Ford F3LY-6268-A Timing Chain

One has to be very careful, as the crankshaft or camshafts cannot be turned with the timing chain(s) removed; this will result in damage to the valves or pistons. Special tools are required to immobilize the camshafts during this process. This is not a "freewheeling" type of engine, so if it has "jumped time," there will always be a need to strip the cylinder heads. The timing system is very elaborate, and it is easy for severe damage to occur on the engine. Only experts should operate on this, and all work should be rechecked before engaging the engine.Begin by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. Then, remove the rocker arms in two stages: first, preload the valve springs on cylinders selected for testing, then rotate the engine 360 degrees to remove the rocker arms from the remaining cylinders, making sure to label and store all parts. Next, remove the timing chain cover and the crankshaft position sensor toothed wheel, observing the word "rear" stamped for proper replacement.When replacing the timing belt, attach the correct camshaft holding tools to ensure the camshaft(s) remain at TDC, preventing interference with valve timing. Move on to the right and left side timing chain tensioners, chains, and stationary guides. Mark these for reassembly as needed. Check for abrasion, cracks, or other forms of damage, and replace any worn parts. Additionally, test the tensioner.To do a preliminary check on the crankshaft, turn the engine with the starter motor or by hand for at least two complete revolutions, feeling for resistance. Mount the stationary chain guides and crankshaft sprockets in their respective positions, and fit the timing chains to match the bright links, dimples, and timing marks.The timing chain tensioner and guide should be bolted with the tensioner locked in a retracted position, then the bolts tightened before the lock is removed. Finally, compare the location of all timing marks while rotating the crankshaft back to TDC, and complete the process by reversing the steps followed during removal.

Engines are intricate, especially during their servicing, and especially timing chains and camshaft servicing or if there is a cylinder head change. It would he wise to do a lot of research before undertaking the repairs and if at any one time you are in doubt, perhaps it is wise to seek professional help. The removal process starts with the removal of the negative battery terminal and the spark plugs with cylinder number one positioned at the top dead centre. Valve covers and timing chain covers must be removed, after which the crankshaft position sensor toothed wheel must also be removed, while taking note of its installed direction. The crankshaft has to be rotated such that it aligns to certain timing marks and various tools have to be used to lock the camshaft from rotating. Timing chain tensioners and chains are then released and pulled out together with the stationary guides and if required the camshaft sprockets can also be interchanged. Different procedures to do with the removal of rocker arms, the inspection of sprocket teeth as well as the examination of the condition of chains are provided for different engine types, and there is a strong recommendation that worn out parts be replaced. Among them are timing chain guides and sprockets that require proper installation and positioning; and tensioners that have to be compressed prior to any lock to keep the engines well functioning. Following these procedures the rocker arms are fitted and with the crankshaft turned an increase in friction is detected showing problems. The final step of the installation process is the reversal of the removal process with due focus being paid on replacement of all Timing marks and other related parts.

This process is elaborate and involves the use of special tools and implies the withdrawal of the engine from the vehicle mostly on the timing chain, cassettes and sprockets. In the first step, it is advised to retract the rocker arms and the tools of the valve lash adjusters before working on the cylinder heads, timing chains and the jackshaft chains. Once the engine was dismantled and placed on the engine stand, most of the accessories such as the lower oil pan cover, the oil pump pickup tube and the crankcase reinforcement section had to be removed. Remove the front cover from the engine block, with the reservation that the water pump might be still connected. The engine employs a jackshaft to turn the camshaft timing chains as well as oil pump; the left cylinder bank camshaft is driven by a chain at front while the right one is driven by a chain from the rear of the jackshaft. Unbolt the jackshaft chain tensioner, and guide then unbolt the middle bolt of the sprocket of the jackshaft chain. If it is not already done, then remove the upper bolt of the left-side casket and the lower casket bolt and, in addition to that, take out the cassette along with the chain and then the jackshaft with the camshaft sprockets. If choosing the right camshaft chain, then it is necessary to remove the camshaft sprocket bolt and the upper cassette bolt. The large plug at the rear of the jackshaft must be unplugged and it is necessary to order a new one before reassembly, also unbolt the Torx at the spacer, and the lower cassette bolt, and remove the right-side cassette and chain. When the crankshaft has been turned, make sure the number one piston is at the top of its lift with the crankshaft keyway placed upright: counter clockwise rotation can result in improper engine timing. Place the appropriate camshaft timing chain cassette and bolt on the rear jack shaft sprocket; fit the left camshaft timing chain cassette; tighten all the bolts to the recommended torque. Place the jackshaft chain over the jackshaft sprocket, fit into the crankshaft sprocket and fasten the jackshaft sprocket with the help of the bolt. Mount the jackshaft chain guide and tensioner, while removing the upper timing cover and cleaning the front surface of the engine block and front cover so that a new gasket can be fitted and the front cover bolts tightened. Adjust the camshaft timing for both camshaft sprockets using the above tools and then proceed to reverse the process that was followed in removal. Last but not the least, pour the oil into the crankcase, replace the filter, add coolants to the engine and start the engine in order to check for any signs of leakage.

To check the timing chain with the cover on, remove the battery cable and position the number one cylinder at TDC. Turn the crankshaft 360 degrees, place the timing indication before TDC, and remove the valve cover on the right side. Affix a dial indicator to measure chain slackening then rotate the crankshaft to TDC. If it shifted by more than 10 degrees, one must replace both sprockets and chains. While inspecting without a cover, get rid of all obstacles barring access to its top surface by pulling away accessories; then move this top part of the engine block with the number one piston on it towards TDC. Measure chain deflection after taking off the balancer and cover; if it is greater than 1/2 inch replace it with a new chain. Replace gears in case they are broken or damaged. Remove it when the number one piston is at TDC, open up the top part of the engine, align sprocket marks, and slide out this device together with all its parts including chains as well as sprockets.

One has to be very careful, as the crankshaft or camshafts cannot be turned with the timing chain(s) removed; this will result in damage to the valves or pistons. Special tools are required to immobilize the camshafts during this process. This is not a "freewheeling" type of engine, so if it has "jumped time," there will always be a need to strip the cylinder heads. The timing system is very elaborate, and it is easy for severe damage to occur on the engine. Only experts should operate on this, and all work should be rechecked before engaging the engine.Begin by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. Then, remove the rocker arms in two stages: first, preload the valve springs on cylinders selected for testing, then rotate the engine 360 degrees to remove the rocker arms from the remaining cylinders, making sure to label and store all parts. Next, remove the timing chain cover and the crankshaft position sensor toothed wheel, observing the word "rear" stamped for proper replacement.When replacing the timing belt, attach the correct camshaft holding tools to ensure the camshaft(s) remain at TDC, preventing interference with valve timing. Move on to the right and left side timing chain tensioners, chains, and stationary guides. Mark these for reassembly as needed. Check for abrasion, cracks, or other forms of damage, and replace any worn parts. Additionally, test the tensioner.To do a preliminary check on the crankshaft, turn the engine with the starter motor or by hand for at least two complete revolutions, feeling for resistance. Mount the stationary chain guides and crankshaft sprockets in their respective positions, and fit the timing chains to match the bright links, dimples, and timing marks.The timing chain tensioner and guide should be bolted with the tensioner locked in a retracted position, then the bolts tightened before the lock is removed. Finally, compare the location of all timing marks while rotating the crankshaft back to TDC, and complete the process by reversing the steps followed during removal.

Install the camshaft and crankshaft retaining tools to lock the camshafts in position and prevent any movement due to valve spring pressure.