Ford 7T4Z-6A257-A Camshaft Sprocket

Reinstall the crankshaft sprocket bolt and set the engine to TDC for cylinder number 1. These engines have three timing chains: The long primary chain drives the VCT sprockets (on each intake camshaft) and the water pump, while a smaller chain on each head drives the exhaust camshafts. Install the special camshaft holding tools (manufacturer tool no. 303-1248) on each cylinder head to lock the camshafts in the TDC position. Remove the VCT assembly mounting bolts from the rear cylinder head, then the front cylinder head. Remove the bolts, then remove the primary timing chain tensioner and tensioner arm. Remove the lower chain guide from the front cylinder bank. Mark the chain links opposite the timing marks on the camshafts (if not already marked), and remove the primary timing chain. Remove the upper chain guide from the front cylinder bank. If necessary, remove the crankshaft sprocket. If the secondary timing chains and camshaft sprockets are to be removed for inspection or another procedure, compress the tensioner(s) and insert a pin into the hole in the tensioner to hold it in the retracted position. Unscrew the bolts for the intake (VCT) and exhaust camshaft sprockets, then remove both sprockets and the chain as an assembly. Caution: Make sure the camshaft holding tool is in place and prevents the camshafts from turning while unscrewing the bolts. Also, new bolts must be used for reassembly. Remove the bolts and the secondary chain tensioners.

Remove the spark plugs.

Install the primary timing chain guide for the rear (right) cylinder bank and tighten the bolts to the torque. Tilt the rear (right) cylinder bank camshaft holding tool to the rear and install the secondary timing chain tensioner, tightening the bolts to the torque. Don't remove the lock pin from the tensioner yet. Install the secondary timing chains onto the camshaft sprockets. The colored links on the chain must align with the marks/camshaft keyway slots in the sprockets. Install the sprockets/VCT actuator (phaser)/secondary timing chain onto the rear camshafts. When installing the camshaft sprocket bolts, NEW bolts must be used. Tighten the bolts to the torque. Tilt the front (left) cylinder bank camshaft holding tool to the rear and install the secondary timing chain tensioner, tightening the bolts to the torque. Don't remove the lock pin from the tensioner yet. Install the sprockets/VCT actuator (phaser)/secondary timing chain onto the front camshafts. When installing the camshaft sprocket bolts, NEW bolts must be used. Tighten the bolts to the torque. Remove the lock pin from the tensioner. Install the crankshaft sprocket. Install the primary timing chain onto the crankshaft sprocket and the VCT sprockets, making sure the colored links (or marks) on the chain align with the marks on the sprockets. Install the upper chain guide on the front (left) cylinder bank, tightening the bolts to the torque. Install the lower chain guide for the front cylinder bank, tightening the bolts to the torque. Install the primary timing chain tensioner arm to the rear cylinder bank. Place the timing chain tensioner in a soft-jawed vise, with the jaws bearing on the tensioner body and the plunger. Swing the lever on the tensioner counterclockwise, then tighten the vise until the tensioner plunger has been retracted. Swing the lever clockwise, aligning the hole in the lever with the hole in the tensioner body, then install a lock pin made of wire, or a drill bit or small Allen wrench. Remove the tensioner from the vise. Install the primary timing chain tensioner, tightening the bolts to the torque. Remove the lock pin from the tensioner. Recheck the timing marks to make sure they are all in proper alignment. Check the seals on the VCT housing, replacing them if necessary. Install the VCT housings, making sure the dowels engage completely with their corresponding holes in the cylinder head. Install the bolts and tighten them a little at a time to the torque. Remove the camshaft holding tools, then rotate the engine by hand at least two revolutions and verify that there is no binding. Caution: If any resistance is felt, STOP; double-check your work and find out why. Install the timing chain cover. Reinstall the engine/transaxle. Refill the engine with oil (install a new filter) and coolant.

Remove the drill bits or wires (locking pins) from the timing chain tensioners.