This procedure covers replacement of the timing chains, guides, tensioners, and cam phasers on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine. This is a complex engine-internal service requiring precise timing alignment and camshaft positioning.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chains, tensioners, guides) × 1 — Ford BR3Z-6L266-A or equivalent complete kit
• Cam phaser set (both intake and exhaust, left and right banks) × 4 — Use OEM Ford phasers
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• VVT solenoid O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil pump O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft position sensor O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover RTV sealant (Motorcraft TA-30) × 1 — Motorcraft TA-30 or equivalent
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant (if system drained) × 1 — Motorcraft Orange Coolant
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge.
3. Drain engine oil completely and replace drain plug with new crush washer.
4. Drain coolant from radiator petcock and lower radiator hose into suitable container.
5. Remove engine cover, air intake assembly, and air filter housing.
6. Remove serpentine belt using belt tensioner release tool. Inspect belt for wear and replace if necessary.
7. Remove radiator upper and lower hoses, disconnect transmission cooler lines if necessary.
8. Remove both valve covers following proper loosening sequence. Inspect valve train for unusual wear.
9. Remove all accessories mounted to timing cover: alternator, power steering pump (if equipped), A/C compressor (leave hoses attached and secure aside), water pump.
10. Remove crankshaft pulley using holding tool and impact wrench. Crankshaft bolt is high torque and typically requires impact.
11. Support engine from above using engine support bar or hoist with load leveler.
12. Remove front engine mount hardware to allow slight engine movement for timing cover clearance.
13. Label and disconnect all VVT solenoid connectors and cam position sensor connectors.
14. Have Ford service manual timing diagrams and cam phaser alignment specifications readily available.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove timing cover and verify condition
   Remove all timing cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm bolts have different torques). Carefully separate timing cover from engine block using plastic pry points only - do not damage sealing surfaces. Remove and discard old gasket. Inspect oil pump drive for wear. Clean all RTV residue from block and cover mating surfaces using plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Inspect for metal debris in oil pan which indicates chain failure damage.
   Torque spec

   Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Rotate engine to TDC cylinder 1 and verify timing marks
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise (viewed from front) until cylinder 1 is at TDC compression stroke. Verify crankshaft keyway points to 12 o'clock position. Check all four cam timing marks: each camshaft sprocket should have timing mark aligned with cylinder head reference mark. Note the position of all timing components before disassembly. Take photos for reference. Mark chain-to-sprocket relationship with paint marker.
3. 3

   Remove cam phasers and camshaft sprockets
   Install camshaft holding tool on each camshaft hex to prevent rotation. Remove cam phaser mounting bolts (one per phaser). The cam phasers are integrated with the sprocket on this engine. Remove VVT solenoids from timing cover. Carefully remove each cam phaser/sprocket assembly. Inspect phaser locking pins and internal condition - if phasers rattle excessively or have metal debris, replacement is mandatory. Remove camshaft position sensors.
   ⚠Must hold camshaft on hex flats during bolt removal to prevent cam bearing damage. Do not use timing chain to hold cam.
4. 4

   Remove timing chains and components
   Remove both timing chain tensioners (left and right banks). Note that tensioners should be under spring pressure - if they are fully extended, chain stretch has occurred. Remove timing chain tensioner arms. Remove timing chain guides (fixed guides bolted to block). Slide timing chains off crankshaft sprocket and remove from engine. Remove jackshaft chain components if equipped. Remove idler sprockets. Inspect all sprockets for wear patterns, grooves, or blued teeth indicating overheating.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect components and prepare for reassembly
   Thoroughly inspect all timing chain contact surfaces on block for scoring or damage. Measure timing chain stretch using OEM specifications (chains should be replaced if elongated beyond 0.5% of original length). Check crankshaft sprocket for wear - teeth should be smooth without hooking. Inspect oil pump drive mechanism and oil pump for wear. Replace crankshaft front seal. Clean all threaded holes with brake cleaner and compressed air. Verify all camshaft bearing caps are properly seated and numbered for correct position.
6. 6

   Install new timing chain guides and tensioners
   Install new fixed timing chain guides to cylinder block and tighten bolts to specification. Install new tensioner arms (ensure they pivot freely). Compress new timing chain tensioners using C-clamp or tensioner compression tool, then lock them with retaining pin or clip. Install compressed tensioners onto engine and torque bolts to specification. Do not remove retaining pins yet. Install idler sprockets if equipped.
   ⚠Tensioners must be compressed and pinned before installation. If pin releases prematurely, tensioner must be removed and reset.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install timing chains on crankshaft sprocket
   Verify crankshaft is still at TDC position with keyway at 12 o'clock. Install both new timing chains onto crankshaft sprocket ensuring colored or marked links align with crankshaft timing marks per service manual diagram. Route chains over guides and tensioner arms according to factory routing. Ensure chains are not twisted and sit properly in sprocket grooves.
8. 8

   Install camshaft alignment tools and verify camshaft positioning
   Install Ford camshaft alignment tools (T97P-6256-A or equivalent) into rear of all four camshafts through access holes in cylinder heads. These tools lock camshafts in proper position relative to crankshaft at TDC. Verify all four tools seat fully - if not, camshafts are not in correct position. Check that camshaft lobes for cylinder 1 are positioned correctly (intake cam lobes pointing outward, exhaust cam lobes pointing inward for TDC compression). Make fine adjustments by rotating camshafts slightly at hex using wrench.
   ⚠️Camshaft timing tools must be fully engaged before proceeding. Any movement indicates incorrect cam position which will cause valve-to-piston contact.
9. 9

