Cam Timing #2 - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-20-2003, 17:04

Ive just fitted a new tensioner guide and replaced the crank sprocket as it was chewed up and slipping back and fourth on the crank. Which brings me to the next step.

I have rotated the engine so that the crank and auxilary drive marks are aligned. The cam sprocket mark is now dead even with the top of the head. I have temporarily fitted the timing cover and crank pulley to check the timing marks, but the mark is about 1 inch passed the TDC mark on the timing cover.
Is it possible for the internal marks to be aligned, but the engine not to be on TDC? or has my balancer slipped?

NZ · 03-20-2003, 18:43

Balancer outer ring has slipped. ould have also caused your running problems after the MPI conversion

Jase_ELXR8 · 03-21-2003, 05:52

never trust the timing on a balancer, they are common for twisting. Always use the marks on the gear itself.

ebxr8240 · 03-21-2003, 06:02

You checked using a wire or feeler through the spark plug on # 1 to be sure of tdc?? Make bloody sure you are right with cam timing..Check that marks are the same on both gears/ sprocket old and new??

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-21-2003, 13:57

Yep they sprockets are identical, turned out after replacing the sprocket I found that the cam timing was spot on ( In other words, nothing internally has been changed ). All the marks line up when i used the screwdriver to find TDC, however the balancer is still about 10-15 degrees out, So I am thinking it has slipped. I will bash a new mark in it for ignition timing purposes and will invest in a new balancer in a few weeks.
Thanks for everyones advice

NZ · 03-21-2003, 14:01

Anthony with the slipped balancer the spark AND fueling would have been out.

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-21-2003, 19:32

I cannot get the balancer back on.
I have tried soaking the balancer in boiling water whilst wrapping the crank in an ice pack, oiled them up and try to fit them but I cant get it to go on enough for the bolt to bite. Is there anything else I can try? How much are balancer installers?

9psi EB · 03-22-2003, 01:17

SiX_iN_a_RoW, have you got the radiator and all the crap off from in front of the crank?

If yes, just get a hammer and give it a few firm taps onto the crank, enough to get the bolt started by a few turns, and do the rest of it up using a socket and large bar.

Make sure you use loctite on the threads and do it up according to the book, as they can come loose, and therefore the chain sprocket moves, and can chew out the keyway on the crank and chain sprocket, and possibly cost you a new engine.

There is a post somewhere here that explains how to find true tdc by modifying a spark plug and turning the motor in both directions and 1/2 the two marks, try do a search for it.

NZ · 03-22-2003, 01:41

Quote:

Originally posted by 9psi EB

There is a pose somewhere here that explains how to find true tdc by modifying a spark plug and turning the motor in both directions and 1/2 the two marks, try do a search for it.

I posed that

I also explained it to him over irc or msn one of the two

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-22-2003, 03:49

yer i have been trying to hit it firmly with a hammer and wood but it just wont go on quite enough for the bolt to bite. Im going to see if i can buy a longer bolt with the same thread so I can get it started.