Camshaft Synchronizer CHIRP! Replacement?

[atvkid4eva]

Hey guys i initially thought it was the belt and tensioner on my 2000 4.0l..i replaced both and the chirp is still there. I listened closely and it seems to be coming from the top/back of the motor. I read up that the Camshaft Synchronizer is more than likely the culprit. What all is involved in replacing this? Is there a sensor and a synchronizer? Which is causing the chirp? And where would it be located on my motor? Can i just remove the old one and put the new one in? What all needs removed to get to it? I need some info guys. Thanks!

 

[atvkid4eva]

anyone?!?

 

[atvkid4eva]

well no ford dealerships have it until monday anyway..will i be alright driving the truck today and tomorrow? The chirp is only there on start up and then goes away.

 

[shane96ranger]

It will be fine for a couple of days. I would look into Rock Auto. They may have the Motorcraft synchronizer for less than the dealer.

Sent while I should be doing something else

 

[atvkid4eva]

all i have to remove is the upper plentum to get to it? and cant i just note the position of the old one and install the new one to match to avoid messing with the timing?

 

[aspevacek]

there is a tool to get the thing lined up properly, you may get lucky when you drop the new one in, but remember the way the gear is on the shaft, the shaft rotates as it is meshing witht he camshaft. The toolo allows the entire unit to rotate shaft and housng together and you just put it in an make sure it lines up where it was before. pretty easy to do. I would suggest against using an after market one as I had fitment issues when i tried to use one on my motor. I put it in 100% correct and it tripped a CEL and code. When I tried to pull it back out I had to remove the lower intake to gain access to remove it. I wen tot ford and reinstalled it just like i did the after market one and the truck has been fine for a few years with it and it never reset a CEL.

I think you can actually gain access to it by just pulling the coil pack for a lil extra space. My plastic upper intake was nto in the way I do not think.

 

[atvkid4eva]

i a going to get the motorcraft synchronizer. When i looked on my 4.0 i could not see it? Is it under the coil pack or is it in the center behind the plastic intake? Anyone have a pic of the engine bay that would show me? Also where do i get the alignment tool?

 

[atvkid4eva]

is that tool 100% necessary? I saw a guy on youtube just take a pic of the stock one on his 3.0 and reinstall the new one so it was positioned the same, he said he had to pull it back out and out it back in 3 time because like you said the bevel gear will make it shift some when it seats.

 

[shane96ranger]

I didn't use the tool I bought on my Brother's Explorer, but it's a 5.0 motor. I just scribed the position on the intake, and I hit it on the first time. And yes, I'm 99% sure the upper intake must be removed for access. Some of the synchronizers actually come with a tool.

EDIT: I found this "how to" via google:
http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/f11/instructions-replacing-camshaft-synchronizer-254746.html

 

[atvkid4eva]

hmm..seems like a huge pain in the ass..ford did a good job by putting the sychro in the back of the motor where it is a pain to get to. ill prolly just have my buddy swap it out for me at his shop. it will be worth the money to me to not have to mess with it.

 

[shane96ranger]

It's not that bad to take the upper intake off.

Are you 100% sure that's it though? I'd get a long bar or screwdriver and put it on it, listen while it's chirping. Like a stethoscope type deal.

Sent while I should be doing something else

 

[atvkid4eva]

Well the sound is comin from the back of the upper intake. I'm assuming thats all it could be?

 

[atvkid4eva]

AND his how to states that he had to navigate with a mirror and light even with the upper intake off? Can anyone verify this?

 

[shane96ranger]

Just making sure it's nothing like a pilot or throwout bearing. I'd use the stethoscope method to check. My family has owned 4 of the OHV 4.0's and I never had one of them go out.

Sent while I should be doing something else

 

[atvkid4eva]

my last 97 ranger had a 4.0 OHV and it had 300k+ miles and never had one go out. But there are several write ups online about it happening and the squeak/chirp is identical to mine. how can i put the stethascope on it if i cant see it without pulling the upper intake?