Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Ford Taurus AWD V6-3.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
System Specifications
RH secondary timing chain tensioner 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
LH secondary timing chain tensioner 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
Primary tensioner 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
LH VCT housing 3 bolts 10 Nm (89 lb-in)

RH VCT housing 3 bolts 10 Nm (89 lb-in)

NOTE: The engine front cover and bolts 17, 18, 19 and 20 must be installed within 4 minutes of the initial sealant application. The remainder of the engine front cover bolts and the engine mount bracket bolts must be installed and tightened within 35 minutes of the initial sealant application. If the time limits are exceeded, the sealant must be removed, the sealing area cleaned and sealant reapplied. To clean the sealing area, use silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Failure to follow this procedure can cause future oil leakage.
Apply a 3.0 mm (0.11 in) bead of Motorcraft High Performance Engine RTV Silicone to the engine front cover sealing surfaces including the 3 engine mount bracket bosses.
Apply a 5.5 mm (0.21 in) bead of Motorcraft High Performance Engine RTV Silicone to the oil pan-to-cylinder block joint and the cylinder head-to-cylinder block joint areas of the engine front cover in 5 places as indicated.

NOTE: Make sure the 2 locating dowel pins are seated correctly in the cylinder block.
Engine front cover bolts 17, 18, 19 and 20 3 Nm (27 lb-in)

Remaining engine front cover bolts:
Stage 1:
bolts 1 thru 22 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
bolts 23, 24 and 25 15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
Stage 2
bolts 1 thru 22 24 Nm (18 lb-ft)
bolts 23, 24 and 25 75 Nm (55 lb-ft)

Crankshaft pulley washer and new bolt:
Stage 1 120 Nm (89 lb-ft)
Stage 2 Loosen one full turn
Stage 3 50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
Stage 4 additional 90 degrees
LH secondary timing chain tensioner 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
Primary tensioner 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
LH VCT housing 3 bolts 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
RH VCT housing 3 bolts 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
NOTE: The engine front cover and bolts 17, 18, 19 and 20 must be installed within 4 minutes of the initial sealant application. The remainder of the engine front cover bolts and the engine mount bracket bolts must be installed and tightened within 35 minutes of the initial sealant application. If the time limits are exceeded, the sealant must be removed, the sealing area cleaned and sealant reapplied. To clean the sealing area, use silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Failure to follow this procedure can cause future oil leakage.
Apply a 3.0 mm (0.11 in) bead of Motorcraft High Performance Engine RTV Silicone to the engine front cover sealing surfaces including the 3 engine mount bracket bosses.
Apply a 5.5 mm (0.21 in) bead of Motorcraft High Performance Engine RTV Silicone to the oil pan-to-cylinder block joint and the cylinder head-to-cylinder block joint areas of the engine front cover in 5 places as indicated.
NOTE: Make sure the 2 locating dowel pins are seated correctly in the cylinder block.
Engine front cover bolts 17, 18, 19 and 20 3 Nm (27 lb-in)
Remaining engine front cover bolts:
Stage 1:
bolts 1 thru 22 10 Nm (89 lb-in)
bolts 23, 24 and 25 15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
Stage 2
bolts 1 thru 22 24 Nm (18 lb-ft)
bolts 23, 24 and 25 75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
Crankshaft pulley washer and new bolt:
Stage 1 120 Nm (89 lb-ft)
Stage 2 Loosen one full turn
Stage 3 50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
Stage 4 additional 90 degrees
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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