Replacing a Ford Taurus Timing Chain

While many cars use a timing belt, the Ford Taurus is designed to use a timing chain. A timing chain serves a similar purpose as a timing belt, but it is stronger. If you need to replace the timing chain in your Taurus, this article will explain the process. The steps below will help, most specifically, those working on a 2005 model Taurus. Be sure to wear eye protection while working under the hood.

Directions

1

Access the Chain

To gain access to the chain, you first need to open up the hood of your Taurus. In here, you need to remove two different pieces. First, remove the engine front cover, and then the crankshaft position sensor’s pulse ring. Move the number one piston of the engine to the position known commonly as “Top Dead Center.” This will line other parts up for the removal of the timing chain.

2

Align the Pistons

The pistons need to be aligned at the top position in order to remove the timing chain. This may involve turning the crankshaft a few times. Be sure they are lined up before continuing.

3

Timing Chain Removal

You will need to remove a few more parts before the chain is totally free. First, disengage the guides and tension arm on the chain so you can remove the bolts. With everything out of the way, you can now take off the old timing chain from the engine.

4

Discharge the Tensioners

Use the tensioner access opening to discharge the tensioner mechanism. In the top of the piston, place some wire to hold the oil check ball out of its resting position. When this is done, you need to condense the tensioner.

5

Timing Chain Sprockets

Check the timing chain sprockets for damage. If they are damaged, you should replace them. If they even look heavily worn, you should replace them now.

6

Install the new Chain

It is time to put in the new chain. Make sure the pistons, oil pump marker, and crankshift keyway groove all line up the same way they did in the second step of this list. Put the new chain into the same place that the old one was. When you are done with this, check that the camshaft, crankshaft, and balance shaft are all positioned correctly and lined up.

7

Replace the Bolts

The sprocket bolts from before need to be replaced next. Use a torque wrench to secure them back into place. Tighten these bolts up to at least 48 foot-pounds. Do not tighten them beyond 70 foot-pounds.

8

Secure the Tensioner Bolt

Put the chain guides and the tensioner mechanisms back into place. The tensioner’s pivot bolt needs to be tightened down to 25 foot pounds at least, but no higher than 39. Next, the retaining bolts need to be torqued down to between 14 and 20 foot pounds.

9

Line Up the Timing Chain

In order to properly secure the timing chain into the right position, you need to line it up against some marks. Find the index marks for the three shafts from the end of step six and the timing chain’s own index marks. Once everything is in position, you can move on.

10

Cover the Mechanism

Now that most of everything is back in place, you don’t have much left to do. Put the pulse ring back on the crank shaft, lined up to the ring’s key way. Once done, you can place the engine cover back, and the replacement is done.

A Ford Taurus’ timing chain may be stronger than a timing belt, but it does take a bit more effort to replace. When the timing chain is back in place, however, your Taurus should be back in working order. This repair could take an hour or two to complete because of all the checking and positioning that has to be done. Be safe whenever you are working under the hood of a car to make sure your repair goes smoothly.