Replace intake cams without removing timing cover

fastford22

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I have a 2012 F150 engine and I will be swapping the stock cams with mustang intake cams. I have seen mention that this can be done without removing the timing cover. Has anyone went this route and ,if so, how did you go about it? I have read extensively about taking the cover off but wanted to make sure that there is not a way around this. I'm not interesting in replacing the oil pump/gears so that is the reason I'm trying to avoid the additional time.
 

Gruca

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I have a 2012 F150 engine and I will be swapping the stock cams with mustang intake cams. I have seen mention that this can be done without removing the timing cover. Has anyone went this route and ,if so, how did you go about it? I have read extensively about taking the cover off but wanted to make sure that there is not a way around this. I'm not interesting in replacing the oil pump/gears so that is the reason I'm trying to avoid the additional time.

Is the engine in the vehicle already?
 

Gruca

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I did it on my 2010 back in the day without doing anything except removing the valve covers. I made a wedge out of a plastic block to hold the timing chains in place.
 

Gruca

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I thought that I might buy one of the timing wedges for a 3v and try it.

They are pretty overpriced. You could go to the store and buy a nylon block for $3-$4, then cut it to fit in the whole so the timing chain stays tight and can’t fall or skip a tooth on the sprocket. Took me about 5 minutes to do it.
 

fastford22

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Found some cheap ones so I bought one instead of trying to make one. Guess I will be trying this unless someone says that it cannot be done.
 

basspro302

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I have done it to change phasers out on the 3 valve but not on a coyote. I would probably pull the balancer so you can see the crank shaft key and when your done roll the engine over by hand to make sure pistons are not hitting valves if it is off.
 

fastford22

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I guess I will begin this project and see how it goes. I purchased everything to remove the cover in case I need to.
 

fastford22

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I have seen posts claiming that you can use the wedge but I don't see how. There is not enough room to get it by the phasers and behind the cover. Looks like the cover will have to come off.
 

Riddick

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I have seen posts claiming that you can use the wedge but I don't see how. There is not enough room to get it by the phasers and behind the cover. Looks like the cover will have to come off.
Thanks for sharing, I had a feeling the cover would have to come off.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
 

fastford22

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So I finished the project and I must say that I do not know if I will ever do this again. This was a 2012 F150 with a Roush supercharger and it was time consuming to say the least. Maybe a Mustang would have been easier since the engine is not so deep and hard to reach. At least I know now that when I move to a built engine I will be paying someone to install it.

I did this since it is a great bang for the buck IF you do not pay someone to install. The intake cams cost $185 new so total I spent less than $400 but should pick up 30-40 whp.
 

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