Camshaft R&R

Complete removal and replacement of intake and exhaust camshafts on both cylinder banks, including timing chain system disassembly and valve train components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intake camshaft (RH bank) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust camshaft (RH bank) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intake camshaft (LH bank) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust camshaft (LH bank) × 1 — Use OEM 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
• Camshaft position sensor O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain tensioner gaskets × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone gasket maker (Motorcraft TA-31) × 1 — TA-31

Fluids

• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 6 qt
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work (minimum 4 hours cool-down)
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for capacitor discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips
4. Drain engine oil completely and install drain plug with new crush washer
5. Drain coolant from radiator petcock into suitable container until level drops below upper radiator hose
6. Remove air intake system from air box to throttle body
7. Disconnect all ignition coil connectors and remove all six coils
8. Label and disconnect all vacuum lines from intake manifold
9. Remove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner counterclockwise
10. Support engine with floor jack and block of wood under oil pan, then remove right-side engine mount
11. Take multiple reference photos of timing chain positioning, cam phaser alignment, and all sensor locations

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve covers from both banks
   Disconnect PCV hoses and electrical connectors from both valve covers. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside-to-inside pattern). Carefully lift valve covers straight up to avoid damaging gasket surfaces. Inspect rocker arms and valve springs for unusual wear patterns while exposed.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove front accessory components and crankshaft pulley
   Remove power steering pump mounting bolts and secure pump aside without disconnecting hydraulic lines. Remove alternator and secure aside. Remove AC compressor mounting bolts and secure compressor aside with wire without disconnecting refrigerant lines. Using breaker bar on crankshaft bolt, remove harmonic balancer bolt and pull balancer using appropriate puller tool. Do not pry against timing cover.
   ⚠Harmonic balancer bolt is torque-to-yield. Use new bolt during reassembly. Do not reuse old bolt.
   Torque spec

   Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove timing chain front cover
   Disconnect crankshaft position sensor electrical connector and remove sensor. Remove all timing cover bolts noting different lengths and locations. There are both 8mm and 10mm bolts in specific positions. Carefully separate timing cover from engine block using plastic pry points only. Clean all old gasket material from block and cover using plastic scraper only. Inspect oil pump drive chain for wear.
   ⚠Timing cover bolt lengths vary by location. Take photo or diagram bolt positions to ensure correct reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

   Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Verify and mark timing alignment
   Rotate crankshaft to TDC cylinder #1 (crankshaft keyway at 12 o'clock). Verify both RH and LH cam phaser timing marks align with cylinder head timing marks. Use paint pen or scribe to mark chain-to-sprocket relationship on all four cam phasers and both crankshaft sprockets. Mark chain direction of rotation. Take clear reference photos from multiple angles.
   ⚠️Accurate timing marks are critical. Triple-check alignment before proceeding. Any error will cause engine damage on startup.
5. 5

   Remove timing chain tensioners and guides
   Remove both RH and LH bank timing chain tensioner bolts. Carefully extract tensioners and verify they are in compressed position with pins installed. Remove timing chain guide bolts and extract guides. Inspect guides for groove wear or cracking requiring replacement. Keep all components organized by bank (RH/LH).
   ⚠Timing chain tensioners are spring-loaded. Control removal to prevent tensioner from ejecting.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove camshaft phasers and timing chains
   Hold each camshaft at the hex section using appropriate wrench. Remove cam phaser bolts from all four camshafts. Remove both timing chains by lifting off crankshaft sprockets. Keep RH and LH chains separate and labeled. Remove VVT solenoids from all four cam phasers and inspect screens for debris. If cam phasers show scoring or excessive play, replacement is required.
   ℹ️Cam phasers are bank and position specific (RH intake, RH exhaust, LH intake, LH exhaust). Label each clearly during removal.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

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

   Remove camshaft bearing caps and camshafts
   Remove camshaft position sensors from both banks. Note that camshaft bearing caps are numbered sequentially and have directional arrows. Loosen bearing cap bolts in reverse sequence (outside-to-inside, alternating pattern) in multiple passes to evenly release valve spring pressure. Remove caps and keep in exact order. Carefully lift camshafts straight up from cylinder heads. Inspect cam lobes, journals, and bearing surfaces for scoring, galling, or excessive wear requiring head service.
   ⚠️Bearing caps must be loosened gradually in sequence. Rapid or uneven removal can warp caps or damage journals due to valve spring pressure.
   ⚠Bearing caps are not interchangeable between positions or banks. Each cap goes in only one specific location with specific orientation.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect camshaft journals and bearing surfaces
   Thoroughly clean all camshaft journals in cylinder heads using lint-free cloths and brake cleaner. Inspect each journal for scoring, discoloration, or out-of-round wear. Check bearing cap mating surfaces for damage. Measure camshaft journal clearances using plastigage if specifications are questionable. Inspect rocker arm roller surfaces and hydraulic lash adjusters for pitting or wear.
   ℹ️If journal damage is found, cylinder head reconditioning or replacement is required before installing new camshafts.
9. 9

