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  #1  
Old 10-05-2010, 09:37 AM
droido256 droido256 is offline
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Exclamation question about the camshaft synchronizer

Ok, Im a total noob to this truck, and it's apparently nearly bomb proof vulcan engine. However one thing that kind of, erm worries me is the fact of the risk of the camshaft synch failure, esp since it is the only thing running the oil pump!.
When I start the truck on cold mornings it squeaks, like a belt(which I heard was common in this engine in all of the vehicles it's in) It goes away really quickly tho. So I naturally suspect the camshaft sync shaft. I talked to my local mechanic about replacing it, and the tell tale signs that this thing is getting real bad, now he says that the ECM will put off codes(I guess as the sensor readings become abnormal due to rotation variences) which I havnt gotten any check engine lights, and he says it's time to replace it(ASAP) when I really start to hear noise, which with the exception of occasionally only when it is cold do I hear some squeaking, while the weather is warm, no matter what time of day, or night no squeaking at all. So what are the signs that I should have this lil assembly replaced?(314.00 parts, and install) I really lol need tires, and money is tight, nor do I really have the time to try and learn to install the part myself. So I kind of want to plan out the replace of this thing if it sounds like it's going before I run the risk of seizing the engine. Yesterday I fired it up, and ran my ear all throughout the engine compartment trying to hear of any quiet abnormal sounds, the only thing I hear is the fan, and very quiet injectors. I think I located the top of the sensor, heard nothing, dead quiet coming from that area, and the back of the engine. This lol actually both puzzles, and bothers me, esp going through the grimes canyon mountain every day for work. She has 146k miles on her, and when I moved here, she was driving 10 hrs a day for 4 days almost nonstop. I really want to simply just have the thing replaced now, except no money to do so, but if I can put off replacing the part for now, that would be a BIIIIIIIIG help. So any kind of tips for prolonging the the replacement, or signs to when it's replacement is needed(oil pressure variences, check engine light, more noise/constant noise, etc) so I can plan for setting back money to pay for it. Any help with this would be grrreeeaaatly appreciated, I AM going to replace it when I do have money to do so, just out of peace of mind, but I dont want to risk the oil pump going kaput doing 70 on the highway.
Thanks!!
Droido
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  #2  
Old 10-05-2010, 09:40 AM
droido256 droido256 is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

also would there be any way to work in a fail safe mechanism for the oil pump? Like a redundant electric pump backup system? Just curious
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  #3  
Old 10-06-2010, 07:19 AM
droido256 droido256 is offline
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Exclamation Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

ok, the squeaking seems to be more affected by when the truck is wet? the squeaking tends to happen more in the rain, or when the idiots at work run the sprinklers, the duration of the squeaking is longer. , I wish I had magic powers to have the oil pump driven by the CRANKSHAFT!! LOL
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  #4  
Old 10-13-2010, 09:20 AM
nate4g63 nate4g63 is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

I'm having the exact same symptoms and thoughts as you are on this issue. As of lately, with the cold mornings. I'm getting that chirping noise as well, and its definitely not a belt. It's clearly coming from the rear of the engine. Horrible engineering that this piece drives the oilpump. I've heard everyone say to only buy the FORD dealership part. I second you on the money being tight thing. $145 from the dealer is rough. I'm kind of holding off on this myself but I may just replace it with a part from my local parts dealer. Not Autozone or Advance Auto garbage either. I generally buy all my sensors from this shop because they never fail compared to the junk you get at Advance. Anyway, the same thing happened this morning. I has some chirping but after it warmed up it was fine. I just drove to Sheetz down the road and it was quiet the entire time.
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  #5  
Old 10-13-2010, 10:25 AM
mickblock mickblock is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

Quote:
Originally Posted by droido256 View Post
When I start the truck on cold mornings it squeaks, like a belt(which I heard was common in this engine in all of the vehicles it's in) It goes away really quickly tho. So I naturally suspect the camshaft sync shaft. I talked to my local mechanic about replacing it
That sounds like a belt sir. And it sounds like when you talked to your mechanic, you already had you mind made up. So you heard his opinion about the cam syncroniser shaft only and got your wheels turnin.

