Camshaft & Lash Adjusters

Removal & Installation

NOTE: Although Ford suggests that is the camshaft and valve liters are removable with the engine installed, depending on the particular options with which your truck is equipped, working clearance may be extremely tight. This procedure may be much easier to perform with the engine removed. Before beginning, read this procedure and make certain enough clearance, or working room, exists with the engine in the vehicle. If there is not enough space, remove the engine.

To Remove:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.

   CAUTION
   Do not loosen or remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without first installing the special tools listed in the crankshaft pulley procedure. Refer to the crankshaft pulley removal section before beginning this procedure.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the timing chain and sprockets.
4. Remove the camshaft alignment plate (303-465).

   CAUTION
   Failure to follow the correct camshaft loosening procedure can result in damage to the camshafts.

   NOTE: Make note of the position of the lobes on the No. 1 cylinder before removing the camshafts for assembly reference.

5. Remove the camshafts from the engine. Loosen the camshaft bearing cap bolts in the sequence shown below, one turn at a time. Repeat this step until all tension is released from the camshaft bearing caps, then remove the camshaft bearing caps.

   Camshaft cap loosening sequence-2.3L

6. Remove the camshafts.

To Install:

NOTE: Install the camshafts with the alignment notches in the camshafts lined up so the camshaft alignment plate can be installed without rotating the camshafts. Make sure the lobes on the No. 1 cylinder are in the same position as noted in the disassembly procedure. Rotating the camshafts, or installing the camshafts 180 degrees out of position can cause severe damage to the valves and pistons. Lubricate the camshaft journals and bearing caps with clean engine oil.

1. Install the camshafts and bearing caps. Tighten the bolts in three steps in the sequence shown in the illustration below.
   • Step 1: Tighten the camshaft bearing caps one turn at a time until tight.
   • Step 2: Tighten the bolts to 62 in-lb (7 Nm).
   • Step 3: Tighten the bolts to 12 ft-lb (16 Nm).

   Camshaft cap torque sequence-2.3L

2. Install the camshaft drive gears and hand-tighten the bolts.
3. Install the timing chain and sprockets.
4. Connect the negative battery cable.
5. Start the engine and check for its proper operation and for any leaks. Repair leaks if needed.