The timing cover, also referred to as the engine front cover, is tricky to remove and replace. Start with the removal of the ground strap on the battery and expulsion of the engine oil and the oil filter. For 5.0L engines, only remove the coolant by draining the cooling system. After that, it is necessary to have the engine cooling fan, drivebelt, water pump pulley, crankshaft pulley, and front oil seal off. Both the valve covers must be removed, and the transmission fluid cooler line bracket and the power steering pressure hose bracket must also be removed. The pulley of the power steering pump has to be unbolted, and the pump taken out of the way when the fluid has been drained. In 5.0L engines, the removal of the thermostat housing and water pump is also recommended. Locate the Crankshaft Position sensor connector and disconnect the electrical connector to the Crankshaft Position sensor. Then, on the 2010 and earlier models, also remove the Camshaft Position sensors. Take out the radio ignition interference capacitors, air conditioning manifold tube support bracket for 2008 and earlier 4.6L 2-valve models, as well as the four front oil pan bolts, out of which two can be studs. Remove the timing cover to engine block bolts, providing for the identification of the studs for their exact locations as well as the different length bolts. Remove the timing cover with consideration being given to the removal of bolts to avoid cracking of the engine block, and when carrying out this process, the use of a soft face hammer will be appropriate. For installation, make sure that all mating surfaces are clean; you should also install new gaskets into the grooves for the timing cover. Use RTV sealant all around the junctions of the oil pan-to-engine block, cylinder head-to-engine block, and where the timing cover joins the block and head, as well as where it meets the heads. Apply clean engine oil on the timing chains and on the crankshaft front oil seal lip, and install the timing cover if at all 5 minutes have not elapsed since applying the RTV sealant. Loosen the bolts in the reverse sequences and reinstall all the removed parts as they were originally installed. Last, put the right engine oil and fill up the cooling system for 5.0L vehicles and start the engine to verify leaks where necessary.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist 
