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.
2012 Ford F 150 2WD V6-3.7LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Timing Cover
Install the engine front cover and bolts 1, 2, 7, 8, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 and tighten sequence shown in 3 stages:
Stage 1: Tighten bolts 1, 2, 7, 8, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 in sequence to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
Stage 2: Tighten bolts 1, 2, 7, 8, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 20 in sequence to 20 Nm (177 lb-in) then an additional 45 degrees.
Stage 3: Tighten bolt 21 to 20 Nm (177 lb-in) then an additional 90 degrees.
Install the remaining 12 engine front cover bolts 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 22. Tighten all of the engine front cover bolts in the sequence shown in 3 stages:
Stage 1: Tighten bolts 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16 to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
Stage 2: Tighten bolts 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16 to 20 Nm (177 lb-in) then an additional 45 degrees.
Stage 3: Tighten bolt 22 to 10 Nm (89 lb-in) then an additional 45 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:
- • 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.