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.
Timing Chain: Installation
2021 Ford Edge SE, 4WDSECTION Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
LH timing chain
- Install the timing chain sprocket.
-
NOTE: The VCT units have 2 timing marks on them, a triangle and a circle. For removal and installation of the LH side the circle marks are used.
- Install the LH timing chain with the single colored links aligned with the circle timing marks on the VCT units.
- Install the double colored links so they straddle the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
- Install the LH timing chain guide and bolts.
Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
- Install the LH timing chain tensioner arm.
- Slide the tensioner cylinder out of the LH timing chain tensioner housing.
-
NOTE: Use vise jaw protectors or cover the jaws of the vise with clean shop towels to prevent damage to the surface of the tensioner ratchet mechanism.
Mount the flat machined surfaces on the end of the tensioner cylinder into a vise.
- Using a flat-bladed screwdriver apply light downward pressure on the end of the tensioner ratchet mechanism. Use the General Equipment: Vise. Use the General Equipment: Vise Jaw Protectors. Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver
- Rotate the screwdriver clockwise approximately one turn.
- An audible click will be heard when the tensioner ratchet mechanism locks into place.
- Slide the tensioner cylinder into the tensioner housing until it contacts the bottom of the bore. The shoulder of the tensioner cylinder will be flush with the top of the housing.
-
- Firmly press the tensioner cylinder into the tensioner housing until the shoulder of the tensioner cylinder is approximately 3 mm (0.125 in) below the top of the housing.
- Install a retaining pin into the hole in the housing to lock the tensioner cylinder in the retracted position.
-
- Position the LH timing chain tensioner with the end of the tensioner correctly engaged to the tensioner arm.
- Install the bolts.
Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
- Remove the pin to allow the tensioner cylinder to extend and press against the timing chain tensioner arm.
- Install the crankshaft sprocket.
-
NOTE: Loosening the oil pump bolts will aid in the installation of the oil pump drive belt.
Loosen the oil pump bolts 3 turns.
-
- Position the oil pump drive belt onto the oil pump sprocket and raise the front of the oil pump.
- Slide the oil pump drive belt onto the crankshaft sprocket.
- Tighten the oil pump bolts.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm) | Stage 2: 45°
- Install the original crankshaft pulley bolt.
-
NOTE: The crankshaft must be rotated clockwise one revolution (360 degrees). Failure to do so will result in incorrect camshaft timing.
- Rotate the crankshaft clockwise one revolution (360 degrees).
- Position the crankshaft sprocket keyway at the 11 o'clock position.
- Remove and discard the original crankshaft pulley bolt.
RH and LH timing chains
- Install the timing chain sprocket.
-
NOTE: The VCT units have 2 timing marks on them, a triangle and a circle. For removal and installation of the RH side the triangle marks are used.
- Install the RH timing chain with the single colored links aligned with the triangle timing marks on the VCT units.
- Install the double colored links so they straddle the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
- Install the RH timing chain guide and bolts.
Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
- Install the RH timing chain tensioner arm.
- Slide the tensioner cylinder out of the RH timing chain tensioner housing.
-
NOTE: Use vise jaw protectors or cover the jaws of the vise with clean shop towels to prevent damage to the surface of the tensioner ratchet mechanism.
Mount the flat machined surfaces on the end of the tensioner cylinder into a vise.
- Using a flat-bladed screwdriver apply light downward pressure on the end of the tensioner ratchet mechanism. Use the General Equipment: Vise. Use the General Equipment: Vise Jaw Protectors. Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver
- Rotate the screwdriver clockwise approximately one turn.
- An audible click will be heard when the tensioner ratchet mechanism locks into place.
- Slide the tensioner cylinder into the tensioner housing until it contacts the bottom of the bore. The shoulder of the tensioner cylinder will be flush with the top of the housing.
-
- Firmly press the tensioner cylinder into the tensioner housing until the shoulder of the tensioner cylinder is approximately 3 mm (0.125 in) below the top of the housing.
- Install a retaining pin into the hole in the housing to lock the tensioner cylinder in the retracted position.
-
- Position the RH timing chain tensioner with the end of the tensioner correctly engaged to the tensioner arm.
- Install the bolts.
Torque: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
- Remove the pin to allow the tensioner cylinder to extend and press against the timing chain tensioner arm.
- Install the engine front cover. Refer to: Engine Front Cover .
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
Recommended Tools & Savings
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.