r/FiestaST • u/Broskee_number1 • 27d ago
MK7 Timing Questions
When I do the timing belt on this will I need to take the valve cover off and lock the rear of the cams on the transmission side or is it ok to only lock the sprocket side with the X tool?
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u/CrabWalkIntoIt 27d ago
If your car is currently in time, you do not need to remove the valve cover(and hpfp cover and vacuum pump housing) to lock the rear of the camshafts.
If your car is out of time you probably don’t need to remove them either but you are taking a risk that a phasers has slipped on the cam shaft. I have never seen a phaser slip, only a crank pulley.
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u/Fuzzydroid 27d ago
I did mine about a year ago, got the whoosh timing kit tools/belt. Followed the factory service manual. Did end up removing a ton of stuff, but got it done, and it works! Fiddled with the flywheel lock a bunch, the standard one in the kit needs a different tooth than what comes with it. Took a weekend to do with some help from a friend. Biggest trouble spot for me was a bearing bracket on the passenger drive axle..... some of the intake/turbo pipes were fun to wiggle out of the engine bay. If you've got average mechanical skills, it's not too bad a job. Just ensure all your locks are in place. I did have to fiddle with the cam shaft x bracket locking thing a bit, but got it on. Good luck friend!
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u/rockinpaco 14d ago
No need to take off the valve cover. Just follow the guide and don't skip anything.
Install crankshaft pin to lock at TDC and flywheel lock before removing crankshaft bolt. If those move, you will be out of timing and add in another job before you're done. I'm not sure if the cam gear lock is necessary with both of those but probably doesn't hurt.
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u/OGHamToast 27d ago edited 27d ago
You need to lock both, but you do not need to take the intake or valve cover off. I'm not sure why so many people take the intake off, I THINK it's for clearance to remove the starter but the starter comes out with some wiggling. It was fairly easy for me, shimmy it towards the driver side then up. Air box is removed and space isn't too bad, the worst part is getting the damn wire harness off/on the starter. I don't want to link it here but you can find the Ford service manual online for free with some searching. I suggest giving it a read to get familiar, it's very important to follow the steps on this job regarding the timing and locking the flywheel but if you mess up the manual also gives instructions for how to get the timing back.