Camshaft Syncro issue.... Rough Idle

[03xlt]

Hey guys,

I have an 03 with a 3.0 non flex.. The camshaft Syncro (where the distributor used to be) has begun squealing intermittently, especially when the engine is cold.. Now I assume that I need to replace the whole unit, but has anyone else ever had this happen? Also do I just replace it like I was replacing a distributor? Bring it to TDC etc.... On another note.. Any remedies out there for clearing up a rough idle?? Truck has new wires, plugs, air filter, TB is clean and seems ok, vacuum lines all check out> I have heard that the coil packs tend to be kinda crappy on these things... It doesn't seem to hurt performance, but man is it annoying! Any help would be appreciated..

 

[cbxer55]

My understanding is that it has to be at TDC on the compression stroke. Just TDC alone is not enough. If at TDC on the exhaust stroke you will be 180 degrees out on timing. So the question then becomes, how do you determine if you are at TDC on the right stroke? I gather a compression tester would be of use here?

Also determining exact TDC is kind of hard. I used to have to do that on one of my older motorcycles, and it is kind of tricky, because as the rod nears TDC, piston movement is way reduced as the rod crosses over the top of the crank journal and starts down. Is there some special tool you have to use to determine exact TDC?

I am not having this problem yet at 100,000 miles. But know it could be a problem soon enough. Would like to know the details for when it becomes an issue.

 

[fourwheelford]

If you take the sensor off there is a little key that sits on top of the shaft, it spins and contacts the sensor, the opening where that takes place is where the key should be at TDC on the comp stroke if its on the exhaust stroke the key will be to the opposite side of the hole. Use some white out and mark the placement before you remove the sensor so you can put it back on right, put the motor to TDC there is a small hold down bolt 10mm I think, remove it and the sensor should wiggle right out. Replace it in reverse and make sure that key stays in the center of the slot tighten the hold down bolt put the sensor back and plug it in. The critical part is putting everthing back the exact way it came off. Pretty easy job though, I did mine as preventative maintanence about 2000 miles ago. Also to find TDC you can take out the #1 spark plug and put a long screwdriver down the hole and move the motor by hand until the piston tops out.

As a note to cbxer55 I did mine a 100,000 and wasn't having problems but the bearing on the shaft was pretty rough when I pulled it out so it was nearing the end of its life.

To the op, try replacing the fuel filter and clean the MAF sensor really good and see if that helps.

 

[paulnola]

Cam syncro same problem, how long?

My truck's cam syncro sounds like it is going out. It has been chirping about a week & a half now, how long do these things last between the time they start making noise and the time they fail? I'm searching for the replacement parts today but still need to drive until I get it.

 

[fourwheelford]

It seems like they can go without warning, some will chirp forever and some will go out without making any noise. Watch your oil pressure and if it drops shut it down and get it towed home. And do not buy a doorman syncro they are on recall and fail in like 15,000 miles, buy ford OEM itd worth your motor.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

My understanding is that it has to be at TDC on the compression stroke. Just TDC alone is not enough. If at TDC on the exhaust stroke you will be 180 degrees out on timing. So the question then becomes, how do you determine if you are at TDC on the right stroke? I gather a compression tester would be of use here?

Also determining exact TDC is kind of hard. I used to have to do that on one of my older motorcycles, and it is kind of tricky, because as the rod nears TDC, piston movement is way reduced as the rod crosses over the top of the crank journal and starts down. Is there some special tool you have to use to determine exact TDC?

I am not having this problem yet at 100,000 miles. But know it could be a problem soon enough. Would like to know the details for when it becomes an issue.

If you look closely there's a mark on the crankshaft damper
that's at 0* TDC. You may have to sandpaper the damper to
see it, but it's there. It coincides with the fifth 'tooth' on the tone
ring after the gap.

To check for the compression stroke, just remove the cam sensor
and see if the key and gap are close to being aligned. If so, then
the engine's on the compression stroke. If they're almost 180* apart,
then turn the engine over 1 revolution to get on the compression
stroke. Rember the synchro 'key' and 'gap' won't be aligned
perfectly, they'll just be close; (The key will be about 14* ccw
from the gap, IIRC).

 

[03xlt]

Thanks for the help,

I am stopping by the dealer in the morning, I should have no problem finding TDC, and yeah you definitely want it on the compression stroke... I 'm glad I have gotten so many responses, everyone else looks at me like I have two heads! Thanks a heap for the help, I will keep you posted. As far as the idle goes, I am going to wait and chase that after I replace the syncro... my other albatross..

 

[Lonewolf]

Obscure Idle issue stab in dark :
a power steering pressure switch that will not open ? (PCM retards timing at idle)

 

[03xlt]

I am open to all suggestions! Thanks Lonewolf, I will put it on my list to check. I am about to replace the syncro now..

Damn dealer 182 bucks! Followed by the quote " yeah we sell alot of these things..they dont last..even worse in the old taurus's " Well maybe a recall or redesign would be in order???

 

[fourwheelford]

I actually also have a high idle and so far many things are pointing to my TPS, tranny shifting funny and high idle. Otherwise it runs good, gonna change the tps this weekend and see if it lowers my idle, hopefully I can get better mileage also.

 

[Buggyman]

I am having to replace my CPS too and this thread was a lot of help. One question though, do I really need the alignment tool to reinstall the new CPS sensor? I am having a hard time finding one.

Thanks,

 

[Rangerdan2.3]

What is the part number on the Syncro?
Thanks
Dan

 

[Buggyman]

Motorcraft: DA2089