Ford 1L3Z-6L266-AA
Tensioner, Passenger Side

The first step to service or repair the timing chain tensioner starts with taking out the timing cover due to removing both the bolt and the camshaft synchronizer drive gear. The timing marks should be aligned with their keyways before using a retaining pin to compress and install the timing chain tensioner. Start by removing the timing chain tensioner using all three bolts followed by separation of the camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket together with their attached timing chain. Install the timing chain tensioner before securing its bolts. Turn the crankshaft until piston number one reaches its Top Dead Center placement when the key aligns with the 12 o'clock mark. Compression of the tensioner pad retracting mechanism followed by a retaining pin installation may become necessary. Find the bottom timing mark position on the camshaft sprocket before installing the timing chain/belt, camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket with correct alignment of the timing marks and keyways. First install the camshaft synchronizer drive gear followed by the bolt then remove the pin when done before installing the timing cover.

Start the timing chain tensioner service by removing two components: the timing cover together with the camshaft synchronizer drive gear after unbolting them. Secure the retaining pin while compressing the timing chain tensioner after the crankshaft reaches the timing marks and keyways alignment. After removing all components from the camshaft sprocket to crankshaft sprocket and timing chain assembly, proceed to remove the timing chain tensioner by uninstalling its three bolts. Place the timing chain tensioner into position before attaching its bolts for installation. Place the crankshaft at top dead center by rotating it until the number one piston reaches its highest point and the key points to the twelve position. Compress the tensioner pad mechanism when necessary before using a retaining pin for insertion. Install the timing chain/belt while positioning the bottom timing mark on the camshaft sprocket along with its corresponding keyways that are properly aligned. The camshaft synchronizer drive gear requires positioning into place before securing with its bolt followed by removing the retaining pin so the timing cover can be installed.

The first step in servicing the right-hand hydraulic timing chain tensioner requires removing it. The user should discard the old washer that came off after removing the part. When assembling the device utilize a replacement hydraulic timing chain tensioner washer while torquing the tensioner to 44 Nm (32 lb-ft). Perform an inverse of the previous procedure to conclude the installation.

The service process for timing chain tensioner starts by taking off the engine front cover. Detach the crankshaft sensor ring from the crankshaft before positioning the keyway at the 12 o'clock mark while ensuring the No. 1 cylinder camshaft exhaust lobe is on the exhaust stroke. Begin by marking the parts in place to protect the engine before using a Valve Spring Compressor to remove the three camshaft roller followers from the right-hand cylinder head without letting the valve keepers drop. Execute this procedure on the left-hand cylinder head as well. The crankshaft needs rotation until it reaches the 6 o'clock position for examination of tensioner-sealing bead integrity before removing both left-hand and right-hand timing chain tensioners with their corresponding arms. First remove the right-hand timing chain together with the left-hand timing chain alongside the crankshaft sprocket before taking out the timing chain guides. A Cam Phaser Locking Tool allows for safe removal of right-hand and left-hand camshaft phaser and sprocket assemblies which need disposal of their bolts. Marshall the right-hand camshaft bearing cap and the successive bearing caps until their complete removal while paying close attention to clean and assess the oil metering groove along each component. All cylinder heads require removal of both camshafts together with all extra roller followers that remain on the camshafts. You should apply clean engine oil to the camshafts along with bearing caps before placing them in their normal positions and torquing the bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb-in) in a specific installation order. The installation requires positioning the camshaft phaser with sprockets while using new bolts initially being finger-tightened followed by two-stage tightening through use of the Cam Phaser Locking Tool. Install a retaining clip on the tensioner plunger while holding it in the vise compressed and position the crankshaft with its Crankshaft Holding Tool. The installation process requires marking needed timing links on chains before tightening the crankshaft sprocket and timing chain guides to 10 Nm (89 lb-in). Mount the timing chain on the sprocket marks before installing left-hand and right-hand tensioners and torquing them to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft). Verify timeout marks' alignment before reinstalling the crankshaft sensor ring and then use the Valve Spring Compressor to install each camshaft roller follower by first lubricating them. Last in line is the installation of the engine front cover.

