The challenge of a timing belt running in oil

Unlike a conventional dry timing-belt system, the Ford EcoBlue belt operates inside the engine and is continuously exposed to engine oil. This design places greater importance on the condition and specification of the oil used in the engine.

• The engine must be operated with the correct oil specification.
• Fuel dilution can reduce the protective properties of the oil and affect the belt material.
• Belt deterioration may not be visible without opening the timing system.
• Material separation or missing teeth can result in serious timing errors and engine damage.

Special tools required for the repair

A correct repair requires tools for locking, positioning, holding and removing the relevant engine components. Depending on the exact vehicle and engine version, the required equipment normally includes:

• A flywheel locking tool installed in place of the starter motor.
• Crankshaft and camshaft locking tools for accurate engine positioning.
• Positioning pins and fixing bolts for the applicable engine version.
• A crankshaft counter-holding tool for controlled loosening and tightening.
• Tapered timing-belt installation sleeves, such as Ford 303-1650.
• A front-cover separation tool to protect the sealing surfaces.
• The correct crankshaft pulley puller for the production version of the engine.

For operations involving high tightening torque, a suitable 3/4" drive torque wrench and counter-holding equipment are recommended. The crankshaft bolt procedure can include values as high as 300 Nm followed by angle tightening.

Three crankshaft pulley puller versions

The crankshaft pulley design was revised several times during the production period of the Ford 2.0 EcoBlue engine. As a result, there are three different puller versions.

Timing-tool kit and component overview

The following images show the timing-tool kit and its individual components. The tools are intended for accurate locking and positioning of the Ford 2.0 EcoBlue engine during timing-belt replacement.

Workshop procedure in overview

The exact procedure varies according to the vehicle and engine code, but the repair generally follows the sequence below.

1. Lock the flywheel Remove the starter motor and install the flywheel locking tool in its place. This prevents the crankshaft from rotating during pulley removal and tightening.
2. Remove the crankshaft pulley Use the correct pulley puller for the production version of the engine. Do not attempt to adapt an earlier puller to a later pulley design.
3. Remove the front cover Use a suitable separation tool to release the bonded cover without damaging the mating surfaces. Remove old sealant carefully and prepare the surfaces for resealing.
4. Position the engine at top dead centre Rotate the engine to the specified timing position and check the crankshaft and intermediate-shaft reference marks.
5. Lock the crankshaft and camshafts Install the specified locking pins and positioning tools. The tools must enter without being forced.
6. Replace the timing belt Remove the old belt and inspect it for missing teeth, swelling, cracks or material separation. Tapered installation sleeves such as Ford 303-1650 help guide the new belt into position without damaging its edges.
7. Apply the specified belt tension Set the tensioner in accordance with the manufacturer procedure and tighten it to the specified torque.
8. Rotate the engine and recheck the timing Rotate the engine manually through the required number of complete revolutions. Depending on the reference points, up to six rotations may be required before the marks align again.
9. Confirm the timing before final assembly Reinstall the locking tools to confirm that the crankshaft and camshafts remain in the correct position.

Tool application

Correct installation of the locking tools is essential. The tools should locate accurately without being hammered, bent or used to counter excessive tightening force unless they are specifically designed for that purpose.

Practical workshop checks

• Check the oil condition and confirm that the correct oil specification has been used.
• Investigate the cause if fuel dilution is suspected.
• Inspect the removed belt for cracks, swelling, missing teeth and delamination.
• Clean the oil pickup and inspect the lubrication system if belt material is found in the engine.
• Replace associated tensioners, rollers and one-time-use fasteners where specified.
• Do not use the timing locking pins as counter-holding tools for high-torque fasteners.
• Check the engine timing at least twice before sealing and reinstalling the front cover.
• Use the correct crankshaft pulley puller for the exact engine production version.
• Apply the specified sealant correctly and observe its curing requirements.
• After the repair, use the prescribed engine oil and service interval.

Summary

Timing-belt replacement on the Ford 2.0 EcoBlue is a precision repair. The wet-belt design requires careful inspection of the engine oil and belt condition, while the revised crankshaft pulley designs make correct tool selection particularly important.

Using the correct locking tools, installation sleeves and crankshaft pulley puller helps prevent component damage, reduces unnecessary workshop delays and allows the engine timing to be checked accurately before final assembly.