Timing and cam sync

[Clevy]

To time a just assembled engine do I just put the cam timing mark down and put the #1 piston at the top of the stroke that makes compression? Without the timing chain on is there an exhaust stroke and compression stroke? Also I need to know how to put the cam synchronizer back in with no reference of how it came out. Thanks for any responses.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

1997 4.0l OHV Ranger?
Rangers had two different 4.0l engines is why I ask, 2001 and up used a different 4.0l SOHC engine

There is a mark on the cam gear and crank gear, they face each other for correct time, seen here: https://f01.justanswer.com/ref/http_repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/repair_guide_content/en_us/images/0996b43f%2F80%2F21%2F18%2F5f%2Fsmall%2F0996b43f8021185f.jpg

So Crank gear mark at 12:00
Cam gear mark at 6:00

You know I have never checked this on a Ford V6, the cam sensor(distributor) alignment with gears at 6:00 and 12:00
On chevy's after you set this you need to turning the crank a full turn so both marks are at 12:00, then you can set distributor for #1 TDC power stroke, I think the Ford V8s were like that as well

So after gears are aligned and chain is on turn crank clock wise with finger in #1 spark plug hole, when finger starts to get pushed out, compression stroke, keep turn crank until its at 12:00 again
That's TDC #1 you want for cam sensor installation

Also let me know where cam gears mark is pointed, 6:00 or 12:00, has to be one or the other

 

[Clevy]

Thanks. For the cam syn in the Haynes manual its says to put it in facing 60° off centerline of engine and it also says to pay attention to where the electrical connection is pointing on disassembly. Not sure what this means especially since this is a total rebuild. Haven't tried to put it in yet and it's at a friend's so it might make more sense when I actually go to put it in.

 

[Clevy]

The cam points to 12:00.

 

[RonD]

Cam mark can be either 6:00 or 12:00 doesn't matter, it will be a 6:00 or 12:00 if you rotate the crank one full turn

Crank at 12:00 and Cam at 6:00 is just easier to line up, but #1 TDC compression stroke IS crank at 12 and cam at 12, just FYI