How to Replace the Timing Chain and Water Pump on a Ford 3.5L

Article Contents

• Timing Chain Removal
• Water Pump Replacement
• Timing Chain Installation

Required Special Tools

• Camshaft holding tool set

Timing Chain Removal

1. Follow service information to remove the engine timing cover to gain access to the timing chain.

2. Rotate the crankshaft and align the mark on the crankshaft sprocket to around the 4 o'clock position Watch

3. Check that the timing marks on the camshaft pulleys are in the correct location as pictured below Watch
   If marks are not visible, turn the crankshaft an additional 360 degrees

4. Install the camshaft holding tools to lock the camshafts and verify the correct engine timing Watch
5. Remove the VVT housing assembly on both banks Watch

6. Remove the 2 timing chain tensioner bolts and remove the timing chain tensioner Watch
7. Remove the two larger timing chain guides Watch

8. Remove the timing chain

Water Pump Replacement

1. Remove the 8 bolts that attach the water pump to the engine block Watch

2. Remove the lower bolt and loosen the upper bolt on the right bank smaller chain guide. Swing the chain guide out of the way and remove the water pump Watch

3. Clean and inspect the water pump sealing surface
4. Install the new water pump and the 8 bolts. Tighten the bolts in two stages using the sequence below Watch

• Stage 1: tighten to 89 inch pounds
• Stage 2: tighten an additional 45 degrees

Timing Chain Installation

1. Inspect timing chain guides and replace all guides that show signs of wear

2. Install the camshaft holding tools to lock the camshafts in place and to set the camshaft timing for chain installation
3. Install the timing chain aligning the two identical colored links with the camshaft sprocket timing marks and the odd colored link with the crankshaft sprocket timing mark Watch

4. Reinstall timing chain guides and torque bolts to 89 inch pounds Watch
5. Install timing chain tensioner and torque bolts to 89 inch pounds Watch

6. Double check that timing chain marks are lined up and the chain is seated correctly. If ok pull the pin on the timing chain tensioner Watch

7. Remove camshaft holding tools and rotate the crankshaft around two complete revolutions Watch
8. Recheck the engine timing by reinstalling camshaft holding tools Watch

9. Reinstall the VVT housings and torque bolts to 89 inch pounds using the sequences below

10. Reverse procedure to reinstall timing chain cover and engine components

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