   Install replacement camshafts
   Apply clean engine oil liberally to all camshaft journals and lobes. Carefully lower new camshafts into cylinder heads ensuring intake and exhaust camshafts are correctly positioned per casting marks. Apply clean oil to bearing cap journals. Install bearing caps in exact numerical sequence with directional arrows pointing toward timing chain end. Install cap bolts finger-tight initially. Tighten bearing cap bolts in sequence from center outward in three progressive passes: first pass 5 Nm, second pass 10 Nm, final pass to specification.
   ⚠Never force camshafts into position. If resistance is felt, verify correct cam selection and journal cleanliness.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install cam phasers and timing chains
    Rotate crankshaft to TDC cylinder #1 position with keyway at 12 o'clock. Install VVT solenoids into cam phasers with new O-rings. Position cam phasers onto camshaft drive ends aligning timing marks made during disassembly. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolt threads. Hold camshaft at hex using wrench while tightening phaser bolts. Drape timing chains over cam phasers and onto crankshaft sprockets verifying all timing marks align perfectly with reference marks and photos. Double-check chain routing matches original configuration.
    ⚠️Timing mark alignment must be exact. Even one tooth off will cause immediate engine damage. Verify alignment three times before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

    VVT Solenoid Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install timing chain guides and tensioners
    Install timing chain guides for both banks and tighten guide bolts. Compress timing chain tensioners using appropriate tool and lock with retaining pin or clip. Install tensioners into engine block and tighten tensioner bolts. Remove tensioner retaining pins allowing tensioners to apply pressure to chains. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise (from front of engine) and verify all timing marks realign at TDC. If marks do not realign, disassemble and correct timing before proceeding.
    ⚠️After tensioner pin removal, manually rotate engine SLOWLY. Listen and feel for any obstruction indicating incorrect timing or component interference.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install timing chain front cover
    Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to engine block at cylinder head-to-block split lines and oil pan-to-block split lines. Install new timing cover gasket onto cover. Position timing cover onto engine block carefully aligning dowel pins. Install all timing cover bolts in correct positions per documentation. Tighten 8mm bolts first in sequence, then tighten 10mm bolts in sequence. Install crankshaft position sensor with new O-ring and tighten. Allow RTV to cure for 30 minutes before adding fluids.
    ⚠RTV must be applied in continuous bead without breaks. Excess RTV can contaminate oil passages - use minimal amount necessary.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Crankshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall accessory components and valve covers
    Install harmonic balancer onto crankshaft ensuring it seats fully. Install new crankshaft pulley bolt and tighten to specification using holding tool. Reinstall AC compressor, alternator, and power steering pump to mounting brackets. Install new valve cover gaskets into valve cover grooves. Apply small dab of RTV at cylinder head-to-timing cover corners. Position valve covers onto cylinder heads and install bolts. Tighten valve cover bolts in sequence from center outward. Reinstall ignition coils and connect all electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Complete final assembly and fluid refill
    Reinstall serpentine belt routing over all pulleys. Reinstall right-side engine mount and remove floor jack support. Reconnect all vacuum lines per labels. Reinstall air intake system. Refill engine with 6 quarts Motorcraft 0W-20 synthetic oil. Top off coolant system to proper level with Motorcraft Orange coolant. Reconnect battery negative cable. Prime oil system by cranking engine with fuel pump fuse removed for 10 seconds, rest 30 seconds, repeat three times.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Confirm all vacuum lines are connected per original routing
3. Check that serpentine belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves
4. Verify no tools or rags remain in engine compartment
5. Double-check all fluid levels before starting engine

Verification

• Start engine and verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 3 seconds
• Listen for any abnormal timing chain noise, rattling, or knocking during initial startup
• Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes while monitoring for oil or coolant leaks around timing cover and valve covers
• Verify smooth idle with no misfires or rough running indicating timing issues
• Check for proper operation of variable valve timing by observing smooth acceleration response
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using OBD-II scanner - camshaft position correlation codes indicate timing error
• Road test vehicle under light load and verify normal power delivery and no Check Engine Light
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and inspect for any new leaks
• Monitor oil pressure gauge during test drive to confirm proper lubrication system function

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