Hey you guys u just need a pitch-square tool the one the carpenter uses.look for the side that is wider and put it on the back of the cams it will fit on them.
To brianmobile. I was back home to ga from sc, and suddenly the car went off. Lost power that's it. The first though timing jumped. Cuz the belt was on it's place, I did tow it and check fuses,spark fuel. Even I put brake cleaner to the throttle-body but nothing happen.
To jafromobile.hey yes I know about that but back on 2010 the belt collapsed and I replaced the only issue was I didn't now how to set tensioner(if u don't put right I'll slip off and break) but the car ignite on first try. After 6 months I had to changed it cuz the idler. And again this time did crank but on the 2nd try.
@Espatulation I know on a '93 Ford Probe with the 2.0L (and the Mercury Mistake and a few other cars) you can't be more than 3° off TDC with the cams or it won't give spark to the hole. The cam angle sensor is super-sensitive and the hydraulic adjuster likes to rotate while you're torquing the cam gear bolts. 'dunno if this engine has the same style CAS, but I've watched that setup give a garage full of mechanics headaches from the hydraulics rotating. I wish they had a dowel pin on the cams.
Brian, your a life saver! looked at tons of post and videos and no one showed the cams clearly- I was wondering if you could answer 3 questions before I do my timing belt though. 1st before you install the new belt, do you need to do anything with the VVT on the exhaust cam? 2nd- are the cam bolts reverse threaded? and 3rd do you know what size torx screw those are? my manual left that out and I need to go by one when I order my part.
@aodhanof90 You have to remove the plug and loosen the bolt behind the plug. The bolts are not reverse or left hand thread. I don't recall the size. Probably T25 or T30 It's been too long. I would advise getting a set.
@briansmobile1 sounds good, I'll be picking up a set of torx bits at Sear- I guess I have one more question about the VCT, when you lock the cams and have the gears loose, is it possible to have the exhaust cam & gear out of sync? I guess I'm just not sure if the gear needs to be oriented in a certain way or if you just keep it loose till the belt is tensioned.
@aodhanof90 The cams MUST be held exact. The cam wheels it doesn't matter. After installing and tensioning the timing belt THEN you tighten the cam wheels proper.
hi me and my dad need to know the microns on you camshaft tool that you made so we can make one if you dont have a micronmerter than can you please give the genarle specs on the tool you made thank you
@walter9073 Just line it up with the square lobes facing up or 180 degrees from what I showed. Then you can use a flat file because the notches are off center.
Back to a question from VampireFrancesca, could you elaborate why the cam position needs to be reset if you are conducting a routine t-belt change on a normally functioning engine?
Brian, I'd like to e-mail, but maybe this will help others too: Once you've removed the oil plug on the exhaust cam cover and loosened the reverse-torx bolt holding the hydraulic clutch & sprocket to the cam, what do you align the sprocket to? Autodata states "Turn sprocket until hole and large lug of sprocket hub at top". I have no idea what hole and large lug they are referring to!
I recently replaced the timing belt on my 02 Focus zetec. I bought the tool kit for that car. I was really suprised at how easy it was to do! Now my nieces 02 ZX2 timing belt broke so I guess I get to use my tool again LOL! The kit for those that may wonder is a flat bar and a threaded pin to hold the crankshaft that screws into a hole on the side of the block under the exhaust. I used srmastertech's video since he did a Focus like mine. The ZX2 zetec has some differences from the Focus zetec.
@turbomatt81 Yes and no. I did mine like yours, but it will work 180 degrees off, as the cams spin at half crankshaft speed. So every time the engine goes one complete revolution, the cams go half, or 180 degrees. If you spin yours over one complete revolution, you'll see the cams are now off 180 with the crank at the same position. He just made himself a lot more work building an unnecessary offset tool when he could have just used a flat bar.
Also, a zx2 , contour, and regular Focus are NON-interference engines, with the exception of the SVT Focus. The lift on the SVT cams WILL allow the valves to hit, bending the valves.
