GP151001

I am replacing the timing belt on a '99 Contour, 2.0, 4cyl DOHC. The Ford Repair Manuals say to install the timing belt, remove the sync tools and rotate the crankshaft 2 times. Then you are to recheck for sync.

During that test, the exhaust camshaft does not turn as the intake, crankshaft and the exhaust pulley do. This engine has variable camshaft timing (VCT) and I suppose this might explain this. Or, the VCT unit is bad.

Anyone know for sure?

Thanks.

GP151001

I have gone through this multiple times without much change. As I manually rotate the crankshaft, I see the exhaust camshaft stall, while the intake camshaft, crankshaft and all three pulleys turn in sync. When I reach TDC, the exhaust camshaft lags the intake camshaft. Then I readjust the exhaust camshaft and do it all over again. Thinking it might be the torque wrench, I have gone up to 100ft lbs. of torque on the exhaust camshaft bolt. That seems to help reduce the difference. Still a difference of 5-10 degrees.

Anyone seen this before? Is it normal?

Thanks.