4.0L SOHC Front Left Timing Cassette

[toy720]

Hey all,

I am changing my front timimng cassette due to the guide has broke. I do have the tools to hold the crank and cams my question is that since i am only changing the front left cassette can I just bring to TDC and lock down that cam and the crank and do my fix or do I need to remove the passenger valve cover and out a cam holding tool on that side as well? I will do it if I have to but dont really want to if its not needed.

Thanks

 

[2000StreetRod]

timing kit limitation

The timing tool kit only has enough pieces to time one camshaft at a time. The crankshaft holder is applied when the front cover and balancer is installed. The front cover must be removed in order to remove the left guide assembly lower mounting bolt. See this thread for more information: SOHC V6 Timing Chain Inspection & Repair

 

[toy720]

Cool thanks for that Info. I have the front cover off now and about ready to get the cassette out but I am confused dont I need to put the cam holder on to remove this? Also how bad is it to leave the balance shaft guide like it is it was bad as well The plastic tensioner thing is gone but the metal part still there can I get away with leaving this? I did read where some were able to put the tensioner back on the old base I am willing to try that if there is some info on it.

Thanks

 

[2000StreetRod]

balance shaft guide & tensioner

You should be able to replace the balance shaft guide without removing the block cradle (upper oil pan). If the balance shaft tensioner has failed and you don't replace it the chain will rattle. I have not seen any posts on how to separate the spring part from the base and install a new one. The block cradle must be removed to replace the whole assembly because the mounting bolts are vertical. I don't have a balance shaft because my vehicle is 2WD. Inspect the new one to see how it might separate. If you figure it out post some photos and instructions. In the photo below it looks like the guide and tensioner have been replaced but not the base. The plastic tensioner may just slide off/on the pivot post. Some members have just cut the balance shaft chain and removed it.

If you loosen the jackshaft front sprocket retaining bolt then the right and left camshafts should be retimed after the left cassette is installed. The compressed valves on the right bank can move the camshaft relative to the crankshaft when either the jackshaft front or rear sprocket retaining bolt is loosened.

 

[toy720]

I like the Idea of cutting the balance shaft chain but I know its there for a reason what are the worries if I decide to go that route? Also I did have to remove the jackshaft bolt but I kept the cam holding tool in place on the left side while busting the jackshaft bolt loose with an impact So I guess what I am trying to figure out is since I keep the cam tool on the left cam then the right should have not moved ? Am I assuming to much here for the right side not to move if I had the left locked down. I would like to cut the balance shaft chain if it will not cause any damage or vibration issues Also what drives the oil pump in the rig? I would think the balance shaft would have something to do with that? Sorry to ramble I am really not wanting to pull the pan but will if needed.. As far as the timing goes I guess I am still trying to wrap my mind around it. If you time each side seperatley it would seem to me that you caould never get an accurate timing unless you get TDC then make sure jackshaft bolt is tight then use tool and align cam with the cam bolt loose then tighten and repeat for the other side does that sound right.

 

[toy720]

I think I understand the timin instructions from the link above tell me if I am undestanding this correctly. I need to do all my work change guides tensioners etc. Of course trying to keep things from moving and still keeping TDC. Ok then install front cover back and harmonic balancer and then use the crank holding tool to bring to TDC for sure? THen follow the prodedure for the right head and procedure for left then I should be timed am I reading that correctly?

Thanks
Brad

 

[2000StreetRod]

timing the camshafts

I like the Idea of cutting the balance shaft chain but I know its there for a reason what are the worries if I decide to go that route?

The sole function of the balance shaft is to reduce engine vibrations. The concept was popular on European four cylinder engines that exceeded two liters displacement. Some engines even had two balance shafts. Many members have replaced their balance shaft engines with 2WD engines and not noticed a difference. I think Ford believes that the vibrations occur when in 4WD at mid-range engine speeds. There is an ongoing controversy among some forum members about if it is needed or not.

Also I did have to remove the jackshaft bolt but I kept the cam holding tool in place on the left side while busting the jackshaft bolt loose with an impact So I guess what I am trying to figure out is since I keep the cam tool on the left cam then the right should have not moved ? Am I assuming to much here for the right side not to move if I had the left locked down.

Holding the left camshaft from rotating does not prevent the right camshaft from rotating. Because of valve spring pressure it has a tendency to rotate about 15 degrees when the crankshaft is at TDC. You need to retime the right camshaft.

. . . Also what drives the oil pump in the rig?

There is a spiral gear on the rear of the jackshaft that engages with a small spiral gear attached to an intermediate shaft that engages the oil pump.

If you time each side seperatley it would seem to me that you caould never get an accurate timing unless you get TDC then make sure jackshaft bolt is tight then use tool and align cam with the cam bolt loose then tighten and repeat for the other side does that sound right.

The jackshaft sprocket bolts are tightened, the front cover is installed, the harmonic balancer is installed, then the tools are installed. The crankshaft holder keeps the crankshaft at TDC. The tools are installed on the right camshaft and the camshaft sprocket retaining bolt is tightened. The tools are removed from the right camshaft and installed on the left camshaft. The left camshaft sprocket retaining bolt is tightened. Read the timing instructions: SOHC V6 Camshaft Timing