SECTION 303-01A: Engine — 3.5L Ti-VCT
2014 Flex Workshop Manual
INSTALLATION
Procedure revision date: 05/02/2013

Camshaft


Special Tool(s)
Adjustable Grip Arm, 1735A
014-00001 or equivalent
Alignment Pins
307-399
Handle
205-153 (T80T-4000-W)
Hold Down, Secondary Chain
303-1530
Installer, Differential Bearing Cone
205-142 (T80T-4000-J)
Installer, Front Cover Oil Seal
303-335 (T88T-6701-A)
Installer, Front Crankshaft Seal
303-1251
Installer, VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal
303-1247/2
Powertrain Lift
300-OTC1585AE
Replacer, Crankshaft Vibration Damper
303-102 (T74P-6312-B)
Tool, Camshaft Holding
303-1248

Material
Item Specification
Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone
TA-357
WSE-M4G323-A6
Motorcraft® Metal Surface Prep
ZC-31-A
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (US); Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil (Canada)
XO-5W20-QSP (US); CXO-5W20-LSP12 (Canada)
WSS-M2C945-A
Motorcraft® Silicone Gasket Remover
ZC-30
Motorcraft® Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound
XG-3-A
ESE-M1C171-A

RH camshafts

  1. NOTE: Coat the camshafts with clean engine oil prior to installation.

    Position the camshafts onto the RH cylinder head in the neutral position as shown.
  1. NOTICE: The crankshaft must remain in the freewheeling position (crankshaft dowel pin at 9 o'clock) until after the camshafts are installed and the valve clearance is checked/adjusted. Do not turn the crankshaft until instructed to do so. Failure to follow this process will result in severe engine damage.

    Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise until the crankshaft dowel pin is in the 9 o'clock position.
  1. NOTICE: The camshaft seal gaps must be at the 12 o'clock position or damage to the engine may occur.

    Position the 4 camshaft seals gaps as shown.
  1. NOTE: Cylinder head camshaft bearing caps are numbered to verify that they are assembled in their original positions.

    Install the 6 camshaft caps, mega cap, valve train oil tube and the 15 bolts in the sequence shown.
  1. Loosen the 4 camshaft caps bolts.
  1. Tighten the 4 camshaft caps bolts in the sequence shown.
  1. NOTICE: If any components are installed new, the engine valve clearance must be checked/adjusted or engine damage may occur.

    NOTE: Use a camshaft sprocket bolt to turn the camshafts.

    Using a feeler gauge, confirm that the valve tappet clearances are within specification. If valve tappet clearances are not within specification, the clearance must be adjusted by installing new valve tappet(s) of the correct size. For additional information, refer to Valve Clearance Check in this section.
  1. Remove the 3 bolts and the RH valve train oil tube.
  1. Rotate the RH camshafts to the TDC position as shown.
  1. NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the TDC position.

    Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the RH camshafts.
  1. Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and install the Secondary Chain Hold Down to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.
  1. Assemble the RH VCT assembly, the RH exhaust camshaft sprocket and the RH secondary timing chain.
  1. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the RH secondary timing assembly.

    Position the 2 RH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
  1. Install the 2 new RH VCT bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
  1. NOTE: The 2 VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.

    Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and remove the Secondary Chain Hold Down.

LH camshafts

  1. NOTE: Coat the camshafts with clean engine oil prior to installation.

    Position the camshafts onto the LH cylinder head in the neutral position as shown.
  1. NOTICE: The crankshaft must remain in the freewheeling position (crankshaft dowel pin at 9 o'clock) until after the camshafts are installed and the valve clearance is checked/adjusted. Do not turn the crankshaft until instructed to do so. Failure to follow this process will result in severe engine damage.

    Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise until the crankshaft dowel pin is in the 9 o'clock position.
  1. NOTICE: The camshaft seal gaps must be at the 12 o'clock position or damage to the engine may occur.

    Position the 4 camshaft seals gaps as shown.
  1. NOTE: Cylinder head camshaft bearing caps are numbered to verify that they are assembled in their original positions.

    Install the 6 camshaft caps, mega cap, valve train oil tube and the 15 bolts in the sequence shown.
  1. Loosen the 4 camshaft caps bolts.
  1. Tighten the 4 camshaft caps bolts in the sequence shown.
  1. NOTICE: If any components are installed new, the engine valve clearance must be checked/adjusted or engine damage may occur.

    NOTE: Use a camshaft sprocket bolt to turn the camshafts.

