99 Mountaineer Cam Synchronizer P1309 code

[kdspapa]

I recently replaced the cam synchronizer in my 99 Mountaineer 5.0L and I used the alignment tool but set the synchronizer at the same position it was in originally which was situated in the 5:30 or 5:45 degree position instead of the 6 o'clock (engine centerline) position. The truck runs good but I get a P1309 misfire code and, except for poor gas mileage and some lack of power at the top end and some pinging, one would think I installed the cam synchronizer correctly. When I experimented with the cam synchronizer position at the next tooth of the gear, it was positioned at about 6:30 or 6:45, again instead of centerline. As I stated the truck runs good but I wonder if I should have set the synchronizer to the 6:30 position and what that would do to the performance of my Mountaineer and would it hurt the engine to try it? Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this. Could use some help. Thanks!

[Turdle]

Originally Posted by kdspapa

I recently replaced the cam synchronizer in my 99 Mountaineer 5.0L and I used the alignment tool but set the synchronizer at the same position it was in originally which was situated in the 5:30 or 5:45 degree position instead of the 6 o'clock (engine centerline) position. The truck runs good but I get a P1309 misfire code and, except for poor gas mileage and some lack of power at the top end and some pinging, one would think I installed the cam synchronizer correctly. When I experimented with the cam synchronizer position at the next tooth of the gear, it was positioned at about 6:30 or 6:45, again instead of centerline. As I stated the truck runs good but I wonder if I should have set the synchronizer to the 6:30 position and what that would do to the performance of my Mountaineer and would it hurt the engine to try it? Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this. Could use some help. Thanks!

The direction the connector points is of no concern on it's own. However the relationship between the body, inner shaft and cam shaft are what need to be "synched" with the tool.

if the inner shaft was 180 away when you removed it, then you placed the tool on the sensor and dropped it in, the sensor is not "synched". It is important to understand this

I'm not trying to be rude, this is a common mistake made by not assuring the #1 cylinder is at top dead center of the compression stroke

[kdspapa]

Thanks Turdle for your comment!

First, I would like to say that I have read so many posts trying to solve this problem that my eyes are starting to cross!

I guess I should have stated that I did have #1 piston at TDC. However, I didn't look through the timing chain cover access holes, as I read I could do, to line up the timing marks. I brought the #1 piston up on the compression stroke while feeling for the air pressure blowing out and brought the TDC mark on the balancer up to the pointer. As I said, I still aligned the synchronizer to point where the synchronizer's electrical connector position was when I uninstalled it at the 5:30 position. If it was incorrect in the first place I don't know but you say that doesn't matter. My Chilton manual made a point about the whole unit being parallel to the centerline of the engine so, I was concerned about setting it at the 5:30 position. I feel relieved now after you wrote that the position of the synchronizer wasn't important as long as the sensor is lined up, and since I used the alignment tool from Autozone, I believe I did it right. As I stated, the truck runs good except for the P1309 code and pinging at the top end while heavy excellerating!

What are my options? Redo the synchronizer installation this time looking at all the timing marks under the timing chain cover to be sure it is truely at TDC? Has anyone used a piston stop on an Explorer/Mountaineer? Can I mark the balancer and put a timing light on it? What would you suggest?

What part does the crankshaft position sensor play in all of this? I purchased a new Motorcraft (as with all my parts so far) sensor but am concerned about whether or not I need to align it or just bolt it on. The small round bolt holes make me think it just bolts on with no adjustment needed. Autozone website mentions an alignment procedure for something to do with the crankshaft sensor. In the meantime, I purchased and am waiting for the two Ford/Mercury service manuals for my truck that I purchased on eBay.

Again, Thank you for responding as, while I am a novice to intermediate mechanic, I try hard to do a good job and research is part of that. To date I've replaced the spark plugs, changed out two front wheel studs, replaced the rear pinion seal, replaced the cam synchronizer and sensor, replaced the dpfe sensor (DTC Code), flushed the transmission and rear differential, did a compression check, replaced the radiator, spray cleaned the MAF sensor, replaced the shocks, replaced instrument cluster bulbs, still looking for a vacuum leak, generally cleaned up my Mounty and, oh yeah, changed the oil and air filter. I also had a new timing gear/chain set and oil pan gasket installed. I am disabled and it has taken me some time to do all this but I enjoy saving money by working on my own vehicle. These forums have been a huge help! All these sensors are mind boggling though!