Ford Escape: Engine / Removal and Installation - Timing Chain

Removal

NOTE: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces, that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan can cause engine failure.

1. Remove the engine front cover.
   Refer to: Engine Front Cover (303-01C Engine, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the bolts and the timing chain tensioner.
   

1. Remove the timing chain tensioner arm.
   

1. Remove the timing chain.
   

1. Remove the bolts and the timing chain guide.
   

1. NOTE: Use an open-ended wrench to prevent the component from turning.

   Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, loosen the bolts 2 revolutions on the camshaft phaser and sprocket.
   

Installation

1. Install the timing chain guide and the bolts.
   Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)

1. Install the timing chain.
   

1. Install the timing chain tensioner arm.
   

NOTE: If the timing chain tensioner plunger is not pinned in the compressed position, follow the next step.

1. Reset the timing chain tensioner.
   
   1. Position the timing chain tensioner in a soft-jawed vise.
      
   2. Spread the ends of the ratchet wire clip apart.
      
   3. Using the soft-jawed vise, compress the plunger to the reset position.
      
   4. Install a locking pin in the 2 holes of the timing chain tensioner body to hold the plunger in place.
      

1. NOTE: Do not remove the locking pin until the tensioner bolts are tightened.

   1. Install the timing chain tensioner and the bolts.
      Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
   2. Remove the locking pin.
      

1. NOTE: Use an open-ended wrench to prevent the component from turning.

   Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, tighten the bolts on the camshaft phaser and sprocket. Tighten in 2 stages.
   Torque:
     Stage 1:  30 lb.ft (40 Nm)
     Stage 2:  60°

1. Install the engine front cover.
   Refer to: Engine Front Cover (303-01C Engine, Removal and Installation).