Good video . I used it for my timing belt swap on my 2002 ZX2. A few pointers...buy the Gates kit with the pulleys and change them at the same time . The idler pulleys can come apart . Second, I used piece of flat bar stock that had slop. Advanced or retarded cam timing up to 4 degrees on either cam. Potentially good or bad depending on which way it ends up. Buy the correct tool OTC 6486 avoid the problem. Last, the VCT exhaust cam pulley bolt is inside the pulley under the plug.
i just got done resetting the timing on my 97 contour it jumped timing d/t a loose timing belt tentioner. the first time i had the crankshaft 180 out and it wouldnt run but once i figured that out it was fine. and for the cam tool i used an old metal vent visor to hold them still.
Every reference I have found on the internet - including InFord - shows a completely flat piece of metal that fits into the cam notches and lies flat on top of the head. For all Escort's and Focus's alike. But your notches are below the top of the head.
I ask, because I have a Focus with the notches below the top of the head as well. My flat bar tool will not work. What the heck man!
@RockThePylon I've done both. The flat one's I have a file in the tool box that works awesome. Nobody had the tool so I made one. I sold it to a guy in New Jersey. They aren't super hard to make. The guy in Jersey sold it to someone else I understand.
@RockThePylon THE SLOTS ARE OFFSET IN THE CAMS!! If the flat tool will not fit you are 180 out, turn the cams 180 and the flat tool WILL slide right in!!
@joeysgarage1 You are correct. Figured it out after spending 3 hours trying to find a different tool online.
But imagine my confusion! I have access to InFord, and I checked out every single make/year that a Zetec was used in. And guess what, every year uses the same flat tool! Oh man, drove me nuts!
But yea, I watched this video before I did the work, so I immediately thought, "Dang! I need that special tool he had!"
@joeysgarage1 THANK YOU! You're awesome man. I gave you props at 1:12. Sadly I worked at a dealership that did these this way years ago. The flat tool/method is way better.
@briansmobile1 I am very glad I could help. I have known a lot of people that have struggled with setup. I had a little trouble with the first one i did but I was lucky i had someone around that showed me the way to do this procedure. And thanks to the guy that saw this and called me to know where he could get the offset tool or if i had one.
@RockThePylon If joeys garage is correct PLEASE let me know so I can annotate this video so other people can know. When I've done these in the past I didn't try it 180- I just always went by the book. It MAY be possible.
@briansmobile1 Joey's garage is right, and I'm retarded.
Slots in the cams are offset. Makes sure you're at TDC before power, not TDC before intake (Or the other way around, I dunno)
But yea, one full turn of the crank and the slots line up gorgeously.
I'd add an annotation for sure. I watched your video before I did it, so I just assumed such a thing existed. Then I got frustrated after spending 2 hours on Inford trying to figure out make and year had such a head!
@RockThePylon Thanks for confirming that the 180 works. Hopefully this will save others from frustration and I won't have to build another tool for the next one I do. You're the man- I really appreciate your follow up. I annotated this vid at 1:12 with your name.
@RockThePylon That's not sad- that's GREAT NEWS! The book I was going by sucked. No reason to perpetuate bad info eigh? This means a file will work. I'll annotate it right now.
Also the VCT Unit gear, the front torx bolt is just a plug, it must be removed to access the bolt behind this and it must be loosened to free the cam gear. A little oil will come out when you remove the plug. The bolt behind the plug takes a E-torx socket. When you start the engine the VCT unit will make noise until the oil pressure builds and fills the unit.
I don't want to piss anyone off here but I have done over 100 of these in my 30 years working on fords. This information is not correct. For one the slots in the camshafts are offset refer to this video at 1:25. you turn the slots until they are closest to the top and you can slide tool Part # 303-465 or make your own, ether way a flat not offset tool resting on the head surface will slide into the cam slots, if it does not you are 180 out.