    Using a feeler gauge, confirm that the valve tappet clearances are within specification. If valve tappet clearances are not within specification, the clearance must be adjusted by installing new valve tappet(s) of the correct size. For additional information, refer to Valve Clearance Check in this section.
  1. Remove the 3 bolts and the LH valve train oil tube.
  1. Rotate the LH camshafts to the TDC position as shown.
  1. NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the Top Dead Center (TDC) position.

    Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the LH camshafts.
  1. Compress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and install the Secondary Chain Hold Down to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.
  1. Assemble the 2 LH VCT assemblies and the LH secondary timing chain.
  1. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to install the LH secondary timing assembly.

    Position the 2 LH VCT assemblies and secondary timing chain onto the camshafts by aligning the holes in the VCT assemblies with the dowel pins in the camshafts.
  1. Install the 2 new LH VCT bolts and tighten in 4 stages.
  1. NOTE: The 2 VCT oil control solenoids are removed for clarity.

    Compress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and remove the Secondary Chain Hold Down.

All camshafts

  1. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise 60 degrees to the TDC position (crankshaft dowel pin at 11 o'clock).
  1. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly, to align the timing marks.

    Install the primary timing chain with the colored links aligned with the timing marks on the VCT assemblies and the crankshaft sprocket.
  1. Install the lower LH primary timing chain guide and the 2 bolts.
  1. Install the primary timing chain tensioner arm.
  1. Reset the primary timing chain tensioner.
  1. NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the camshafts slightly to remove slack from the timing chain to install the tensioner.

    Install the primary tensioner and the 2 bolts.
  1. As a post-check, verify correct alignment of all timing marks.
  1. NOTICE: Do not use excessive force when installing the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) oil control solenoid. Damage to the mega cap could cause the cylinder head to be inoperable. If difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure there are no burrs, sharp edges or contaminants present on the mating surface. Only clean the external surfaces as necessary.

    NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the installation of the VCT oil control solenoid.

    NOTE: Keep the VCT oil control solenoid clean of dirt and debris.

    Install the LH intake VCT oil control solenoid and the bolt.
  1. NOTICE: Do not use excessive force when installing the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) oil control solenoid. Damage to the mega cap could cause the cylinder head to be inoperable. If difficult to install the VCT oil control solenoid, inspect the bore and VCT oil control solenoid to ensure there are no burrs, sharp edges or contaminants present on the mating surface. Only clean the external surfaces as necessary.

    NOTE: A slight twisting motion will aid in the installation of the VCT oil control solenoid.

    NOTE: Keep the VCT oil control solenoid clean of dirt and debris.

    Install the RH intake VCT oil control solenoid and the bolt.
  1. Remove the RH Camshaft Holding Tool.
  1. Install the RH valve train oil tube and the 3 bolts and tighten in 2 stages.
  1. Remove the LH Camshaft Holding Tool.
  1. Install the LH valve train oil tube and the 3 bolts and tighten in 2 stages.
  1. NOTICE: Only use a 3M™ Roloc® Bristle Disk (2-in white, part number 07528) to clean the engine front cover. Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes or any other power abrasive disk to clean front cover.

    Clean the engine front cover using a 3M™ Roloc® Bristle Disk (2-in white, part number 07528) in a suitable tool turning at the recommended speed of 15,000 rpm.
  1. NOTICE: Place clean, lint-free shop towels over exposed engine cavities. Carefully remove the towels so foreign material is not dropped into the engine. Any foreign material (including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces) that enters the oil passages or the oil pan, may cause engine failure.

    NOTICE: Do not use wire brushes, power abrasive discs or 3M™ Roloc® Bristle Disk (2-in white part number 07528) to clean the sealing surfaces of engine block, cylinder heads, and oil pan. These tools can cause contamination that will cause premature engine failure. Remove all traces of the gasket.


    Clean the sealing surfaces of the cylinder heads, the cylinder block and the oil pan in the following sequence.
    1. Remove any large deposits of silicone or gasket material.
    1. Apply silicone gasket remover and allow to set for several minutes.
    1. Remove the silicone gasket remover. A second application of silicone gasket remover may be required if residual traces of silicone or gasket material remain.
    1. Apply metal surface prep to remove any remaining traces of oil or coolant and to prepare the surfaces to bond. Do not attempt to make the metal shiny. Some staining of the metal surfaces is normal.
    1. Make sure the 2 locating dowel pins are seated correctly in the cylinder block.
  1. Install the Alignment Pins.
  1. NOTICE: Failure to use Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone may cause the engine oil to foam excessively and result in serious engine damage.

