump fuse removed for 10-15 seconds, then reinstall fuse
• Start engine and listen for any abnormal noises - timing chain noise indicates incorrect installation
• Monitor oil pressure gauge - pressure should rise within 5 seconds of startup
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant or oil leaks from timing cover or valve covers
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft position sensors - codes indicate timing error
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine performance across all RPM ranges
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and inspect for leaks once more

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