Squeaky Synchronizer

[mdmarble]

Hey Guys,

I've been having this squeek lately that been driving me nuts. We tracked it down to my synchronizer. I've heard its a common problem on 3.0's. Its that piece with the long shaft thing that goes inside and spins around with a magnet telling something to do something. Periodically, like today was the worst, it stalls on me. Usually when I'm off the throttle in drive, but sometimes in nuetral as well. It stalled out on me four times on a 7 minute drive home from school. I'm getting the whole thing replaced, but can any body tell me about this thing. What does it do, and how does it relate to my truck stalling. Also, one thing that raises my eye brow, I'm sure it has something to do with my engine stalling, but we've unplugged it while the engine was running before and nothing happened...

Thanks,
-Mike

 

[LearjetMinako]

Ahhh, long shaft with magnet that spins around in there??? I'm confused as to what you are trying to explain about what part. Synchronizer, I'm thinking synchro's, as in tranny gear parts.

Maybe you are talking about the Crank Postioning Sensor. Which does the same thing in which you are describing.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

He's most likely talking about the Camshaft Position Synchronizer. It's where the distributor would be on older 3.0s. And it is becoming a more common problem.

The biggest problem with the CPSs on the 3.0 is that it drives the oil pump, so if it fails loss of oil pressure can occur followed by catastrophic engine failure.

However, if the CPS is not functioning correctly, and therefore not reading the cam position right, it will absolutely cause the motor so stall. Remember the older GM crank sensors that would always go bad, cause a stall condition, and then eventually a no start? Same concept with the CPS.

 

[LearjetMinako]

He's most likely talking about the Camshaft Position Synchronizer. It's where the distributor would be on older 3.0s. And it is becoming a more common problem.

The biggest problem with the CPSs on the 3.0 is that it drives the oil pump, so if it fails loss of oil pressure can occur followed by catastrophic engine failure.

However, if the CPS is not functioning correctly, and therefore not reading the cam position right, it will absolutely cause the motor so stall. Remember the older GM crank sensors that would always go bad, cause a stall condition, and then eventually a no start? Same concept with the CPS.

I'm glad someone knows about the 3.0L engines. I was lost as to what he was talking about. And this same thing that he was talking about also drives the oil pump? On a 2002 model. Almost makes me want to tear into the 3.0L to find out more things about it.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

I'm glad someone knows about the 3.0L engines. I was lost as to what he was talking about. And this same thing that he was talking about also drives the oil pump? On a 2002 model. Almost makes me want to tear into the 3.0L to find out more things about it.

Wicked knows more than I do, but I know a decent amount from the 3.0s I've had in at the shop.

The CPS does indeed drive the oil pump, which is why its very important to replace it if you hear squealing, etc. from that area. Often it will throw a code, but sometimes they don't.

I believe 94 was the last year for a distributor equipped 3.0. After that they went to EDIS.

I love the 3.0. Everytime I get one in or work on mine I find out something nifty about it.

 

[Earl43P]

Definately not something to let go for "a while".

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=203433

 

[mdmarble]

He's most likely talking about the Camshaft Position Synchronizer. It's where the distributor would be on older 3.0s. And it is becoming a more common problem.

The biggest problem with the CPSs on the 3.0 is that it drives the oil pump, so if it fails loss of oil pressure can occur followed by catastrophic engine failure.

However, if the CPS is not functioning correctly, and therefore not reading the cam position right, it will absolutely cause the motor so stall. Remember the older GM crank sensors that would always go bad, cause a stall condition, and then eventually a no start? Same concept with the CPS.

You got it dead on. I went to Ford and asked them about it and he said it's a syncro for my cam shaft.

Well this raises another question now. If my syncro also runs my oil pump, could it also be the cause of my oil gauge freaking out. Almost always when I get off the freeway, no matter how long I've been on and I'm off the throttle at idle at a stop light or something, my oil pressure gauge goes out of wack and starts going up and down vigorously like its going to blow up, and it will do it for the rest of the trip as long as my engine is idling.

Just another question. If my oil pump were to go out, would I still maintain oil pressure just by the engine running, or does the pump maintain the pressure. I'm just curious whether or not the pump just circulates oil to keep it from getting too hot or something like that. So another question tying into this, if my oil pump went down due to my syncro, would I notice it through my oil pressure gauge?

thanks,
-Mike

 

[Twizzler09]

The Oil Pump is what gives the oil system its pressure, if it goes out, and you don't fix it, kiss that motor goodbye. It'll be good for nothing more than a gigantic paper weight.

 

[thegoat4]

You got it dead on. I went to Ford and asked them about it and he said it's a syncro for my cam shaft.

Well this raises another question now. If my syncro also runs my oil pump, could it also be the cause of my oil gauge freaking out. Almost always when I get off the freeway, no matter how long I've been on and I'm off the throttle at idle at a stop light or something, my oil pressure gauge goes out of wack and starts going up and down vigorously like its going to blow up, and it will do it for the rest of the trip as long as my engine is idling.

Just another question. If my oil pump were to go out, would I still maintain oil pressure just by the engine running, or does the pump maintain the pressure. I'm just curious whether or not the pump just circulates oil to keep it from getting too hot or something like that. So another question tying into this, if my oil pump went down due to my syncro, would I notice it through my oil pressure gauge?

thanks,
-Mike

Your oil pressure gauge is a gauge-shaped dummy light. It either shows OK or not OK. It's sweeping back and forth between the two at idle either because you have marginal oil pressure or because you have a bad oil pressure switch. If you are behind on an oil change, do it now. If you are not behind, or changing the oil makes no difference, take it to a shop to be checked right away. If your oil pressure is marginal, and you continue driving, your engine will eventually fail.