If you run into a Ford VCT 2.0 engine that WILL NOT run right after youve timed it several times, check the tightness of the cam caps. Loss of oil pressure there will cause the VCT not to operate properly. Im DEFFINATLY NOT a VCT fan. Specially the older ones
Changed timing belt, still had running problems. Upon changin the solenoid and pulley, i noticed ALL the cam caps were loose. Since the VCT works on system oil pressure, loss of it is detramental. Loose caps caused oil pressure loss. Retorque caps, problem gone. FROM- Wazu2u11
My car is ford puma 1.7 VCT use the same sistem as focus 2.0 im interested to know how to remove VCT and the solanoide, i will change my cams for oders ford racing puma cams FRP...
The previous owner of my ZX2 did a timing belt job. I think he may have screwed something up whilst aligning the cams. I am very mechanically inclined. Is this something I can just check relatively easily then? It sounds easy to be honest.
@William9alex It goes up once per rotation of the crankshaft. It goes up twice per rotation of the camshaft. The crank rotates twice for every two rotations of the camshaft.
@briansmobile1 Right. so it doesn't really matter then right? As long as the camshafts are lined up with that bar and you find top dead center, correct? Second question, the previous mechanic to work on this escort I'm working on, made some marks on the camshaft to line them up. Is there a way I can time it all without pulling the head off? I don't want to buy a new gasket if I don't need to.
@William9alex Valve cover MUST come off. NOT the head. Marking the the cams on the VCT is worthless and VCT ignorant unfortunately.. . . . . bless his heart.
Hey Brian; I am debating buying a good used ford fungus I mean focus, a friend of mine owns it now and has kind of given up on it. The timing belt went after the engine was shut off and the next time he went to start it , well obviously it wouldn't start, he was told that the possibility of the valves being bent is pretty good. Is this possible seeing as how it didn't come off when the engine was running? Can turning the engine over only by means of the starter bend the valves?
Hey Brian, Im currently finishing my 2002 ford escort zx2. I Put an engine from another zx2 with 18,000 miles in it and it starts up and runs. The new engine has 18,000 miles but it was sitting for 8 years. The engine hesitates under WOT. I did a compression test and im getting 60psi exactly per cylinder. I see no signs of head failure (no milky oil or oil in coolant) the car runs but as soon as I hit wot it feels like its going into a safety mode. Any idea
@MrRaiomCurst WOT in "Park" has a safety, but in gear and on the road it should do fine at WOT. If your timing is off it could cause hesitation, but it will be noticeable throughout the throttle stroke.
@briansmobile1 This is my first ford with a VCT. I guess what im asking is if it is possible for the VCT to be off even if the timing is right. Got pistont 1 at TDC and cams aligned. But was thinking based off what you said with the escort sittting maybe for two long even though with 18 thousand miles the VCT leaked. Being hydraulic would the VCT refill after it runs?
@MrRaiomCurst Once they slip and become "off" they stay that way till you get in and physically line them up again. Another thing that can happen to a car that has sat a long time is the piston rings can become stuck in the piston groove and not expand properly. An easy fix for this is to put ATF in the spark plug holes and let it set overnight and then blow it back out. The detergents in it free up the stuck rings. - doing this will make it smoke horribly for a while after you start it up.
@briansmobile1 Brian thanks for the quick replys. Today i disconected the vct sensor on the top of the intake manifold. Odd but the car ran much better. No hesitation and it idled much better. AM i missing something here. Maybe the car is jumping into a preprogrammed mode im not sure first ford with vct.
@MrRaiomCurst The variable cam timing is like a substitute EGR valve that reinjects exhaust into the combustion process as an inert filler to increase fuel economy at cruising freeway speeds on level ground or down hill. It may be that your valve is stuck such that it's allowing exhaust back into the combustion chamber when it shouldn't and causing bad EGR valve (stuck open) type symptoms.
hey, thanks a lot, this video help me on timing up my zetec engine, i replaced the main bearings on my 96 ford contour and i couldn't get it to start, but after watching this video i wend back to my car and i did the right way thanks again.
