2007 Eddie Bauer 4.6 Crank but no start, no DTCs, No synchro, etc.

[iharting]

Hi guys: My 2007 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6 cranks but it doesn't start.

- No DTCs in Ford IDS or OBD scanner.
- Only thing shows in IDS is NO SYNCHRO
- New Crank Position Sensor
- New Camshaft Position Sensors
- New Throttle Body
- New Sparkplugs
- New Fuel Filter
- Fuel pump gives 39 psi or more
- Both Timing Chains in position and good condition
- After many attempts to start, sometimes makes one big bang through the exhaust.

I'm going to remove the injectors to clean them and see; they are receiving its signals...

It seems ignition is out of timing but I'm overhelmed with it.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

 

[94Eddie]

I had an intermittent crank no start issue but you have already done the things that fixed my problem. They were the fuel filter and spark plug replacement. Have you checked the fuel pressure to see if it holds after the vehicle sits for a day or two? I have seen others here with a crank no start issue where the back flow valve in the fuel pump was going bad causing low fuel pressure at startup. Try cycling the ignition on and off 2-3 times before cranking the engine every time your start the vehicle. If the no start problem doesn't show up after doing this over time then this very well could be your problem. I don't think this is your issue but it might be worth investigating.

 

[Bazz270]

Maybe crankshaft sensor indicator ring broken or bent?

The same about VCT gear timing indicator plate or pivot mechanism.are the VCT's working propertly on both banks?

Inner VCT spring coil maybe bent or retaining pins broken or loose.

The harness are good for sure?

 

[iharting]

I removed both valve covers to check VCTs, cams and VCT solenoids. Since I had two new VCT solenoids I also replaced them. Didn't see anything wrong with cams, rockers, valve springs, timing chains, VCTs, etc.

I will check again the VCTs following Bazz270 suggestions.

 

[iharting]

Hi guys, finally found the problem:

The right side phaser is damaged because a genius reused the center bolt when the timing chain was replaced.

I was hoping it was only the damaged phaser but when I removed it, I found the camshaft also was damaged by the phaser pin.

Because of a reused center bolt, the phaser went loose and its pin carved the hole in the camshaft making it useless.

Now, apart from both new phasers I bought, I have to buy a new right side camshaft.

When the time chain was going to be serviced, I asked the shop if the phasers needed to be replaced, and they answered "no, everything's okay".

See pictures attached.

 

[Bazz270]

Wow

Shocking

And what about the rest of the camshaft related components?

 

[iharting]

Wow

Shocking

And what about the rest of the camshaft related components?

Followers, cam caps and valves seem to be okay, as the camshaft simply was not turning with the phaser.

 

[07EddyB]

So are you going back against the shop? Seems pretty clear they screwed that up. Why did you have new timing components installed to start with? Was there an issue or just preemptive?

 

[Bazz270]

The VCT gear looks old,for what reason they reused the bolt or touched the VCT?
They dont needs to be reassembled for chain replace.



You now will need the whole front timing cover to be reassembled to insure timing marks alignment set.

Check valves with boroscope to be sure about potential damage.

Camshaft should be replaced with fresh new cam followers and new bearing and bearing caps (Ford genuine came with new bearing caps/cam tower caps anyways) since they are machined together for perfect match.

Do not reuse old cam followers and tower caps with new camshaft.

Cam plungers might be replaced as an option.

Timing chain should be reassembled and inspected for damage since the broken VCT gear runout can easily stretch em

 

[iharting]

So are you going back against the shop? Seems pretty clear they screwed that up. Why did you have new timing components installed to start with? Was there an issue or just preemptive?

No, I'm a lawyer and they won't be able to pay for the damages and my fees, so I better keep going with my life, lol. Timing chain was replaced for maintenance.