OEM 2003 Ford F-150 Timing Cover

2003 Ford F-150 Timing Cover Parts Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Timing Cover on 2003 Ford F-150?

  A: Service and repair of the timing cover begins with disconnecting the battery ground cable and removing both valve covers, the radiator and the coolant pump. Position the power steering pump aside after removing its bolts from the top and the bottom while raising and supporting the vehicle. The service begins by separating the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor electrical connector followed by engine oil drainage through the drain plug and subsequent removal of front bolts with the crankshaft front seal. The procedure for supercharged engines requires users to unfasten top bolts along with suspension nuts and idler support bracket. Proceed by unthreading both the bolt along with the belt idler pulley before removing the bolts. The sealing surfaces require a plastic scraping tool instead of metal tools or scrapers because they can create scratching damages. Clear the engine front cover and gasket removal space and treat the mating surfaces with silicon gasket and metal surface preparation before inspecting results. During installation place the gasket at the engine front cover then deploy silicon-based sealant on the surfaces of cylinder head-to-cylinder block and oil pan-to-cylinder block before securing the front cover through loose bolt installation. The engine front cover fasteners (4.6L Romeo engine) should be tightened in sequence to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.). The Windsor engine (5.4L) requires three steps for fastener tightening procedure: start with fasteners 1 through 5 at 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.), move to fasteners 6 and 7 at 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.), and conclude with fasteners 8 through 15 at 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.). The system requires installation of the belt idler pulley followed by the bolt before adding the idler support bracket on supercharged engines. After placing the new crankshaft front oil seal replace all bolts loosely before applying first 20 Nm of torque then continuing with 60° more tightening. The technician should reattach the CKP sensor electrical connector before placing the power steering pump into position without using its front lower hole and should install its bolts. Follow the steps by placing the drain plug and then lowering the vehicle before putting back the valve covers. Clean engine oil goes into the engine compartment followed by coolant pump and radiator installation before reattaching the battery ground cable.