How to Check and Replace a Timing Chain in a Ford Taurus
by Editorial TeamLike timing belts, timing chains drive a vehicle's camshaft. Stronger than their counterparts, timing chains are nearly repair-free with no definitive replacement schedule. If your Ford Taurus produces a vociferous rattle whenever you accelerate, chances are it's time to check and replace your timing chain. Here's how that's done in a Taurus with a 3.4L DOHC engine.
Remove Your Timing Chain
Step 1
Check your owner's manual for the recommended mileage for replacing your timing chain. Replacement for a Ford Taurus is 100,000 miles.
Step 2
Locate the timing chain. Replace it if the automatic chain adjuster (also known as the tensioner) is damaged or worn.
Step 3
Take off the engine front cover and the crankshaft position sensor pulse ring
Step 4
Position the crankshaft so the No. 1 piston is at "Top Dead Center" (TDC). The crankshaft key-way groove and the oil pump mark should line up.
Step 5
Confirm that the camshaft sprockets line up on top. You may need to turn the crankshaft one full revolution and check again.
Step 6
Disengage the timing chain guides, tensioner arm and tensioner retaining bolts and take the timing chain off the engine.
Step 7
Discharge the tensioner ratchet/pawl mechanism via the tensioner's access opening. Place a small wire inside the piston's top to unseat the oil check ball. This compacts the tensioner rack and piston into the tensioner housing. Condense the tensioner manually.
Step 8
Eliminate the camshaft timing chain sprockets if they are worn or damaged.
Install Your Timing Chain
Step 1
Turn the crankshaft so the No. 1 piston is at TDC. The crankshaft key-way groove and the oil pump mark should line up.
Step 2
Line up the sprocket and chain timing marks and install the timing chain. The crankshaft, camshaft and balance shaft also should line up.
Step 3
Reconnect the camshaft sprockets (if replacing). Secure the sprocket bolts at 48 to 70 foot pounds (64 to 95 Nm).
Step 4
Put in the compressed timing chain guides, tensioner arm and tensioner. Secure the tensioner's pivot bolt at 25 to 39 foot pounds (34-53 Nm) and secure the retaining bolts at 14 to 20 foot pounds (18-27 Nm).
Step 5
Align the timing chain's timing index marks and the crankshaft and camshaft sprocket and balance shaft driven gear index marks.
Step 6
Connect the crankshaft position sensor pulse ring to the crankshaft. Line up the crankshaft key and the sensor ring's key-way.
Step 7
Replace the engine front cover.
Tips
- Procedures for replacing timing chains in a Ford Taurus vary slightly depending on engine size.
Things You'll Need
- New timing chain
- Camshaft timing chain sprockets (optional)
- Basic automotive tools
Writer Bio
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