Are you sure it's not a belt? If your not, eliminate it by retensioning it, or replacing it, or using a very small spray of belt dressing.
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  #6  
Old 10-13-2010, 10:57 AM
rwenzing rwenzing is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

First of all, don't wait for trouble codes or a Check Engine Light to help you make your decision. The Synchronizer has been known to fail without a CEL or codes.

Second, try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from right after you start it. Get a helper if necessary. A squeak at the front of the engine is likely a belt, weak tensioner or idler/tensioner pulley bearing. If the noise is from the back of the engine, suspect the Synchronizer and take action.

The Synchronizer is a time bomb waiting to take out the oil pump drive but it usually (but not always) gives fair warning by squeaking for awhile. If you do decide to replace it, genuine Ford is the way to go. There are Chinese copies available for a lot less on eBay and in the chain parts stores but they have a reputation for poor fit and premature failure.
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  #7  
Old 10-21-2010, 11:13 AM
Solo V8 4G Solo V8 4G is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

dido rewenzing -

eh bud also to eliminate the belt and the tensioner you should do this...

for the belt - spray soapy water while its running, if noise goes away - replace belt

for the tensioner - grab a long metal rod, preferbly a screw driver, place the tip of the screw driver on the anchor bolt of the tensioner or on the tensioner pulley bolt, put your ear up to the handle of the screw driver, if noise is pronounced through the screw driver - replace tensioner another way to do it would be by removing the belt and spinning the tensioner pulley, if rough replace
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  #8  
Old 10-24-2010, 03:46 PM
droido256 droido256 is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

Thanks guys, luckily I had a morning where I had a chance to examine the squeak, I stuck my head over the syncro no noise from there. It was from the front. So I'm going to change the belt, and examine the idler(i see two idlers? One top one below?) The belt needs changing anyway. What's better gates or gator? At work all of our air handlers run gates and everyone of the hvac mechs swears by them.
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  #9  
Old 10-24-2010, 04:48 PM
Ranger01 Ranger01 is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

Gatorback belts. I have one for sale if your interested. I only used for a short time for a 3.0. It could be your tensionor pulley.That's what my squeak was
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  #10  
Old 02-10-2014, 01:48 PM
droido256 droido256 is offline
Vulcan
 
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ranger01 View Post
Gatorback belts. I have one for sale if your interested. I only used for a short time for a 3.0. It could be your tensionor pulley.That's what my squeak was
Ranger01, dude man sorry I didnt respond back then, I have a bad habit of not paying attention to my own threads U_U, thanks for the offer on the belt, I put in one 6 mo ago tho.
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  #11  
Old 02-10-2014, 01:51 PM
Ranger01 Ranger01 is offline
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Default

Lol no problem. Holy crap this was a long time ago lol
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  #12  
Old 02-11-2014, 10:32 AM
Vulcan256 Vulcan256 is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

(I'm Droido lol btw, just hated that login, and couldn't figure out how to change the login id)

Hahahaha yeah it was, I looked at my cig and was rotflmao sooo had to update that
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  #13  
Old 02-15-2014, 11:40 AM
WeBeSmokin420 WeBeSmokin420 is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

Vulcan I just dealt with this problem and I think I know what it is, if you havent already fixed it just let me know ill explain.
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  #14  
Old 02-15-2014, 01:54 PM
Keto Keto is offline
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Arrow Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

I dont think the cam sync issue is as prevalent as some may suggest IMHO. While it certainly DOES happen, I dont think the percentage of failures is as high as generally believed.

Might want o check out this topic:
Cam sync, surprised at mileage

I wont bother to change mine until it gives me a reason too. At 106K right now. If the time comes, I'll likely go with the Rich Porter cam sync instead of Motorcraft.

Definitely stay away from the Dorman stuff, a lot of it is not made well.
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  #15  
Old 02-16-2014, 06:57 AM
Vulcan256 Vulcan256 is offline
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Default Re: question about the camshaft synchronizer

Quote:
Originally Posted by WeBeSmokin420 View Post
Vulcan I just dealt with this problem and I think I know what it is, if you havent already fixed it just let me know ill explain.
Actually I havnt fixed it yet
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