Cam Synchronizer assembly

[fender559]

Hello, new to the forum. I have just acquired a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT 3L Flex Fuel Truck. I love it. It had 154,000 miles and have read stories on the Cam Synchronizer Chirp and wear. My truck does not chirp and runs dam good, but not having any history on the trucks repairs in the past what should I do? I have no check engine lights on. Should I do nothing( don't fix it if it's not broke) or be a little proactive?
Thank you
James

 

[pjtoledo]

I vote for proactive.
at the very least remove the cap and squirt some oil on the bushing. a few drops will do.
more involved would be to remove the sync unit and inspect the drive gear.
if you do the work it's just time. I'll admit it can be a pain to access.

 

[fender559]

Thanks, do you prefer the TDC method or simply mark the tab method?
James

 

[pjtoledo]

in vehicle I turn the crank to line up the tab in the window before removal.
on a stand had to start from TDC & cam phase.

on a 3.0 you can put a long probe/stick/screwdriver in the spark plug hole and feel the piston at TDC. but that doesn't tell you the cam phase.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Ideally you want it at TDC and use an alignment tool when you set the new one. If it hasn’t been spun then arguably you could bar the engine over until the tab lines up for the alignment tool to fit on the old one and just swap it then. I bought Duralast Gold synchros for both my 5.0 and a buddy’s 4.0 and they came with the alignment tool. Went with those for convenience and warranty even though there were cheaper options. I keep stuff long enough that I often end up using the warranty.

 

[cbxer55]

Well, my 98 has 207,000 miles and I haven't messed with the cam sync yet. Hasn't chirped either. And yes, once a month or so, I remove the cap, use a small syringe to squirt some 20W-50 oil down it's throat. Seems to do the trick. 7/32 wrench works for the screws that hold the cap on. Once it's loose, you can turn them by hand easily.

 

[RobWigglezz]

It's recommended to follow the tdc procedure and use the alignment tool.

That said, I just turned the engine over till the tab was at an edge of a slot, pulled it out and set the new one in the same position. I would only do it this way if the engine is running great.

 

[fender559]

Now what about the cam sensor on top. Any recommendations on brand? does OEM still exist and what aftermarket brands are good? thanks team..

 

[RobWigglezz]

Now what about the cam sensor on top. Any recommendations on brand? does OEM still exist and what aftermarket brands are good? thanks team..

I kept the oem cam sensor. There's really no reason to replace it if it's working. But a motorcraft one would be the best option

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Now what about the cam sensor on top. Any recommendations on brand? does OEM still exist and what aftermarket brands are good? thanks team..

The Duralast Gold that bought was the whole deal. Synchro, sensor, and alignment tool. So that’s what I went with. So far they work. Warranty when they don’t.

 

[cbxer55]

I kept the oem cam sensor. There's really no reason to replace it if it's working. But a motorcraft one would be the best option

A few years back, I got a code for the cam position sensor. Put a new el cheapo on from Vato Zone, haven't had the code again. Not talking the internals here, just the caop that sits on top. That's the sensor, that's what I got a code for.