This video was very helpful. but im having difficulties after the new bel install. Hoping you can help out... I made a cam tool, loosened both gears, set my tool in place like you did on the video with those 2 things upright on the cam side, turned the crank over to TDC and made sure the alignment mark on the crank was ok, then bolted everything back up. but now it revs up after pressing & releasing the gas pedal. and lacks power. poor throttle response :/. any help would be grateful thanks
@briansmobile1 - It was belt failure. a good 20 teeth or so were stripped off right at the crank. I been doing a lot of research and found others with same problem. found a bad PCV hose and also disconnected the battery over night. just got back from test driving it. the high reving on its own is gone now but still lacks power. and jerks while driving. Like misfiring or something. if i put a timing light to it, where should it be at? I didnt use a timing peg for this. would that matter? thanks
@calistang03 The peg is more for convenience. Some times with a belt failure you can have bent valves that create a misfire due to a loss of compression.A compression test will reveal this. More common a timing discrepancy is possible due to air getting into the VCT valve or other random anomalies. If you open up the cover and pull the valve cover and reset the timing (you'll see it's off a tooth or tooth and a half) it will likely be fine again. Common on a failed belt. = (
@briansmobile1 this one doesnt have that hydraulic sprocket. both cam gears are identical. just normal looking. I really hope its not anything bent. dont think it is though. where should the timing be? my problem is poor throttle response and jerking while driving :/
@calistang03 The timing varies by year and engine. The correct spec for your car can be found on the label under the hood marked either "Emissions" or "Catalyst"
@briansmobile1 - i checked. all it says was timing not adjustable.. I just now finished removing the valve cover and re checking the timing. still idling rough. i also put new plugs in it. still no difference. this thing is driving me nuts
hey there back again with some more questions on doing this... will i have to remove any pulleys or things like the alternator. just wondering dont want to end up spillin any oil or anything like antifreeze of that nature thanks
i fix my own truck! i have an 88 bronco with a 302 v8 the hardest ive done so far was removing broken waterpump bolt from the block by having to remove all the pullies out of the way to get the timing cover off. while having the timing cover off i went ahead and replaced the timing chain sence it had almost 3/4in play on both sides of the sprokets. for two months now and over 3000miles of driving there are no water leaks and runs great. parts such as the chain are getting hard to find now.
I timed my '99 mystique w/ 4 cyl vct engine w/ the cams 180 deg. opposite the way you show in your video. (By sliding in a piece of flatstock in the grooves flat on the head) The car runs ok but the cam sensor keeps throwing its code. (which would make sense if I'm so wrong) where can you get the proper cam alignment tool for these cars? I looked at some online but they look like my flatstock!
@jama5958 I couldn't find any I liked either- so I make my own. It's faster than waiting for shipping and it's cheaper it you already have a welder, grinder, and a micrometer.
I timed my '99 mystique w/ 4 cyl vct engine w/ the cams 180 deg. opposite the way you show in your video. (By sliding in a piece of flatstock in the grooves flat on the head) The car runs ok but the cam sensor keeps throwing its code. (which would make sense if I'm so wrong) where can you get the proper cam alignment tool for these cars? I looked at some online but they look like my flatstock!
Hey buddy...I had a customer with a focus zx2 2001 2.0L came in with a sound from under sprocket. Replaced all timing parts and sound still there. Power is fine. Did it same way as you, but sound there still. Any suggestions
Replace the front gear at the same time,the part inside sticks and you will have problems.This is for the 2.0 DOHCs 2004 and up.Have been told of this happening on an escort and bent the valves with this same engine
@wafrederick Doubt it, the last escort ZX2 was produced in 03, The escort ZX2 had VCT which had a solenoid that controled the exhaust cam timing (similar to vtec) via a phaser in the cam gear. The engine in the ZX2, Contour/Mystique/Cougar/Escape is essentially the same. The only other US ford with VCT is the Focus SVT and in that application it was on the Intake cam. All you need to change is the belt on these cars, if the phaser is gummed up that is the least of your problems...
@ajk148700 if the belt broke while you were running it, there is a 95% chance you bent some valves. This is what ford calls and "interference" engine. Meaning there is little or no clearence between the pistons and the valves. When the belt goes, it is common for the piston to come up and whack a valve...
