Replace the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and cam phasers on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine to restore proper valve timing and eliminate chain noise or timing faults.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chains, guides, tensioners) × 1 — Use OEM Ford kit
• Cam phaser kit (both banks) × 1 — Use OEM Ford cam phasers
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft sprocket bolt friction washers × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft pulley bolt washer × 1 — Use OEM friction coated washer
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Motorcraft 0W-20

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for system discharge
3. Remove engine cover and air intake system completely
4. Drain engine oil and coolant into appropriate containers
5. Remove front wheels and lower splash shields for access
6. Install engine support fixture or attach hoist to engine lifting eyes
7. Remove serpentine drive belt and tensioner
8. Remove both valve covers after disconnecting ignition coils and electrical connectors
9. Remove radiator upper support and cooling fans for working clearance
10. Disconnect coolant hoses from timing cover area
11. Mark and disconnect any electrical connectors interfering with timing cover removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Crankshaft Pulley and Front Accessories
   Remove the crankshaft pulley using a holding tool to prevent rotation. Remove the front motor mount bolts and raise engine slightly using support fixture to create clearance. Remove the accessory bracket from the front of the engine if equipped. The friction-coated washer on the crankshaft bolt must be replaced during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove Timing Cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Note there are three different bolt sizes (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm) that must be tracked separately. Carefully separate the timing cover from the engine block, being mindful of coolant passages and oil pump integration. Use a plastic scraper to remove old gasket material without damaging aluminum surfaces.
3. 3

   Rotate Engine to TDC Cylinder #1
   Rotate the crankshaft clockwise using a socket on the crankshaft snout until cylinder #1 is at top dead center on compression stroke. Verify timing marks on all cam phasers align with their respective marks on the cylinder heads. Both intake valves for cylinder #1 should be closed and rocker arms should have free play. Mark positions with paint pen for reference.
   ⚠️DO NOT rotate engine counterclockwise. This can damage the cam phasers or timing chains.
4. 4

   Remove Cam Phasers and Camshaft Sprockets
   Hold each camshaft stationary using a wrench on the hex section behind the cam phaser. Remove the cam phaser bolts from all four camshafts (two per cylinder bank). Remove the cam phasers and mark them for position (LH intake, LH exhaust, RH intake, RH exhaust). Remove camshaft sprocket bolts while holding camshafts stationary. Note the friction washers on these bolts - they MUST be replaced.
   ⚠Cam phasers contain internal components that can fall out if inverted. Keep them upright and do not disassemble.
5. 5

   Remove Primary Timing Chains
   Remove the timing chain tensioners by compressing them and noting their orientation. Remove the tensioner arm and guide bolts from both banks. Slide the primary timing chains off the crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprockets. Remove the chain guides and inspect for excessive wear or cracking. Take photos of the chain routing before removal for reference.
6. 6

   Remove Secondary Timing Components
   Remove the idler sprocket assemblies and secondary timing chains if equipped. Note the position of all timing marks. Remove remaining chain guides and inspect the crankshaft sprocket for wear. If replacing, remove the crankshaft sprocket using appropriate puller. Inspect the oil pump drive chain at this time and replace if stretched or worn.
7. 7

   Inspect Camshaft Bearing Journals
   With all timing components removed, inspect camshaft bearing journals for scoring or wear. Check camshaft end play and lobe condition. Inspect the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoid screens for debris. Clean all timing chain debris from oil passages using compressed air and lint-free cloths. Replace VVT solenoids if codes were present.
8. 8

   Install New Timing Chain Guides
   Install new timing chain guides in their respective positions. There are fixed guides and pivoting tensioner guides - do not confuse their positions. Apply threadlocker to guide bolts as specified in service manual. Tighten guide bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Install Crankshaft Sprocket and Primary Chains
   If removed, install the crankshaft sprocket with timing mark facing outward. Route the new primary timing chains over the crankshaft sprocket, ensuring timing marks align. Install idler sprockets if equipped and torque to specification. Verify chain routing matches factory service manual diagrams exactly.
10. 10

    Install Camshaft Sprockets and Chains
    Position the timing chains on the camshaft sprockets with timing marks aligned per service manual. Install camshaft sprockets onto camshafts with NEW friction washers. Hold each camshaft on the hex section and tighten sprocket bolts in two steps: first to 30 lb-ft, then an additional 90 degrees. Verify all timing marks remain aligned.
    ⚠Friction washers are single-use only. Failure to replace will result in bolt failure and catastrophic engine damage.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install Timing Chain Tensioners
    Compress each timing chain tensioner and install a pin or appropriate sized drill bit to hold it in compressed position. Install tensioners to engine and torque bolts to specification. Verify tensioner orientation is correct. Do NOT remove pins yet - tensioners will be released after cam phasers are installed.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install Cam Phasers
    Clean cam phaser mounting surfaces and apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolts. Install cam phasers in their original positions with timing marks aligned to service manual specifications. Hold camshafts stationary and torque cam phaser bolts to 48 lb-ft. Double-check all timing marks are aligned before proceeding.
    ⚠️Verify all timing marks with factory service manual before releasing tensioners. Incorrect timing will destroy the engine.
13. 13

    Release Tensioners and Verify Timing
    Carefully remove the pins from all timing chain tensioners, allowing them to apply tension to the chains. Rotate the crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise and verify all timing marks return to their aligned positions at TDC cylinder #1. If marks do not align, disassemble and correct the timing before proceeding.
    ⚠️Do NOT start engine if timing marks do not align after two crankshaft rotations. Recheck all timing components.
14. 14

    Prepare and Install Timing Cover
    Clean all gasket surfaces on timing cover and engine block thoroughly. Apply RTV silicone to corners where timing cover meets cylinder head and oil pan per service manual instructions. Install new timing cover gasket and position timing cover carefully. Install all timing cover bolts finger-tight, then torque in sequence: 6mm bolts to 7 lb-ft, 8mm bolts to 18 lb-ft, and 10mm bolts to 33 lb-ft.
    ℹ️Allow RTV silicone to cure per manufacturer instructions before adding fluids or starting engine.
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall Front Accessories and Crankshaft Pulley
    Reinstall accessory brackets and front motor mount. Lower engine onto mount and torque mount bolts to specification. Install crankshaft pulley with NEW friction-coated washer. Torque crankshaft pulley bolt in two steps: first to 37 lb-ft, then an additional 90 degrees. Install serpentine belt tensioner and drive belt.

Reassembly

1. Install valve covers with new gaskets, torquing bolts in sequence to 7 lb-ft
2. Reinstall ignition coils and all electrical connectors
3. Reconnect all coolant hoses and refill cooling system with Motorcraft Orange Coolant
4. Install new oil filter and refill with 6 quarts of Motorcraft 0W-20 synthetic oil using new crush washer on drain plug
5. Reinstall radiator support, cooling fans, and front splash shields
6. Reinstall air intake system and engine cover
7. Reconnect battery negative terminal

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual noises or vibrations. Engine may run rough initially while cam phasers initialize
• Check for oil and coolant leaks around timing cover and valve covers
• Using a scan tool, verify all VVT system codes are clear and cam phaser operation is normal
• Monitor oil pressure gauge - should reach normal operating pressure within seconds
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling system is functioning properly
• Road test vehicle and verify smooth acceleration and no Check Engine Light
• Re-check all fluid levels after test drive and inspect for leaks
• Clear any stored diagnostic codes and perform a VVT system relearn procedure if available with scan tool

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