Engine Front Cover: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
Remove the LH and RH valve covers. For additional information, refer to Valve Cover - LH , Valve Cover - RH, 4.6L or Valve Cover - RH, 5.4L .
Remove the radiator. For additional information, refer to ENGINE COOLING article.
Remove the drain plug and drain the engine oil.

Fig 1: Engine Oil Drain Plug

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Remove the 2 nuts and the 2 radio interference capacitors.

Fig 2: Radio Interference Capacitor And Retaining Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the 4 coolant pump pulley bolts.
Rotate the tensioner clockwise and remove the accessory drive belt.

Fig 3: Rotating Tensioner Clockwise

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 4 coolant pump pulley bolts and the coolant pump pulley.
Remove the bolt and the accessory drive belt idler pulley.

Fig 4: Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley And Retaining Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bolts and position the power steering pump aside.

Fig 5: Identifying Power Steering Pump Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the A/C compressor electrical connector.

Fig 6: A/C Compressor Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor electrical connector.

Fig 7: Identifying Crankshaft Position Sensor Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the wire harness from the bracket.

Fig 8: Wiring Harness Bracket

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the nut, disconnect the tubes and remove the bracket.

Fig 9: Bracket & Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the camshaft position (CMP) sensor electrical connector.

Fig 10: Locating Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bolt and the CMP sensor.

Fig 11: Locating LH CMP Sensor Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: This bolt is torque-to-yield and cannot be reused. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.

Using the special tool, remove the crankshaft pulley bolt and washer.
- Discard the crankshaft pulley bolt.

Fig 12: Holding Crankshaft Pulley Using Special Tool (303-D055)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove the crankshaft pulley.

Fig 13: Removing Crankshaft Pulley Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove and discard the crankshaft front oil seal.

Fig 14: Removing Crankshaft Front Seal Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the front 4 oil pan bolts.

Fig 15: Front Oil Pan Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bolts.

Fig 16: Front Cover Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not use metal scrapers, wire brushes, power abrasive discs or other abrasive means to clean the sealing surfaces. These tools cause scratches and gouges which make leak paths. Use a plastic scraping tool to clean sealing surfaces.

Remove the engine front cover from the front cover-to-cylinder block dowel.
- Discard the engine front cover gasket.
- Clean the mating surfaces with silicone gasket remover and metal surface prep. Follow the directions on the packaging.
- Inspect the mating surfaces.

Fig 17: Removing Engine Front Cover From Front Cover-To-Cylinder Block Dowel

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If servicing the engine front cover, remove the bolt and the CKP sensor.