Have you ever did a focus svt model. i'm trying to do mine. Timing belt broke off due to cranking the motor to go somewhere. I did what you said and it didn't crank over. Let me know.
If it is on # 1 compression stroke, shouldn't the cam lobes on # 4 cylinder point inward toward each other?? I'm working on one of these myself (Blew the belt)
I would like to tell you all,if you go to your local parts store for any of the tool kits to change belts,chains on these OHC engines,Don't let them tell you it's a dealer item. Tell them pull that tool catalog under the counter along with the other books they never look at.Found a bunch of the tool kits by OTC auto specialty section of the catalog.Ran into this with parts for myZX2.1998 early engine,neede a heat sensor ended up being a 97 contour part in their computer.
thanks for the video great help.I have a question about my zx2,its a early 98.blew a timing belt replaced it hasn't run right since. bought the tool kit redid it. same problems you spoke of in video(spark knock sluggish performance).I did remove the VCT sprocket and made sure the tab did go into the larger of the 4 holes in cam.loosened the sprocket bolts to set belt tension. is there something different that needs to be done since mine blew the belt?replaced idlers thats what threw the belt
This is 180 off...If you look the intake valves are about to open when the exhaust is what needs to open next. also if it was right the tool would rest even with the head. Get a book or buy the tool online. u custom made the tool to fit below only because your 180 off. I though this was the case but didnt say anything untill I just finnished my 2001 timing. You were 180 of in this video and you ddont need to use a tool. 2 8mm craftsman wrenches work perfect.
Your wrong.... Did you listen to what he said ?? The later models were built differently... They no longer line up even with the head... They line up under the head to make this job harder for the DIYers out there... This video is accurate, dont listen to these critics that have no clue as to what they are talking about
@camarodave1967 lol i just did an 01. lookat the video if the #1 piston is TDC on the compression stroke which valves should open next? If you said exhaust than you are correct. This is any eingine because when it goes boom (all valves closed) then next thing that happens is the exhaust gasses need to get out. This is a clockwise spinning eingine meaning the way he has it the intake is the next to open. That is all plain as day if you mute his video and look at the cam/valves. He is 180 off
@johnz281994 yeah i was just about to say the same i have done the timing one these engines before, it is possible they use wasted spark on this engine ie fires on compression then again on exhaust so it wont realy matter if its of 180
@camarodave1967 This has all been confirmed with ford, personal experiance , the haynes, and chilton books. All manufatured timing tools for all these engines are line up with the head. I am not a critic I am trying to save anyone doing this job the trouble of following bad directions.
Brian, you mentioned the tolerance of those slots on the cams to be within 0.15 mm. But a welded plate like you are using, with welding splatter and unfinished welds, is lucky to have tolerance better than 2mm. How close do you have to be for it to work correctly? If you are close, does the computer automatically adjust timing to get it exact? With dual OHC design, can it electronically adjust each cam timing separately? Thanks.
@spelunkerd Good question. What I do is I weld it thicker than it needs to be, and then I grind it down to be close to spot on. The parts of the tool that are inserted are ground surfaces that are free of splatter and any type of randomness caused by welding. That way I have a tool with performance and I get it cheaper and right now.
@briansmobile1 I guess what I'm getting at is whether I could do this all myself. I have hand grinders and a welder and cutting torch but I need help to resurface engine heads. Do I need to machine the mating surfaces to exact specs, or could I do this close enough with hand tools? Thanks for your help.
Hi I have a contour with the vct motor in it. I have been having issues with it since i got it back running... its been sittin for about two years the only times i would move it would be when i needed to situate somewhere else... I plugged in the diagnostic tool to the computer and it came up with three diffirent codes one was for a catalyst deficiency and the other for bad fuel rail pressure. another one said the timing was overretarded. what would you say it could be???
@fmartinez2580 The oil likely drained out of the VCT valve and timing got off. You can pull the upper cover and use the marks on the harmonic balancer to verify this. (harmonic balancer is the accessory drive belt pulley.)
