EL cam in EA. - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

AUII_Forte · 03-14-2003, 14:58

I just picked up a cheap EL cam to put in my 3.9L MPFI EA. I was just wondering what sort of gains I should get? I know it's not going to be anything wild, but I'm assuming it's better than the one in it. Also will a different cam change my exhaust note at all?

AUII_Forte · 03-14-2003, 17:23

I have come across a problem! I've installed the cam, but now the car won't start!!! Is it the cam causing this?? I'll try disconnecting the computer and see how I go. Any help ASAP would be appreciated!

AUII_Forte · 03-14-2003, 17:55

The engine seems to be cranking a lot quicker than usual which makes me think that there is no compression due to incorrect cam timing. The cam timing was spot on with the 3.9L one, do a i need to advance or retard the EL one?

NZ · 03-14-2003, 18:34

If you didnt move the teeth on the cam sprocket it should be right.

Otherwise put the engine on TDC and check the cam sprocket mark is level with the top of the head on the intake side

NZ · 03-14-2003, 18:39

Otherwise if the oil has drained from the rockers, keep cranking it. When i put a set of reconditioneds rockers on i thought the same thing and it would fire occasionally on 1 cylinder. After turning over for about 3 mins it fired and started roughly but got better after a few mins. Now it has no probs.

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-14-2003, 18:40

did u put the spark plugs back in

hehe check to see if you have knocked the coil HT lead off

AUII_Forte · 03-14-2003, 18:50

Found the problem guys. The pin on the timing chain sprocket snapped off and the cam isn't turning. It also snapped the bolt that holds the sprocket on. Why the F**K did that happen???? I'm going to the wreckers in a minute to get another sprocket and bolt. Please don't tell me the head has to come off to change it!

It didn't lose any teeth because i tied it with wire so the chain wouldn't move. HOW DID IT BREAK ALL THAT???

AUII_Forte · 03-14-2003, 22:09

I've changed the sprocket and bolt. It's sweet now.

Now I'm guessing the rockers need shimming as rattles and taps like a 50yr old diesel truck. Also, it's running rich. Will the computer sort that out after a while or will it need a chip?

SiX_iN_a_RoW · 03-15-2003, 00:08

Your shouldnt need different shims, as far as I know anyway, how many K's had the EL motor done that it was taken out of, its possible it is a re-grind too.

AUII_Forte · 03-15-2003, 01:38

The cam is out of a 98 EL that was written off a few weeks after it's purchase, so the cam is pretty much new. The head on my motor has done nearly 300,000k's. There was a lot of play in the rockers when I put the cam in. I took it for a quick drive and it feels as if it's lost a lot of power, but that may be due to the rockers not opening the valves at the right time.

It doesn't seem as if its running as rich now, the black smoke has stopped anyway. Any ideas guys? I'm going out to chuck the EA cam back in in a minute which will be interesting in the dark! lol.