Age old timming help

[Waynoco81]

Hi everyone. Thanks in advance. I've read a lot of threads on this after I made what seems to be common ignorance. I'm changing primary guide,tensioner. Left cassette. Engine in vehicle. It's a 4.0 sohc 2004 explorer. I tore the front of the engine apart hoping to only change primary. Then I saw the rest from left cam. So it changed. I assumed I wouldn't need all these special tools. Please forgive me. I have ordered otc6488 now. The vehicle ran....ok. lacked power but I chalked that up to other sensors etc. So. I know the timming is off now. No doubt as I thought if there is slack in chains and I just put everything back same. I'll be just fine. Then I understood what you all have said as everything moved slightly and left cam jumped a couple links. You guys are smart I'm not. I'm a fool for not listening. You rule. I'm worthless. Lol. Please help. I have not removed anything besides broken guides and tensioners.

 

[Waynoco81]

I guess is where do I go next. I have knowledge and can understand, been busting my knuckles for years. I.e. will otc tool help me getting to tdc without balancer? I will pull plugs and turn slowly. I dont intend on pulling heads. Or relieving valves. It ran ok and just jumped a couple links.

 

[drdoom]

Maybe you can do a leak down test to assure the viability of your intentions. My engine survived jumping one tooth during startup, when the guides broke on the left bank.
Two teeth I would be more worried of valve damage.
Leak down test would shed some light on your own situation.

 

[wilpetty]

Yep, just did the timing job myself. The tool that goes on the balancer will make sure you are either at TDC or 180* out. The driver side cam has some sort of tab that indicates you are tic, because it will be pointed up. You will need to search on the forum for the write up with pics to fully understand what to do...There is also a 3 part video on youtube that really helps...Ive never done a job like this, and with videos and write ups on here I was able to successfully do the job...

 

[wilpetty]

The otc tool that gets you to TDC goes on the balancer though...you will also need to remove valve runners to reposition the cam in the correct spot, and that takes another tool ($20)...its called a valve spring compression tool I think...

 

[Waynoco81]

Thanks guys. I appreciate you. I'm getting the valve spring tool. Any advice on knowing whether I'm at TDC or 180° out if I cant be sure both valves are closed?

 

[wilpetty]

there is a tab right by or on driver side cam and it points up if you are correct and down if you are 180 out... Lookup the write up on the job on the forum and you will understand in better detail.

 

[Waynoco81]

Will do thanks again. I have the crank tool in position now. The "tab" which I believe is the one for cam position is pointing towards intake parallel with head. And thanks I will look it up.