   Install cam phasers and verify chain alignment
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolt threads. Position new cam phasers onto camshafts ensuring timing chain colored links align with marks on phaser sprockets per service manual. Install cam phaser bolts finger tight. Use camshaft holding tool on hex flats to prevent cam rotation, then torque cam phaser bolts to specification in star pattern (alternate between banks). Verify timing chain has proper tension and colored links remain aligned with all marks. Double-check crankshaft is still at TDC.
   ⚠Each bank has independent timing chains. Verify both chains are properly aligned before final tightening.
10. 10

    Release tensioners and verify timing
    Carefully remove retaining pins from both timing chain tensioners, allowing them to apply tension to chains. Chains should become snug but not over-tight. Remove camshaft alignment tools from cylinder heads. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise using socket on crankshaft bolt. Stop at TDC and reinstall camshaft alignment tools - all four tools should fit easily if timing is correct. If any tool does not fit, timing is incorrect and must be redone. Verify all timing marks still align after rotation.
    ⚠️If camshaft alignment tools do not fit after rotation, DO NOT attempt to start engine. Disassemble and verify timing chain installation.
11. 11

    Install VVT components and sensors
    Install new VVT solenoid O-rings lubricated with clean engine oil. Install VVT solenoids into timing cover and torque bolts to specification. Install new camshaft position sensor O-rings. Install camshaft position sensors into cylinder heads and torque bolts to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors ensuring they click into place. Verify solenoid screens are clean and not clogged.
12. 12

    Install timing cover with new gasket and seal
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover using seal driver (do not damage seal lip). Lubricate seal lip with engine oil. Install new timing cover gasket onto engine block dowel pins. Apply small bead of RTV sealant (Motorcraft TA-30) to timing cover-to-block joints and oil pan-to-block joints as specified in service manual. Install timing cover carefully ensuring it seats fully and does not pinch gasket. Install timing cover bolts in correct locations (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm bolts in different positions). Tighten in sequence per service manual: 6mm bolts first, then 8mm, then 10mm bolts. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer specifications before adding oil.
    ℹ️Timing cover bolt sequence is critical to prevent oil leaks and ensure proper sealing. Follow service manual sequence exactly.
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install crankshaft pulley and accessories
    Clean crankshaft snout and pulley mating surface. Install crankshaft pulley ensuring it seats fully against crankshaft timing sprocket. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and torque to specification using impact wrench while holding crankshaft with holding tool. Verify bolt specification as this may be TTY (torque-to-yield). Reinstall water pump with new gasket if removed. Reinstall all accessories: alternator, A/C compressor, power steering pump, idler pulleys. Torque all mounting bolts to specification.
14. 14

    Install valve covers and restore engine
    Install new valve cover gaskets ensuring they seat properly in valve cover grooves. Apply small dab of RTV at front corners where timing cover meets cylinder head per service manual. Install valve covers and tighten bolts in sequence from center outward to specification. Reinstall engine mount hardware and torque to specification. Remove engine support. Reinstall serpentine belt using tensioner release tool. Reconnect radiator hoses and refill cooling system with proper mixture of Motorcraft Orange coolant. Install new oil filter and fill engine with 7.5 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 synthetic oil. Reinstall air intake assembly and engine cover.
15. 15

    Prime oil system and perform initial start
    Reconnect negative battery cable. Without starting engine, turn ignition to ON position (do not crank) for 10 seconds, then OFF. Repeat 3-4 times to prime fuel system. Disable fuel system by unplugging fuel pump relay or fuse. Crank engine for 10-15 seconds to prime oil system (oil pressure light should extinguish). Reinstall fuel pump relay/fuse. Start engine and immediately verify oil pressure registers on gauge. Listen for any unusual noises - engine should run smooth without rattles or knocking. Allow engine to warm to operating temperature while monitoring for leaks around timing cover and valve covers. Check coolant level and top off as needed.
    ⚠If any rattling, knocking, or unusual noises occur during initial start, shut down immediately and reverify timing installation.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is detailed in the steps above. Critical points: follow all torque sequences exactly as specified, verify timing alignment multiple times before final assembly, allow RTV sealant to cure before filling fluids, use new gaskets and seals throughout.
2. After initial start and warm-up, shut down engine and recheck all timing cover and valve cover bolts after engine cools to room temperature. Retorque if necessary.
3. Reset oil life monitor using instrument cluster menu or scan tool after oil change.
4. Test drive vehicle and monitor for Check Engine lights related to cam timing or VVT system performance.

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth idle with no unusual noises (rattling, knocking, or ticking beyond normal injector noise).
• Use scan tool to verify all four camshaft position sensors are reading correctly and VVT system is functioning (actual cam timing should match commanded timing within 5 degrees).
• Verify no oil leaks from timing cover, valve covers, or front crankshaft seal after 15 minutes of operation at operating temperature.
• Road test vehicle under various loads and RPM ranges. VVT system should operate smoothly with no hesitation or rough running.
• Check for stored diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft correlation or VVT system. Clear codes if present from initial start, then verify they do not return.
• Recheck engine oil level after vehicle has sat overnight - top off if necessary. Check coolant level when engine is cold.
• After 500 miles, recheck timing cover and valve cover areas for oil seepage. Minor seepage at RTV areas may require gasket resealing.
• Monitor oil consumption over first 1000 miles - excessive consumption may indicate cam phaser or timing component issue.

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