Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

When replacing the cam shaft syncro, should the sensor be replaced too?
How apparent will it be if the syncro is nearing the end of its life? I just got this truck and I don't hear any consistent "death chirps"-as they've been coined, except for a couple of squeaks after I had fiddled with the tensioner. 135,000 miles and I know very little about the vehicle history...Planning on replacing this part just would like some more info. THANKS!!

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

I had them both changed at the same time seems the sensor was not that expensive and something you would do while your at it...

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Yes, replace the sensor while you're replacing the syncro. That way you can forget about the damn thing for another 70 to 100k miles. As for a consistent chirp determining whether or not the part is fried, who knows. I have the "chirp" and sometimes it's bad and other times it's gone. No CELs or any other indication the engine may be running into trouble but at 135k miles you should replace those parts just for preventative maintenance. The bottom line is rather than try to guess if your cam synchronizer is bad just replace the damn thing and have that peace of mind. There is an excellent video posted on this board on how to replace it. This whole thing reminds me of the flawed one-piece spark plugs on the Triton 3v engines.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Just replaced the synchro and sensor on my '01 Ranger. It was fairly easy except for the massive wire bundle sitting right on top of it that couldn't be pushed enough out of the way. The thread direction on the hold-down bolt was normal and the bolt was 10mm. The two bolts on the sensor were 7/32s, not 6mm as I read online. I was able to get it aligned on the second attempt. Take as good a picture of how the old tab was aligned as you can and even mark it with a Sharpie. Just turning the old synchro produces the chirping.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Great job! Money well spent... :D

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

When I bought mine it came with the sensor already attached to the new synchronizer. I think most do.

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Oh, and when replacing it, make sure to lube it up good with oil. I didnt lube the O ring enough and had to tap it dowwn with the rubber end of a screwdriver because it would seat all the way down the last 1/4 inch. Also make sure you align it right or your timing will be off.

I have 200k on my truck and the synchro has never been changed that I know of... Ill probably be doing this soon though I don't hear any chirps or irregular noises...

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Today I got around to pulling the cam syncro and wasn't completely sold on replacing it. From what I could tell, there wasn't anything wrong with the "original". The replacement motocraft part I got off of ebay had more play in it than the original, so I opted not to install it. Maybe the "original" had been replaced at some point, maybe my production motor had almost perfectly machined parts that mesh well together, IDK, but I can't really justify why I need to replace this part. After pulling mine out and than re-installing it, I figure I can let it go for now. From my standpoint this part is super easy to install-much easier than the god damn lower rad hose, so until I hear the so-called chirp of death, I'm gonna let it slide. I did find some red markings beneath the cam sensor itself on the aluminum body. I can't say whether or not this is straight from the factory or something else. Any thoughts?

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

There will be some vertical play on a new synchronizer, there was on my new one and the ones I saw on YouTube. From what I understand, it's the bushings inside the synchro that wear out over time eventually causing the tab that spins under the sensor to wobble enough to come in contact with the sensor itself. This can lead to chunks of the sensor to break off (like the permanent magnet) and fall down onto the spinning tab and possibly jamb it up. When the tab quits spinning it shears the pin on the small gear at the bottom and that may be the part that also drives the oil pump (I think) leading to deep fried engine.

It's this domino effect that has most folks replacing the part even if the chirping noise isn't that bad yet. At times I couldn't hear the chirp unless I was close enough to a building wall for the noise to reflect back to me so sometimes it's not easy to detect. No noise from the engine compartment since the exchange though. [fingers crossed]

One thing's for sure, no way would I go through that PITA again. If the old part is coming out, then a new part is going in.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Whatever you do, don't send that cam sync back.

When mine went out at 55K, it started to chirp on my way to work. I arrived at work five minutes after it started to chirp. Once I got off four hours later, I drove to Ford to buy the new one. Halfway there the cam sync started to make grinding sounds that were incredibly loud. I could hear it with my windows up. I made it to the Ford dealer, bought the cam sync, and then drove home. I made it home safe, but I was ready to shut her down the whole way home.

