Ranger 4WD V6-3.0L VIN U (1997)
Camshaft: Service and Repair
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect ground cable at battery and set aside.
2. Rotate crankshaft so No. 1 piston is at 0 degrees at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
3. Remove radiator.
4. Recover A/C refrigerant and remove A/C condenser core.
5. Remove engine front cover and timing chain and sprockets.
6. Remove intake manifold and valve covers.
7. Loosen rocker arm bolts enough to allow the rocker arms to be lifted off the push rod and rotated to one side.
8. Remove push rods. Identify each push rods location. The push rods should be installed in their original location and position during reassembly.
9. Loosen roller tappet guide plate retainer bolts (2). Remove tappet guide plate retainer from tappet valley.
10. Remove valve tappet guide plates from valve tappets by lifting straight up.
11. Remove valve tappets by grasping each valve tappet and pulling in line with bore.
NOTE: If the valve tappets are stuck in the bores due to excessive varnish or gum deposits, it may be necessary to use a claw-type tool to aid
removal. Work the valve tappet up and down in the bore to loosen it from the deposits.
12. Remove the two camshaft thrust plate retaining bolts and camshaft thrust plate.
13. Remove camshaft by pulling slowly toward front of engine keeping camshaft perfectly in line with camshaft bores.
CAUTION: Damage to camshaft bearings and/or camshaft can occur if camshaft is allowed to drop on bearing surface or cylinder block.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Lightly oil all retaining bolt and stud threads before installation except those specified for special sealant.
1. Clean mating gasket surfaces of intake manifold and cylinder head. Lay a clean cloth or shop rag in the tappet valley to catch any gasket material.
After scraping, carefully lift cloth from tappet valley preventing any particles from entering oil drain holes or cylinder head. Use a suitable solvent
to remove old rubber sealant. Clean gasket mating surfaces of engine front cover to cylinder block.
CAUTION: Aluminum components gouge easily which can cause gasket leaks. Always use care when scraping aluminum gasket surfaces.
2. Inspect camshaft bearings for wear. Replace if necessary.
3. Clean and inspect all components before installation.
4. Lubricate camshaft lobes, bearing surfaces, and distributor drive gear liberally with Engine Assembly Lubricant D9AZ-19579-D or equivalent
meeting Ford specification ESR-M99C80-A.
