How to Check and Replace a Timing Chain in a Ford Taurus

by Editorial Team

Like timing belts, timing chains drive a vehicle's camshaft. Stronger than their counterparts, timing chains are nearly repair-free with no definitive replacement schedule. If your Ford Taurus produces a vociferous rattle whenever you accelerate, chances are it's time to check and replace your timing chain. Here's how that's done in a Taurus with a 3.4L DOHC engine.

Remove Your Timing Chain

Step 1

Check your owner's manual for the recommended mileage for replacing your timing chain. Replacement for a Ford Taurus is 100,000 miles.

Step 2

Locate the timing chain. Replace it if the automatic chain adjuster (also known as the tensioner) is damaged or worn.

Step 3

Take off the engine front cover and the crankshaft position sensor pulse ring

Step 4

Position the crankshaft so the No. 1 piston is at "Top Dead Center" (TDC). The crankshaft key-way groove and the oil pump mark should line up.

Step 5

Confirm that the camshaft sprockets line up on top. You may need to turn the crankshaft one full revolution and check again.

Step 6

Disengage the timing chain guides, tensioner arm and tensioner retaining bolts and take the timing chain off the engine.

Step 7

Discharge the tensioner ratchet/pawl mechanism via the tensioner's access opening. Place a small wire inside the piston's top to unseat the oil check ball. This compacts the tensioner rack and piston into the tensioner housing. Condense the tensioner manually.

Step 8

Eliminate the camshaft timing chain sprockets if they are worn or damaged.

Install Your Timing Chain

Step 1

Turn the crankshaft so the No. 1 piston is at TDC. The crankshaft key-way groove and the oil pump mark should line up.

Step 2

Line up the sprocket and chain timing marks and install the timing chain. The crankshaft, camshaft and balance shaft also should line up.

Step 3

Reconnect the camshaft sprockets (if replacing). Secure the sprocket bolts at 48 to 70 foot pounds (64 to 95 Nm).

Step 4

Put in the compressed timing chain guides, tensioner arm and tensioner. Secure the tensioner's pivot bolt at 25 to 39 foot pounds (34-53 Nm) and secure the retaining bolts at 14 to 20 foot pounds (18-27 Nm).

Step 5

Align the timing chain's timing index marks and the crankshaft and camshaft sprocket and balance shaft driven gear index marks.

Step 6

Connect the crankshaft position sensor pulse ring to the crankshaft. Line up the crankshaft key and the sensor ring's key-way.

Step 7

Replace the engine front cover.

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