    NOTE: The engine front cover and bolts 7, 8, 15, 17, 18, 21 and 22 must be installed within 4 minutes of the initial sealant application. The remainder of the engine front cover 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 4 inner bolt bosses.
  1. NOTE: Make sure the 2 locating dowel pins are seated correctly in the cylinder block.

    Install the engine front cover and bolts 7, 8, 15, 17, 18, 21 and 22.
  1. Remove the Alignment Pins.
  1. NOTE: Do not tighten the bolt at this time.

    Install the M6 engine front cover bolt.
  1. NOTE: Do not tighten the bolts at this time.

    Install the 3 upper M10 engine front cover bolts.
  1. NOTICE: Do not expose the Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone to engine oil for at least 90 minutes after installing the engine front cover. Failure to follow this instruction may cause oil leakage.

    Install the remaining engine front cover bolts. Tighten all of the engine front cover bolts in the sequence shown in 7 stages:
  1. Install the fuel supply tube-to-engine front cover bolt.
  1. Position the generator and install the stud and nut.
  1. NOTE: Installation of new seals is only required if damaged seals were removed.

    Using the VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Installer and Handle, install new spark plug tube seals.
  1. NOTE: Installation of new seals is only required if damaged seals were removed.

    Using the Differential Bearing Cone Installer and Handle, install new VCT solenoid seal(s).
  1. NOTICE: Failure to use the correct Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone may cause the engine oil to foam excessively and result in serious engine damage.

    NOTE: If the valve cover is not installed and the fasteners tightened within 4 minutes, the sealant must be removed and the sealing area cleaned. To clean the sealing area, use silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Failure to follow this procedure can cause future oil leakage.

    Apply an 8 mm (0.31 in) bead of Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone to the engine front cover-to-RH cylinder head joints.
  1. Using a new gasket, install the RH valve cover and tighten the 4 bolts and 7 stud bolts.
  1. Make sure the VCT seals in the valve cover are below the top of the VCT oil control solenoid electrical connector or the VCT seal may leak oil.
  1. Install the engine wiring harness to the RH valve cover.
  1. Install the PCV crankcase vent tube.
  1. NOTE: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil-on-plug boots before attaching to the spark plugs.

    Install the 3 RH coil-on-plugs and the 3 bolts.
  1. Using a new gasket, install the intake manifold and the 7 bolts.
  1. Install the upper intake manifold support bracket bolt.
  1. Attach the 2 coolant tube retainers to the upper intake manifold.
  1. Connect the crankcase ventilation hose to the upper intake manifold.
  1. Connect the EVAP vapor tube to the EVAP canister vent solenoid. For additional information, refer to Section 310-00 .
  1. Connect the EVAP canister vent solenoid and throttle body electrical connectors.
  1. NOTE: Installation of new seals is only required if damaged seals were removed.

    Using the VCT Spark Plug Tube Seal Installer and Handle, install new spark plug tube seals.
  1. NOTE: Installation of new seals is only required if damaged seals were removed.

    Using the Differential Bearing Cone Installer and Handle, install new VCT solenoid seal(s).
  1. NOTICE: Failure to use Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone may cause the engine oil to foam excessively and result in serious engine damage.

    NOTE: If the valve cover is not installed and the fasteners tightened within 4 minutes, the sealant must be removed and the sealing area cleaned. To clean the sealing area, use silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Failure to follow this procedure can cause future oil leakage.

    Apply an 8 mm (0.31 in) bead of Motorcraft® High Performance Engine RTV Silicone to the engine front cover-to-LH cylinder head joints.
  1. Using a new gasket, install the LH valve cover and tighten the 4 bolts and 7 stud bolts.
  1. Make sure the VCT seals in the valve cover are below the top of the VCT oil control solenoid electrical connector or the VCT seal may leak oil.
  1. Install the engine wiring harness to the LH valve cover.
  1. Install the ground wire bolt to the engine front cover.
  1. NOTE: Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil-on-plug boots before attaching to the spark plugs.

    Install the 3 LH -coil-on-plugs and the 3 bolts.
  1. Install the oil level indicator.
  1. Install the crankcase vent tube. For additional information, refer to the quick connect coupling procedure in Section 310-00 .
  1. Install the accessory drive belt tensioner and the 3 bolts.
  1. NOTE: Apply clean engine oil to the crankshaft front seal bore in the engine front cover.

    Using the Crankshaft Vibration Damper Replacer and Front Crankshaft Seal Installer, install a new crankshaft front seal.
  1. NOTE: Lubricate the outside diameter sealing surfaces with clean engine oil.