The focus has a non-VCT zetec 2.0. Also, the VCT was strictly to meet the emissions requirements of the states and NOT FOR PERFORMANCE. This VCT system allows ford to not have an EGR on this motor.
I am doing this job on a 2000 contour 2.0 i used a 1ft file to align cams with surface of the head. is that the way it goes cause you said that 2000 models need a tool that aligns them below the surface of the head?
Hey, I am in the process of doing this and I have to get the bolts on the cams loose... What size do I need or is there some other technique I can use? Thanks:)
@CharalaAnn I use an impact. If I remember right it's 8 or 10 mm. allen wrench. 8mm I think. Sorry, it's been a while since last June. Can any one help him out?
@briansmobile1 I'm not a him and the little cover is a hex T55. Doesn't matter at this point because one of them refuses to break. Thanks for the vid though, Good Job.
Did I miss something? Is there a timing mark on the crank pulley? And the tork nut on the left cam is in fact what holds the sprocket on the cam shaft, but the tork nut on the right cam is a plug with an O ring to keep the oil from leaking out. you have to remove the right tork plug to get to the nut that actually holds the sprocket on. I just found this out, after looseing the right cam nut the sprocket would not rotate, I removed it and found another nut behind it.
Just curious, if you are doing a routine belt replacement (with no running issues present) do you need to loosen up the cam sprockets? I would think not?? I would then envision just placing the belt on like any other "normal" vehicle with woodruff keys, correct? The loosening of the cam sprocket was just to reset the base cam timing on a goofed-up one, right?
a ecm code for the vct being over advance (cant rember the code #) and cant seem to get the timing right with low power, they may have a broken flex plate (fly wheel). Come to find out what started my whole problem was my fly wheel was broken. Just a thought.
thanks for your info. Got my car running but unforurantly (sorry, spelling sucks) as soon as i got it running, spun a bearing. Got a used eng for car though and will use same set up for timing. I know you said that you made a tool for the cams, but i found out if eng is at tdc, you can put a flat bar in the slots right across the top of the head and it still works. Also you may want to let people that if they get
After trying this method 4 times on 99 Mystique with poor results (rough idle, no power) I talked to a local Ford mechanic. He told me to turn the cams 180 and use a flat bar in the slots, get TDC, run the belt, tighten everything down. Bingo worked the first time. I do believe I was off 1 tooth through the whole experience though. Not sure if it matters which way the cams are?? (method in the vid or 180 with flat bar tolock them in) but the latter worked for me. thx 4 the vid very helpfull.
thanks for responding to my message. you showed on ur vid that tdc on #1, the cam for the intake is set up right when the notches on the intake cam is facing up. when intake is set up, witch way does the excaust cam lobe on #1 cylender face, towards the front of the car, or towards the spark plug? cant quite tell from ur vid. thk.
@bigdnelyria Only worry about the back side of the cams. Go by the nubs NEAR the cams, but not the cam wheels themselves. The cam wheels themselves don't have notches to align them.
@briansmobile1 thanks for replying again to my message. when i reinstall the belt, from what i read online, do i only rotate the engine clockwise do to the excaust advance assmblely? From what i read, seems like if i go conter-clock wise, the timing will never be right.
Very helpful. I got ahold of one that had sat for 6 months. The oil drains from that clutch and seems as though it slips until the engine oil works back into it. so I had to set it twice. The only alignment tool that i could find for for this same cam setup was in a master kit which was over $500. I made my own as well.
Also, one more thing. When the timing is not correct on these engines, does it almost sound like the engine is blown? I can get it to start, but almost sounds like the belt is broken which has been replaced. Engine makes alot of nasty noises which almost sounds like it has a busted rod. I've done timing belts before but this is the first one i've done on this kind of motor. Thanks
@bigdnelyria If the belt is off a tooth you get a really rough running motor or it won't start if you're off more than two teeth. Noised will vary, but shouldn't rod knock etc.
