How to Install the Focus Exhaust Camshaft?
3 Answers
Focus exhaust camshaft installation method is: 1. Remove the valve cover, rotate the crankshaft to the top dead center position of cylinder 1, remove the spark plug of cylinder 1 and confirm whether it is the position of cylinder 1 with a long screwdriver; 2. Remove the two oil seals on the two camshafts and loosen the two screws inside the oil seals; 3. Use a 24 open-end wrench to rotate the intake camshaft until the special tool (parallel to the cylinder head) can lock the intake camshaft. As a compact car under Ford, the Focus has a body length, width and height of 4378mm, 1810mm and 1468mm respectively, a wheelbase of 2705mm, a top speed of 215km/h, and is matched with an 8-speed automatic manual transmission.
As a DIY enthusiast car owner, when installing the exhaust camshaft on my Focus, I started by removing the engine cover and used a socket wrench to take off the timing cover, carefully cleaning away old grease and debris. The key is aligning the timing marks—the notches on the exhaust camshaft and crankshaft must match perfectly; I once misaligned them, causing abnormal engine noise upon startup, forcing me to redo the job. Next, I installed the new camshaft, applying specialized lubricant to reduce wear and avoiding excessive force to prevent scratching the valve seats and bearings. After completion, I manually rotated the crankshaft to check for resistance-free movement, then tensioned the timing chain to ensure proper tightness before reassembling all components and testing for smooth startup sounds. The entire process took about two to three hours, using tools like a timing kit and torque wrench, along with safety gloves to prevent cuts. DIYing saved me thousands in repair costs while deepening my understanding of the car's mechanics. I recommend having a helper for heavy parts and consulting online tutorials or taking breaks if stuck to avoid errors that could compromise driving safety. This hands-on approach is also practical for routine maintenance of similar issues.
As a first-time car repairer, installing the Ford Focus exhaust camshaft left me flustered. I started by studying the vehicle manual and YouTube videos to understand the basic process: taking photos to mark all screw positions when removing the engine top cover, fearing I'd forget their original placements. Preparing basic tools like a socket set and timing locking tools is essential, and don't overlook safety gloves. Aligning the timing marks was the highlight – I had a friend verify the camshaft and crankshaft alignment points before securing them with tools. Before installing the new camshaft, I cleaned the contact surfaces and applied grease to prevent dry friction. Then, when tightening bolts, I used a torque wrench to avoid over-tightening and potential damage. After assembly, I manually turned the crankshaft a few times to test smoothness before starting the engine. Hearing normal sounds without gear grinding meant success. The whole process tested my patience. Beginners are advised to start with simpler tasks and gradually advance. Always check part compatibility before repairs to avoid buying wrong models and wasting time.
