2000 Ford Contour SVTFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Engine Front Cover: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  2. Release the fuel system pressure. For additional information, refer to FUEL SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
  3. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
  4. Remove both valve covers. For additional information, refer to VALVE COVER - RH  or VALVE COVER - LH .
  5. Remove the coolant pump. For additional information, refer to ENGINE COOLING .
  6. Remove the crankshaft front seal. For additional information, refer to CRANKSHAFT FRONT SEAL .
  7. Remove the 4 bolts and position the power steering pump aside.
  8. Remove the oil pan drain plug and drain the engine oil.
  9. Remove the 4 front oil pan-to-engine front cover bolts.
    10. NOTE: Limousines are equipped with 2 bolts retaining the shield.
  10. Remove the bolt(s) and the shield.
  11. Remove the bolt and the belt idler pulley.
  12. Remove the bolts and the stud bolts in the sequence shown.
    Fig 1: Removing Bolts And Stud Bolts In Sequence
    G04583440Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Remove the engine front cover from the front cover-to-cylinder block dowel.
    Fig 2: View Of Engine Front Cover And Cylinder Block Dowel
    G03885295Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    14. CAUTION: Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surface. These tools cause scratches and gouges that make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to remove all traces of the gasket material.
  14. Clean the gasket surfaces with a plastic scraping tool and metal surface cleaner.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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