I've never had the hairs on my neck stand as tall as they did on the way to Ford. As soon as I heard the chirping, I knew exactly what it was, and my heart sunk. I just couldn't believe that it progressed from a chirp to a grinding sound so quickly.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Point(s) taken... Now that you mention it, there was debris inside the body... I suppose I should replace it, along with the sensor. THANKS!!

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

when you take it out spin it... if it squeaks at all, replace it

this is one of those things youd rather be safe then sorry...

Well my truck got me and my stuff safely to NC on Friday and then I parked it and it hasn't moved since. I started my truck today and to my dismay it made a loud chirp that went faster and slower with the rpms. I'm 99%sure it's this so tomorrow after work its getting replaced. Luckily I have a ride to work tomorrow so the truck still won't be moved.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Dont ever buy such an important engine part off eBay!!!
You should have bought the cam sync from RockAuto.com its only $94 for the Motorcraft one, which is the only brand you should buy when it comes to important parts.


Also i have a HowTo with a Video in the HowTo Section and link in my signature.

For a '99 3.0 flex is it a 2 prong or 3 prong sensor?

Bump I need to know within 30 minutes its urgent

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

I dont recall off hand...give me a few mins to see if i have my old one

Fantastic thanks we are at the ford dealership so time is tight... I might need to just buy both

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Two prong

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Uploading pic now wait a sec

Thanks so much!! Perfect we haven't been helped yet. I really appreciate the help

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/...psd0eab07f.jpg

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Inside the connector port area are two metal prong tabs...hope thats what u want

Yep that's good.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Ford part # xfie-6b288-ab
Thats on the head of the part

Wow after all this the cam synchro came with a sensor... A 2 prong...

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Still bought another but it's fine I'm gonna use the better of the two

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

how much did the cam and the sensor together cost?

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

You gotta love GC, he's always going to the "extreme" to help us all. :D

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Lol i do what i can to help my fellow Ranger owners!

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Did you get a Motorcraft synchro ? My new Motorcraft synchro did not come with the sensor.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

If he didnt get a motorcraft then hes going to be replacing it again soon..

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

My new motorcraft synchro fixed the hesitiation from take off but the chirping was the idler pulley. Fixed that too !

It's a dorman from the ford dealer... Cost $79 and $33 for the sensor

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I specifically went to the ford dealer to get it and this is what they gave me... I sure as hell better not have to replace it again anytime soon. I'm about to be putting 70 miles a day on it just driving to work only and I'm sure I'm gonna make trips home to FL. Worst case ill get a motor craft one as a back up from somewhere online, I just didn't have the time to order online.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Oh....u made a big boo boo.....get a motorcraft one...the dormans dont last but like 20k miles..

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Order it from rockauto.com $94 and have it in 2days or less.

Are. you. freakin. kidding. God that's such BS... Friend of mine called in a favor too and got it for $49 and $24 for the sensor, I can't exactly return it. Ill just order it and wait til I have time. I wish they'd have given me a motorcraft one to begin with!! This is taking absolutely forever... Took me 2 hours to get the new sensor seated in where it's supposed to be. Now the retaining bolt won't go back in. It rides down in and then stops hard and the washer's still loose... ?? $&@#%£€ sick of this $&i¥ right now, no mobile mechanics around here and if I get it towed its gonna cost a fortune cause ill have to go to wake forest. For some reason I never had a CEL either... Any advice is appreciated.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

The camshaft sync wont really throw a code....

Did you watch my HowTo Video...the link is in my signature..

Watched it several times

...

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

Is it in yet?

That sucks about getting a Dorman POS. I made sure I bought a Motorcraft, and the price definitely let me know it was Motorcraft. I think I paid close to $180 for it. I don't have any ins at Ford dealers. :(

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

first, dont lay your new one on the ground for dirt to get onto it.....
second, calm down, i know its a pain to get to, but take your time and do it right...it took me about 6 tries to get it in there in the right position.

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

It took me two tries. What the hell are you guys doing to get it out of line? :confused:

Re: Cam Synchronizer and sensor
 

$94 from ROCK AUTO...

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...partnum=DA2089