I am taking the cylinder heads off of my 2000 F-150. 4.6. I have the front cover removed, the next step is to rotate the crankshaft untill the keyways on the cam sprockets are 90 degrees to the valve cover surface. I did that (I think). I do not see any copper links in the chain like my manual says. I marked the cam sproket and the chain to ensure that the exact cog on the sproket would go back to the exact link in the chain. I rotated the crank severel times and noticed that my marks did not line up again, even after several more revolutions. My very non-automechanic mind tells me that at some point they should line up again!! Is this cause for concern? Will I be able to line the marks back up when I put it back together?

 

Read on. Your manual should tell you how to mark chains that have no copper links.

Are you removing both heads?

JMC

 

Yes I will be removing both heads. Looking ahead in my manual that is on a CDrom which sucks. I don't see anymore info on timing chains. It goes right from removal to installation. But then It could be in there somewhere and I just can't find it....

 

Look up 303-1B #30 it shows how to mark the 4.6 chains and #31 for the 5.4. iwould reread the instructions from top to bottom so you are familiar with the procedure. Pay close attention on the part where they show how to position the crank shaft prior to installing the heads. Same section # 19. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.

JMC