OEM 2009 Lincoln MKX Timing Chain Tensioner

2009 Lincoln MKX Timing Chain Tensioner Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the timing chain tensioner on 2009 Lincoln MKX?

  A: The timing chain tensioner service and repair procedure should begin with removal of the engine front cover while also keeping the area clean to prevent foreign materials from entering the oil or coolant passages. The engineer should turn the crankshaft counterclockwise until both Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) assemblies show their timing marks. The Camshaft Holding Tool must be applied to hold both LH and RH camshafts at Top Dead Center (TDC). Untighten and discard the three bolts securing the RH VCT housing before doing the same with the LH VCT housing bolts while also discarding the VCT housing seals. The work procedure now requires removal of two bolts from the primary timing chain tensioner and its arm preceding the removal of two lower LH primary timing chain guide bolts together with the primary chain and crankshaft sprocket. Take out the two bolts from the upper location of the LH primary timing chain guide. After compressing the LH secondary timing chain tensioner professionals should place a lockpin to keep it in that position. After discarding the LH VCT assembly bolt and the LH exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt you must remove the LH VCT assembly together with the secondary timing chain and the LH exhaust camshaft sprocket as an assembly. Tilt the Camshaft Holding Tool to reach the most distant bolt of the LH secondary timing chain tensioner then remove the two tensioner bolts. You should install the lockpin and repeat the compression method for the RH secondary timing chain tensioner while discarding both the RH VCT assembly bolt and the RH exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt before removing the RH VCT assembly and RH secondary timing chain and RH exhaust camshaft sprocket as a complete assembly. Tilt the Holding Tool to remove the rearmost secondary tensioner bolt while taking out the two bolts from the RH secondary chain tensioner followed by the two bolts from the RH primary guide. The installation process begins by tightening the two bolts of RH primary timing chain guide to 10 Nm (89 lb-in). Tighten the two bolts of the RH secondary timing chain tensioner to 10 Nm (89 lb-in). Position the RH VCT assembly and RH exhaust camshaft sprocket with the secondary timing chain next to each other while keeping the colored links aligned with the timing marks before setting the RH secondary timing components onto the camshafts. By using the original Mercedes-Benz washers apply new VCT and exhaust camshaft bolts through four tightening stages starting at 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) before loosening one turn and ending with 90-degree tightening at 10 Nm (89 lb-in). Install the LH secondary timing chain tensioner after unwinding its lockpin. Secure the tensioner bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb-in). The LH VCT assembly should be joined with the exhaust camshaft sprocket and secondary timing chain while lining up colored links which match the timing marks before placing the LH secondary timing assembly onto the camshafts. You should install the new bolts of VCT and exhaust camshaft alongside original washers then tighten them with the same four-step procedure you followed previously. To continue the process remove the lockpin from the LH secondary timing chain tensioner while simultaneously installing the crankshaft timing chain sprocket. Position the primary timing chain according to the colored links which must match the timing marks located on VCT assemblies and the crankshaft sprocket. Fasten both upper and lower LH primary timing chain guides with two bolts secured at 10 Nm (89 lb-in). Install the primary timing chain tensioner arm before resetting the tensioner by turning its lever counterclockwise into a soft-jaw vise while compressing the plunger to align the holes between lever and housing then secure it with a lockpin. The removal of slack from the timing chain requires a minimal crankshaft rotation before you can install the primary tensioner along with its 10 Nm (89 lb-in) bolt tightening while also removing the lockpin. A correct alignment of timing marks needs verification before installing new VCT seals and engaging VCT housing dowels with the cylinder head. The correct bolt torque should be applied to the VCT housings at 10 Nm (89 lb-in) in the specific bolt sequence for both the LH and RH VCT housings. Installation of the engine front cover represents the last operation.