Cam sync issue

[Dennis F]

So I had this chirp noise and I took it to my mechanic. I ordered up the part from Rock Auto. I drove the truck there and had him put it in.

2 weeks later and he can't get it to run for some reason. I have the explorer flatbedded home. I take out the sync and set the motor to TDC and try to re-install the sync. Keep in mind the tool is broken so I winged it and just used my trusty eyeball to get the position right using a Chilton manual for a reference.

Good news is it starts and runs pretty good actually. Bad news is I have a cam sensor error and a misfire or ignition system error. I was originally getting lean codes bank 1 and 2, but those have not come back

I ordered a new tool but I still don't have it after almost 2 weeks. Car runs great otherwise. I did drive it about 100 miles last week to work and back and it was just as good as always and starts right up.

Is it safe to drive or should I just wait? Suck part is that it is the wife's truck and we are borrowing my fathers mounty in the meantime.

 

[Cobraguy]

If it's missing, I wouldn't drive it. Especially until I knew exactly why.

 

[Dennis F]

If it's missing, I wouldn't drive it. Especially until I knew exactly why.

If what is missing? I ama little confused by your response.

The cam sync is installed, just to my guess it is in-correct. I ordered a new alignment tool and I am just waiting for it.

My mechanic broke the one that came with the kit and was rendered useless.

So now I am left with a question is it safe to drive or not with the codes? I do not remember the number off the top of my head, but I can get them.

 

[Cobraguy]

...snip...Bad news is I have a cam sensor error and a misfire or ignition system error...snip...

You say your engine is missing (misfire). I wouldn't drive it until I knew exactly what was going on.

 

[96eb96]

If what is missing? I ama little confused by your response.

The cam sync is installed, just to my guess it is in-correct. I ordered a new alignment tool and I am just waiting for it.

My mechanic broke the one that came with the kit and was rendered useless.

So now I am left with a question is it safe to drive or not with the codes? I do not remember the number off the top of my head, but I can get them.

The dorman aftermarket units are garbage though, I don't know if thats the problem but they also have to be aligned very precisely.

 

[Dennis F]

You say your engine is missing (misfire). I wouldn't drive it until I knew exactly what was going on.

I said there was a misfire code, there is no misfire. Engine runs smooth and power is the same.

The dorman aftermarket units are garbage though, I don't know if thats the problem but they also have to be aligned very precisely.

That is why I am waitingfor the tool.

 

[acizzle423]

Was also interested in a answer for this question? I just got mines changed and am getting the same Code, Cam Sensor Misfire. I was told that it wouldn't affect anything, however seeing you had the same issue am I assured if I can't get the problem fixed for a few days I'll be safe? I just got the camshaft changed and experienced the error.

 

[CDW6212R]

The NAPA whole unit comes with the tool. Buy that if you still need the tool(take it back when done).

The synchronizer needs to be set precisely. It's like setting the timing of a distributor, it needs an accuracy of about zero degrees. If it needs to be at TDC(tool), how many degrees is it off, by eyeballing it?

The balancer is not always perfect, they can spin within themselves and be far off from TDC. They have a ring attached by rubber, which can let go given enough time and wear. Have it timed right and inspect the balancer thoroughly around the center rubber ring. Look for signs of movement.

If you question whether it is the balancer, use a piston stop and find the true TDC. Then see where the balancer zero mark is. The synchronizer needs to be set with the crank at TDC. I'm about to check and mark my new balancer on my new engine, before setting the synchronizer last. Regards,

 

[acizzle423]

Thanks, however when it comes to anything other than minor vehicle issues I am not very experienced. Should I go get this fixed ASAP? The guy who put it in didn't use a tool, although he said he should have been aligned when he installed it. I got the part direct from Ford and there was no tool included.

 

[RangerTampa]

Don said,

"The synchronizer needs to be set precisely. It's like setting the timing of a distributor, it needs an accuracy of about zero degrees. "

I think I disagree with that. I'm under the impression, especially after replacing mine without the tool, that the camshaft position synchronizer doesn't need to be set that precisely. When you start the engine for the first time the computer will very quickly recalibrate the reading from the CPS. As I recall reading somewhere, the CPS is only used for the timing of the fuel injectors. I'm not saying the CPS can just be dropped into the block, but I think the room for error is more like 15 to 20 degrees rather than zero degrees.

When I replaced mine, I marked the position of the housing of the old one with a Sharpie, and I noted the position of the rotor. But of course the mark was wiped away when I dropped in the new one, so I just eye-balled it using a photo I took of the old one. Truck ran a little rough for less than a minute then ran smooth just like it did before (the CPS wasn't damaged, I changed it as a preventative measure).

