2. The camshaft cannot be removed until the engine is removed. If the camshaft (or balance shaft) needs to be replaced, the engine must be removed first (section 4).
3. After removing the engine from the car and installing it on the stand, remove the camshaft drive chain and sprockets section 12 or chapter 2 Part B depending on what engine you have).
4. Remove and stack the valve lifters in order (chapter 2A or 2B).
5. On late model 3.8L four cylinder engines and all 3.0LV6 engines - install a dial indicator on the engines and check the camshaft end runout (see illustration). Compare to the specification value. If the value is greater, a new thrust plate must be installed. Early model 3.8L engines have thrust springs so they do not require adjustment.
6. Loosen the bolts securing the thrust plate to the camshaft and/or balance shaft and remove the plate from the engine block.
7. To remove the camshaft, screw a long bolt into its end, which you will use as a handle (see the picture). The thread there is metric - use a bolt with the appropriate diameter and thread pitch.
8. To remove the balance shaft (3.8LV6 engines only), remove the threaded bar and carefully guide the shaft as it is removed from the block.
9. After the camshaft (or balance shaft) has been removed from the engine, clean it with solvent and carefully inspect the bearing journals for wear, pitting, and signs of seizure. If the journals are damaged, then most likely the bearing seats in the block are also damaged.
10. If their condition is satisfactory, measure the bearing journals with a micrometer (see figure) to determine their size and possible deviation from roundness. The inner diameter of the bearing can be determined using a telescopic sensor in combination with a micrometer. To find the oil clearance value of each bearing, compare the obtained numerical values of the shaft journal diameter and the inner diameter of the bearing. Compare the obtained clearance value with the value specified in the specification. If this value is too large for at least one of the bearings, then the bearings should be replaced with new ones.
11. Check the camshaft lobes for tarnish, nicks, chipped areas, pitting and severe wear. If the lobes are in good condition and the lift measurements match the specifications, the camshaft can be reinstalled (assuming the bearing journals are also in good condition).
12. The camshaft cam lift can be checked without removing the camshaft from the engine (chapters 2A or 2B) or after it has been removed. The following procedure will accurately indicate the amount of cam wear after the camshaft has been removed and can be used to verify cam lift measurements taken with the camshaft in place. Measure the maximum (A) and minimum (B) diameters of each cam with a caliper or micrometer and record the results (see illustration). The difference is the cam lift. If the lift of any one cam is less than the specification, replace the entire camshaft.
13. Replacing the camshaft and/or balance shaft requires a special tool.
14. Lubricate the camshaft lobes and journals and/or balance shaft journals with moth-based grease or engine oil (see illustration).
15. Lower the camshaft or balance shaft into the engine. Be careful not to scratch the bearings.
16. Apply moly grease to the back of the thrust plate then install it on the block and tighten the mounting bolts to the required torque value.
17. Install the camshaft drive chain, sprockets, chain tensioner, front cover, oil seal and crankshaft pulley (see if necessary) chapter 2B or section 12).
18. Install the oil pan (chapter 2A or 2B).
19. Lubricate the valve lifters with clean engine oil and install them into the block.
20. On four-cylinder engines, install the cylinder head (chapter 2A).
21. The subsequent installation stages are carried out in the reverse order of disassembly.
22. Before starting the engine, add the correct amount of oil of the appropriate grade, coolant and install a new oil filter (chapter 1).
[The original text is provided on an online resource: FordBook]