The VCT units have two timing marks on them, a triangle and a circle. When removing and installing the left-side VCT, use the circle marks. Starting with the left-side chain, install the left-side VCT units onto the camshafts with the circle timing marks at the 10 o'clock (intake) and 12:30 (exhaust) positions. Install new VCT unit center bolts and tighten the bolts to the torque. Slide the inner crankshaft sprocket over the end of the crankshaft. Place the left-side timing chain over the VCT units with the single colored links aligned with the circle timing marks on the VCT units at the 10 o'clock and 12:30 positions, then align the double colored links on the chain so the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket is in between both links. Install the chain guide and bolts and tighten the guide bolts to the torque. Slide the left-side timing chain tensioner arm onto the pivot. Slide the tensioner piston out of the tensioner body. Using a vise, cover the vise jaws with covers or towels to prevent damage to the tensioner piston, then mount the piston vertically in the vise. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, push the ratchet mechanism down inside the tensioner piston, then rotate the screwdriver clockwise, one full turn until a click is heard. Note: If an audible click is not heard, the ratcheting mechanism is not locked in place. Remove the tensioner piston from the vise and insert the piston into the tensioner body until a retaining pin can be inserted through the hole in the tensioner body to lock the piston in the retracted position. Install the left-side tensioner and tighten the bolts to the torque. Make sure the end of the tensioner is properly engaged with the tensioner arm. With the tensioner piston properly engaged with the tensioner arm, remove the retaining pin. Install the oil pump chain over the crankshaft and oil-pump drive sprockets. Install the oil pump chain guide and bolts, then tighten the bolts to the torque. Install the oil pump chain tensioner and bolt, then tighten the bolt to the torque, then remove the retaining pin. Install the crankshaft mounting bolt, then rotate the crankshaft one full turn (360-degrees) until the keyway on the crankshaft is at the 11 o'clock position. Remove the crankshaft bolt and replace it with a new one, then slide the crankshaft sprocket onto the end of the crankshaft. Install the right-side VCT units onto the camshafts with the triangle timing marks at the 2 o'clock (intake) and 11 o'clock (exhaust) positions. Install new VCT unit center bolts and tighten the bolts to the torque. Place the right-side timing chain over the VCT units with the single colored links aligned with the triangle timing marks on the VCT units at the 2 o'clock and 11 o'clock positions, then align the double colored links on the chain so the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket is in between both links. Install the chain guide and bolts and tighten the guide bolts to the torque. Slide the right-side timing chain tensioner arm onto the pivot. Slide the tensioner piston out of the tensioner body. Using a vise, cover the vise jaws with covers or towels to prevent damage to the tensioner piston, then mount the piston vertically in the vise. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, push the ratchet mechanism down inside the tensioner piston, then rotate the screwdriver clockwise, one full turn until a click is heard. Note: If an audible click is not heard, the ratcheting mechanism is not locked in place. Remove the tensioner piston from the vise and insert the piston into the tensioner body until a retaining pin can be inserted through the hole in the tensioner body to lock the piston in the retracted position. Install the right-side tensioner and tighten the bolts to the torque, making sure the end of the tensioner is properly engaged with the tensioner arm. With the tensioner piston properly engaged with the tensioner arm, remove the retaining pin. You can Select Your Vehicle to see complete installation and repair tips.
Answered by Ford Parts Specialist Clayton / Apr 20, 2026