 

[Cobraguy]

That's a good point, however, the only problem with that theory RangerTampa is Ford has gone to extensive lengths to ensure the CPS is properly aligned...including issuing a new tool. Even the aftermarket supplies this tool...and believe me...if they could save a nickel, they certainly would. I am more apt to believe your injector timing is off rather than the ECM compensating for it. After all, batch fire injectors also run very smoothly...but aren't near as precise as sequential fire injectors. So you may never know you aren't correctly timed. You just won't be receiving the benefits of sequential injection.

 

[CDW6212R]

Does anyone know of Al here with his 30mpg truck? I believe a great part of his good results come from an unusual timing accuracy, the accuracy of the camshafts versus the crank. He can alter the timing with the PCM, but the camshaft is mechanically locked and set by special TDC tools. His is as built by Ford and likely better than others. I'd love to do a true TDC measurement on his truck, with the timing tools, and a piston stop tool to find TDC first.

The timing is critical to best fuel mileage and power. You cannot feel the difference between a slight change in timing, but timed at a track it would show. Long term gas mileage records would show it also. Blah blah, etc.

If you really want it to give the best fuel mileage, you will do your best to get the sensor as close to perfect as possible. The cam was designed to work best at TDC, the same goes for the crank and cam sensors. I'm being picky with my 347 engine because of how much money I have invested in it, plus I plan to keep it for a long time. Gas is not cheap.

 

[RangerTampa]

I understand what Don and Cobraguy are saying, but I'm not convinced.
My fuel mileage is still the same after changing the CPS several months ago. My Motorcraft replacement CPS did NOT come with the alignment tool. And if the timing of the CPS was so critical, why isn't there a procedure for setting the timing after replacing it? Is there a way to set the timing?

Can anyone tell me exactly what is the function of the CPS?

 

[CDW6212R]

Well the balancer is supposed to be accurate, you set the synchronizer with the timing pointer at TDC. Doing that and having marked the position of the synchronizer and sensor, you can get it close. There's an arguably 1 out of say 20 chance you have it dead on. Go back and do that 20 more times, and I'll bet you miss it 19 times.

As mentioned before the balancer can be inaccurate, yours likely isn't off. I mentioned it only because other people may do the cam sensor, set it up properly and still have issues. Those are the people I'm suggesting that checking the balancer for accuracy might help.

I think that the crank sensor and the cam sensor are just as important, both need to be set right. If you got lucky without using the proper tool, great. Wonderful for you, but do not suggest that you have found magic, that no one ever needs to use the proper tool ever again. Stop suggesting that, it is wrong.

 

[DavidJay]

OK I am getting the same code / issue...First off what is TDC and secondly I bought a new Camshaft Synchronizer from the dealership and the cam sensor from the parts store...Truck seems to run good although I do feel like some of the power is gone...How am I supposed to synchronize this to work properly???

I am in need of an inspection sticker and cant get one until I can resolve this issue so all comments and sudgestions are greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!

 

[brickwall]

TDC is top dead centre referring to the location of number 1 piston on its rotation. You want number 1 to be at the beginning of its intake stroke

 

[CDW6212R]

Hello David. Pull the #1 spark plug, turn the engine by hand(13/16" socket) until you feel the air push your finger out. Then you are near TDC, find the timing marks on the balancer and the crank sensor bracket(about 10 O'clock next to the balancer). Turn the crank carefully to make the TDC zero line match the bracket pointer. When you get that done, then you are ready to set the cam synchronizer. Use the tool to align the synchronizer body with the internal shaft. Tighten the 1/2" bolt and it's done.

 

[my98nnj]

TDC is top dead centre referring to the location of number 1 piston on its rotation. You want number 1 to be at the beginning of its intake stroke

^^^ Thats not correct. ^^^


TDC is #1 at the top of it's compression stroke.

 

[DavidJay]

OK I took the truck to the stealership to have them do this and install the fuel filter...cost me $200 and when I got the truck back the check engine light came back on throwing the same code???

Just got rear ended right after that so now the truck is getting the new tailgate and bumper replaced and I will have to deal with this again this week when I get the truck back...Thanks for the help!!!

 

[spacegrinder]

Hey what do you do if the harmonic balancer is screwed up.The pointer does not jive with top dead center,and i can't get it aligned right.Should i buy a new balancer or get one used.?Is it fixable the way it is?