    Using the Crankshaft Vibration Damper Replacer and Front Cover Oil Seal Installer, install the crankshaft pulley.
  1. Using the strap wrench, install the crankshaft pulley washer and new bolt and tighten in 4 stages.
  1. Raise the subframe and powertrain assembly into the vehicle.
  1. Install the engine mount and the 3 bolts.
  1. Install the 4 engine mount nuts.
  1. Install the transaxle support insulator bracket, the 3 nuts and the bolt.
    1. Tighten the bolt to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
    1. Tighten the 3 nuts to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
  1. Install the transaxle support insulator through bolt and nut.
  1. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

    Align the subframe and install the new front subframe bolts.
  1. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

    Install the rear subframe brackets and the new subframe bracket-to-body bolts.
  1. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

    Install the new subframe bracket bolts.
  1. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

    Tighten the subframe bracket-to-body bolts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
  1. Remove the ratchet strap from the front of the subframe to the rear of the subframe.
  1. Remove the Adjustable Grip Arm and the powertrain lift table.
  1. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

    Install the strut to the wheel knuckle and install the strut-to-wheel knuckle nuts and bolts.
  1. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

    Install the brake caliper and the guide pin bolts.
  1. NOTICE: Do not tighten the wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

    NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

    NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

    Using the previously removed wheel hub nut, seat the LH and RH halfshafts.
  1. NOTICE: The wheel hub nut contains a one time locking chemical that is activated by the heat created when it is tightened. Install and tighten the new wheel hub nut to specification within 5 minutes of starting it on the threads. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or when not tightened within the specified time or damage to the components can occur.

    NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

    NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

    Install a new wheel hub nuts.
  1. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

    Install the new upper stabilizer link nut.
  1. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

    Install the wheel speed sensor and the bolt.
  1. Connect the transaxle cooler tubes and install the 2 secondary latches.
  1. If equipped, install the oil cooler hose retainer to the subframe.
  1. If equipped, connect the 2 oil cooler coolant hoses.
  1. NOTE: Do not lubricate the engine oil filter gasket with oil.

    Install a new engine oil filter.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles

  1. Line up the index marks on the rear driveshaft to the index marks on the PTU flange made during removal and install the 4 bolts.

All vehicles

  1. Install the exhaust Y-pipe. For additional information, refer to Section 309-00 .
  1. NOTICE: Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the gear or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Section 501-20B .

    Align and connect the steering column shaft to the steering gear and install the bolt.
  1. If equipped, attach the engine block heater harness to the radiator support.
  1. Connect the transaxle control cable to the shift cable bracket.
  1. Connect the transaxle control cable to the control lever.
  1. Connect the upper radiator hose, lower radiator hose and 2 heater hoses to the thermostat housing.
  1. Install the ground wire to the RH shock tower and install the bolt.
  1. Install the engine wiring harness retainer to the bulkhead.
    1. Slide the wiring harness in the bulkhead.
    1. Make sure the wiring harness retainer tab is below the bulkhead lip.
  1. Connect the engine harness electrical connector.
  1. Connect the 2 PCM electrical connectors.
  1. Connect the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) tube and the fuel supply tube quick connect coupling. For additional information, refer to Section 310-00 .
  1. Connect the brake booster vacuum hose to the upper intake manifold.
  1. Connect the degas bottle coolant hose to the engine coolant tube.
  1. Install the degas bottle. For additional information, refer to Section 303-03 .
  1. Using a new O-ring seal and gasket seal, connect the upper A/C tube to the condenser and install the nut.
  1. Connect the A/C pressure switch electrical connector.
  1. Using a new O-ring seal and gasket seal, connect the A/C tube and install the nut.
  1. Install the accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to Section 303-05 .
  1. Position the splash shield and install the 3 pin-type retainers.
  1. Install the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .
  1. If equipped, install the underbody shield and attach the 4 retainers.
  1. Connect the engine wiring harness electrical connector.
  1. Install the ground wire cable and the retainer.
  1. Connect the 2 battery feed cables to the positive battery terminal and install the nut.
  1. Install the battery tray. For additional information, refer to Section 414-01 .
  1. Install the engine Air Cleaner (ACL) and ACL outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to Section 303-12 .
  1. Install the strut tower brace and the 4 nuts.
  1. Install the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to Section 501-02 .
  1. Fill the engine with clean engine oil.
  1. Fill and bleed the cooling system. For additional information, refer to Section 303-03 .
  1. Recharge the A/C system. For additional information, refer to Section 412-00 .
  1. Perform the Misfire Monitor Neutral Profile Correction procedure, following the on-screen instructions.