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Autopapyrus · Ford Focus 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT (2011)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/ford/focus/timing-belt-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Ford Focus 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT (2011): Timing Belt Replacement

Timing belt replacement on the 1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT engine (IQDB/IQDA) is a scheduled maintenance job due every 160,000 km or 8 years. The procedure requires special locking tools to hold the shafts in place and exact alignment of the timing marks. It is recommended to replace the tensioner pulley, the idler pulley (mounted to the water pump), the water pump and the crankshaft seal at the same time.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 4-6 hours Steps: 19 Tools: Socket and wrench set, torque wrench, jack and jack stands, special timing tool set (303-1097 camshaft locking tool, 303-748 crankshaft locking tool, 303-1054 tensioner locking pin, 303-1059 flywheel pin), 6 mm hex key

Part

  • 🔩 Timing belt kit with rollers (for example Gates K015669XS or equivalent from Contitech or INA). Replacing the water pump at the same time as the belt is recommended. Crankshaft seal also recommended
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 25 more. See manuals →

Step by step

19 steps
  1. Disconnect the battery and drain the coolant from the radiator (about 2 L (2.1 qt) will run out when the water pump is removed).
  2. Raise the right front of the vehicle, remove the wheel and remove the wheel arch liner to access the belt.
  3. Remove the accessory drive belt, then unbolt the accessory drive pulley from the crankshaft.
  4. Remove the bolts holding the upper and lower timing covers and remove the covers.
  5. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the mark on the crankshaft pulley lines up with the mark on the engine block (TDC of cylinder 1). Make sure the marks on the camshaft gears line up with the marks on the cylinder head housing.
  6. Remove the plug from the cylinder block (left side of the block) and install crankshaft locking tool 303-748 in the hole. It must engage the flywheel.
  7. Install camshaft locking tool 303-1097 on the rear ends of the camshafts (the tool locks both shafts at the same time).
  8. Loosen the tensioner pulley bolt, insert a 6 mm hex key into the center of the tensioner, and turn it clockwise to release the tension. Insert locking pin 303-1054 into the tensioner hole to lock it.
  9. Remove the old timing belt. Remove the tensioner pulley bolt and take off the pulley. Remove the idler pulley (attached to the water pump with two bolts).
  10. Remove the water pump bolts (if replacing it) and take off the pump. Replace the crankshaft seal (pry out the old one with a screwdriver and press in the new one with a seal driver).
  11. Install the new water pump with a new gasket. Tighten the bolts to 10-12 N·m (7-9 lb-ft).
  12. Install the new idler pulley on the water pump. Tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb-ft).
  13. Install the new tensioner pulley (do not fully tighten the bolt yet).
  14. Fit the new timing belt in this order: crankshaft pulley → idler pulley (on the water pump) → exhaust camshaft gear → intake camshaft gear → tensioner pulley. The belt must be kept taut on the drive side (from the crankshaft to the camshafts).
  15. Make sure all the marks line up. Turn the tensioner with the hex key counterclockwise until the tension indicator lines up with the mark on the pulley housing. Tighten the tensioner bolt to 25-30 N·m (18-22 lb-ft). Remove the locking pin from the tensioner.
  16. Remove the camshaft and crankshaft locking tools. Turn the crankshaft by hand two full turns clockwise. Return it to TDC of cylinder 1 and reinstall the locking tools to check the marks. If the marks do not line up, repeat the tensioning procedure.
  17. After checking the marks, remove the locking tools, install the timing covers, and install the crankshaft pulley (pulley bolt torque 40 N·m (30 lb-ft) plus a further 90 degrees).
  18. Install the accessory drive belt and refill the coolant (50/50 mix of concentrate and distilled water, total system capacity about 6 L (6.3 qt)). Bleed the air from the cooling system.
  19. Connect the battery, start the engine and check for unusual noises and leaks. Warm the engine up to operating temperature, shut it off, and check the coolant level after it has cooled down.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Never turn the crankshaft or the camshafts while the timing belt is removed. The valves will hit the pistons and cause serious engine damage. Always use a torque wrench and tighten bolts to the specified torque. Without the special 303-series locking tools (original Ford), this job is extremely difficult, so it is recommended to go to a specialized repair shop. If you are not replacing the water pump now, keep in mind that if it fails later you will have to repeat the whole procedure of removing the belt, so it makes economic sense to replace the pump together with the belt.
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