Service and repair of the timing chain tensioner requires performing the work when the engine stops freewheeling to minimize potential valve and piston harm. Service the fire suppression system after turning off its power. The vehicle must remain on a hoist in NEUTRAL gear before removing the engine front cover. Start by removing the crankshaft sensor ring and disconnect the eight ignition coil electrical connectors before proceeding to eliminate ignition coil bolts and coils. The correct use of hand tools allows you to extract the eight spark plugs while cleaning all wells with compressed air. The valve spring compressor spacer needs installation on the camshaft lobe point facing upwards to safeguard valve stem seals. Place marker points on components before using the Valve Spring Compressor to squeeze the valve springs which allows removal of camshaft roller followers. The technician should employ a methodical approach to remove the timing chain tensioning system by starting with the bolts, tensioners and tensioner arms and continuing with the LH and RH timing chains and blunt manipulation of the crankshaft sprocket. Before removing the camshaft gear bolt install the Camshaft Position Aligner. You should use a vise to compress the tensioner plungers of ratcheting timing chain tensioners while maintaining the ratchet mechanism in reverse and securing it with a paper clip. The seal on non-ratcheting tensioners must be evaluated for damage so the tensioner gets replaced if needed. The installation requires compressing tensioner plungers before installing Hydraulic Chain Tensioner Retaining Clips. Position the camshaft sprockets by installing fresh bolts and then tighten them in two procedures: first to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) followed by an additional 90 degree twist. Using the Crankshaft Holding Tool locate the crankshaft to Top Dead Center (TDC) before fixing the crankshaft sprocket with its flange pointing towards the front. Attach the timing chain guides before tightening both LH and RH bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb-in). The RH camshaft sprocket needs to be positioned at the 11 o'clock mark and the LH sprocket at the 1 o'clock position before you align the colored links of the LH timing chain with the sprocket's timing marks and install the tensioner while tightening it to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft). Discard the retaining clips from tensioners and validate that colored links face the sprocket dots. Position the camshaft lobe vertically up and insert the Valve Spring Compressor Spacer before applying grease to the roller followers and their correct reinstallment. Adjust the eight spark plugs to 18 Nm (159 lb-in) torque then install the ignition coils with identical bolt torque applied at 6 Nm (53 lb-in). Afterwards reconnect all electrical connectors. Last step involves the replacement of the crankshaft sensor ring while keeping the engine front cover and performing fire suppression system reactivation by following all necessary safety precautions.

Reinstall the engine front cover.

Rotate the RH camshaft sprocket to the 11 o'clock position and the LH to the 1 o'clock position, then align the colored links of the LH timing chain with the timing marks on the sprocket.

Compress the tensioner plunger in a vise, install a retaining clip, and then remove it from the vise.

Discard the old O-ring seal.

Reverse the removal procedure to ensure proper reassembly.

First, remove the hydraulic chain tensioner.

The timing chain tensioner, specifically the hydraulic chain tensioner on the right-hand side.

Rotate the crankshaft until the No. 1 piston is at top dead center (TDC) with the key at the 12 o'clock position.

Install the balance shaft drive gear onto the LH camshaft, followed by the camshaft sprockets and bolts.

Lubricate the new O-ring seal with clean engine oil.

Begin by removing the RH hydraulic chain tensioner.

Install the timing chain/belt, camshaft sprocket, and crankshaft sprocket, ensuring that the timing marks and key ways are aligned.

Reverse the removal procedure.

Remove the engine coolant temperature sensor.

Check the alignment of all timing marks, install the crankshaft sensor ring, and tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts in two stages to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) and an additional 90 degrees.

Reverse the removal procedure.

Disconnect the battery ground cable.

The old O-ring seal should be discarded.

First, remove the hydraulic chain tensioner.

Ensure it is tightened to 44 Nm (32 lb-ft).

Reverse the removal procedure and make sure to install a new hydraulic chain tensioner washer.