whats the easiest way to replace the cam position sensor synchronizer?

Hey guys im new into fords and I have a 98 explorer v8 and need to replace the synchronizer. I found online that if you mark the vain of the old one and line the new one up with the line I should be good. How true is this ? can someone help me please..thanks

There is a little tool that looks like a sensor, that fits into the synch drive. You bump the motor over until the tool fits in. Then you pull the synch drive out, then drop the new one in, with the tool already on it. There is an arrow that points forward, at least on the tool that I have. My synch drive came with it.

So as long I have the tool. I just pull the sensor off and put the sync tool on top and spin the crank til it falls in place ? How do I pull the shaft out ?

Do it right the first time

98expo said:

So as long I have the tool. I just pull the sensor off and put the sync tool on top and spin the crank til it falls in place ?

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No. The pins that hold the synchronizer assembly together could have sheared off resulting in the alignment of that assembly being off from the get go. On top of that the rotor on top of the synchronizer may have broken off as well making that method useless. This part is used for some important timing in the engine so its best to not skimp.

You need to bring cylinder 1 to TDC compression stroke. This is done by removing the spark plug and lining up the zero degree mark on the crankshaft balancer with the crankshaft angle sensor. If laying under the vehicle to turn the crankshaft with a breaker bar you can reach with your left hand and put a finger over the cylinder 1 spark plug hole to feel for compression. You will have to get up and down several times to check the position of the zero mark and get back down to move it a little. Then you can remove the coil packs and their bracket. Note it has two or three bolts attaching it to the throttle body that you'll need to take off in addition to those holding it onto the engine block. Remove the synchronizer hold down bolt then hose it down with PB Blaster and start tugging. Try to pull straight up on the synchronizer. Mine took so much force I wish I'd had a slide hammer (don't use a mallet to bang on it!). I'd wear gloves at that point or you'll lose some skin.

Then while installing the new synchronizer you use the alignment tool to keep the rotor in place. This will make sure that the rotor is where the PCM expects it to be when cylinder 1 is at TDC compression stroke. I bought the cheap Dorman part to get an alignment tool and used it to install a Cardone remanufactured part, and then returned the Dorman part.

Is there a tdc mark on the crank ? Can I just spin the crank til im at tdc and stick screw driver in the 1st cyl to make sure ?

Unfortunately no, the TDC mark will also line up on exhaust stroke as well. You'd have a 50/50, and if it were wrong you'd be 180 degrees out. It is also advisable to not get the dorman brand part. If you look around online they have a very common problem in the casting, causing them not to fit into the block. I had this happen, and got a Paypal refund. I was ale to sand the od of the casting to make it fit, but chose not to use it anyway, because the pins holding the 2 shafts together looked weak, and were barely long enough.

so what would be the best/easy thing for me to do since im new into fords?...also which brand do you guys recommened ?

Can I just mark where the old synchronizer BEFORE removing and put the new in the same way ?

can anyone help please? btw where is the no.1 cyl if looking from top? right below the altenator on the 5.0 motor?

98expo said:

so what would be the best/easy thing for me to do since im new into fords?...also which brand do you guys recommened ?

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Buy a subscription to Alldata or buy a service manual from ebay, both of which I have done. I recommend new Motorcraft or remanufactured Cardone parts. If you buy the cheap Dorman part for the alignment tool only get it locally and then return it when you are done with the tool. If buying Motorcraft I would buy from Rock Auto. If buying a Cardone I would get it in person so you can inspect it because reman. parts are not always great quality.

98expo said:

Can I just mark where the old synchronizer BEFORE removing and put the new in the same way ?

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No. Read post #4 above.

98expo said:

btw where is the no.1 cyl if looking from top? right below the altenator on the 5.0 motor?

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Cylinder one is the forward most cylinder on the passenger side of the engine block. But you shouldn't be doing this without some sort of manual.

ok thanks! so cyl 1 is on the passenger side closest to the radiator correct ?

I strongly suggest acquiring a service manual and proper alignment tool for this procedure.
Once you have one your questions will be answered. You cannot guess at this critical repair. An improperly timed cam sync drive will cause major internal damage.