Camshaft Synchronizer ?

ErnieX · 03-20-2010, 11:21 AM

96 4L OHV - I'm replacing my CMP to get rid of the squeal. Set engine at TDC and removed the sensor from the drive unit and installed the synchronizer tool on the existing CMP to check the alignment before removing the old CMP. The alignment tool is pointing in the right direction and is rotated approximately 30 degrees clockwise from the engine centerline. My Haynes manual says to install the new drive unit with the alignment tool pointing 60 degrees clockwise from the engine centerline.

My question is do I reintall it as it came out or do I rotate the new one to match what the manual says? Truck was running fine with no codes. CMP has not previously been removed or adjusted.

Don't want to put it all back together and it not be right. What do ya'll think?

Thanks

**Turdle** · 03-20-2010, 12:18 PM

From what I understand it is sort of like an old school distributor. It doesn't matter how the distributor is rotated as long as the #1 ( and all other wires) are located in the correct position relative to the rotor under the cap.

So, if the tool fits with #1 at TDC when you removed it, then installing a new one with the tool on will work, provided the engine has been locked in the same position, and not rotated while the drive unit is removed.
I really do not think it matters which way the connector faces. If it bugs you just move the whole unit back a tooth and check again.

ErnieX · 03-20-2010, 01:29 PM

Thanks for the reply - That's pretty much what I thought. Think I'll put the new one in the way the old one comes out - it was running fine the way it was except for the squeal.

I'll post back when completed to verify.

Thanks

ErnieX · 03-23-2010, 01:10 PM

Just posting to close out this thread. When I went to install the CMP, it was tough to get it seated all the way down. Had to tap it a little bit to get it down. Anyway, once it seated it was rotated 60* clockwise from the centerline as shown in the manual. Fired right up and ran fine - apparently, as Turdle said, it doesn't matter as long as the tool aligns properly at TDC.

Thanks for the help.

Triple5s · 04-03-2013, 05:50 PM

I am trying to replace the synchronizer on my 96 5.0 after getting obd code p0340. thought it was the sensor at first but after removing the sensor I found that not only was the sensor completely shredded but the "half moon" piece on the synchronizer was also completely ripped off so I am not able to tell what position it is in. I'm aware of the whole TDC thing and have the new synchronizer and tool to install it correctly but want to know if anybody has photos of what the synchronizer looks like when installed, with the tool off, on a 96 5.0 explorer and any other helpful tips will be appreciated too.

03-20-2010, 12:18 PM	#2
Turdle Old and in the way Humboldt, Kansas 2000 Mounty Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 23,740 Vehicle Specs	From what I understand it is sort of like an old school distributor. It doesn't matter how the distributor is rotated as long as the #1 ( and all other wires) are located in the correct position relative to the rotor under the cap. So, if the tool fits with #1 at TDC when you removed it, then installing a new one with the tool on will work, provided the engine has been locked in the same position, and not rotated while the drive unit is removed. I really do not think it matters which way the connector faces. If it bugs you just move the whole unit back a tooth and check again. __________________ Jon 2000 Mountaineer Turdle-gone Vitamin D Wagon Sold also

04-03-2013, 05:50 PM	#5
Triple5s Wannabe Elite Explorer Tacoma, WA. 1996 Ford Explorer V8 XLT Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 8 Vehicle Specs	5.0 camshaft synchronizer position installed I am trying to replace the synchronizer on my 96 5.0 after getting obd code p0340. thought it was the sensor at first but after removing the sensor I found that not only was the sensor completely shredded but the "half moon" piece on the synchronizer was also completely ripped off so I am not able to tell what position it is in. I'm aware of the whole TDC thing and have the new synchronizer and tool to install it correctly but want to know if anybody has photos of what the synchronizer looks like when installed, with the tool off, on a 96 5.0 explorer and any other helpful tips will be appreciated too.

03-20-2010, 11:21 AM	#1
ErnieX Wannabe Elite Explorer Melrose, FL 96 XLT Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 67 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Camshaft Synchronizer ? 96 4L OHV - I'm replacing my CMP to get rid of the squeal. Set engine at TDC and removed the sensor from the drive unit and installed the synchronizer tool on the existing CMP to check the alignment before removing the old CMP. The alignment tool is pointing in the right direction and is rotated approximately 30 degrees clockwise from the engine centerline. My Haynes manual says to install the new drive unit with the alignment tool pointing 60 degrees clockwise from the engine centerline. My question is do I reintall it as it came out or do I rotate the new one to match what the manual says? Truck was running fine with no codes. CMP has not previously been removed or adjusted. Don't want to put it all back together and it not be right. What do ya'll think? Thanks

03-20-2010, 01:29 PM	#3
ErnieX Wannabe Elite Explorer Melrose, FL 96 XLT Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 67 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks for the reply - That's pretty much what I thought. Think I'll put the new one in the way the old one comes out - it was running fine the way it was except for the squeal. I'll post back when completed to verify. Thanks

03-23-2010, 01:10 PM	#4
ErnieX Wannabe Elite Explorer Melrose, FL 96 XLT Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 67 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Just posting to close out this thread. When I went to install the CMP, it was tough to get it seated all the way down. Had to tap it a little bit to get it down. Anyway, once it seated it was rotated 60* clockwise from the centerline as shown in the manual. Fired right up and ran fine - apparently, as Turdle said, it doesn't matter as long as the tool aligns properly at TDC. Thanks for the help.