Good video. One question. At TDC, those notches on the intake cam are facing up. Can't tell which way the exaust lobes are facing by your video. Could you possably tell me which way the exaust cam lobes should be facing? To the front or towards the spark plug?
wow 1000% best vid ive seen on vetech i did this exactly on my 02 svt focus but im still getting a timming advanced code im thinking its a bad intake cam gear
I think you mean the harmonic balancer pulley... That one you put a pry bar on either side behind it and rock/wiggle it back and forth till it wiggles off.
@Byootox I'm not a conosuer of French cars. Japanese, American, German, and definitely Italian. French have good food. I've been there and loved the food.
Hey you guys u just need a pitch-square tool the one the carpenter uses.look for the side that is wider and put it on the back of the cams it will fit on them.
Espatulation 15 hours ago
To brianmobile. I was back home to ga from sc, and suddenly the car went off. Lost power that's it. The first though timing jumped. Cuz the belt was on it's place, I did tow it and check fuses,spark fuel. Even I put brake cleaner to the throttle-body but nothing happen.
Espatulation 3 days ago
To jafromobile.hey yes I know about that but back on 2010 the belt collapsed and I replaced the only issue was I didn't now how to set tensioner(if u don't put right I'll slip off and break) but the car ignite on first try. After 6 months I had to changed it cuz the idler. And again this time did crank but on the 2nd try.
Espatulation 3 days ago
You may be thinking some but I did right for sure. Today was my second attempt but nothing again I'm not frustrated yet.
Espatulation 4 days ago
@Espatulation What's the history? Did the belt break? Did you just change the belt? Did the car sit for 3+ months and not start?
briansmobile1 4 days ago
Hey I'm sorry to bother u but I did everything you said I did not crank up. Do u now why thanks.
Espatulation 4 days ago
@Espatulation I know on a '93 Ford Probe with the 2.0L (and the Mercury Mistake and a few other cars) you can't be more than 3° off TDC with the cams or it won't give spark to the hole. The cam angle sensor is super-sensitive and the hydraulic adjuster likes to rotate while you're torquing the cam gear bolts. 'dunno if this engine has the same style CAS, but I've watched that setup give a garage full of mechanics headaches from the hydraulics rotating. I wish they had a dowel pin on the cams.
Jafromobile 4 days ago
thanks
twiztedbacon 1 week ago
@twiztedbacon You're welcome
briansmobile1 1 week ago
do u know how much that tool is from ford
twiztedbacon 1 week ago
@twiztedbacon Just line it up 180 degrees from what I had and use a flat file or piece of plate steel.
briansmobile1 1 week ago
Brian, your a life saver! looked at tons of post and videos and no one showed the cams clearly- I was wondering if you could answer 3 questions before I do my timing belt though. 1st before you install the new belt, do you need to do anything with the VVT on the exhaust cam? 2nd- are the cam bolts reverse threaded? and 3rd do you know what size torx screw those are? my manual left that out and I need to go by one when I order my part.
thanks a million from- Aodhan in Duluth MN!
aodhanof90 2 weeks ago
@aodhanof90 You have to remove the plug and loosen the bolt behind the plug. The bolts are not reverse or left hand thread. I don't recall the size. Probably T25 or T30 It's been too long. I would advise getting a set.
briansmobile1 2 weeks ago
@briansmobile1 sounds good, I'll be picking up a set of torx bits at Sear- I guess I have one more question about the VCT, when you lock the cams and have the gears loose, is it possible to have the exhaust cam & gear out of sync? I guess I'm just not sure if the gear needs to be oriented in a certain way or if you just keep it loose till the belt is tensioned.
thanks again :-)
aodhanof90 2 weeks ago
@aodhanof90 The cams MUST be held exact. The cam wheels it doesn't matter. After installing and tensioning the timing belt THEN you tighten the cam wheels proper.
briansmobile1 2 weeks ago
thanks a lot, this made my day so much easier. ill be contacting you with more questions.
mex20oax 1 month ago
hi me and my dad need to know the microns on you camshaft tool that you made so we can make one if you dont have a micronmerter than can you please give the genarle specs on the tool you made thank you
walter9073 1 month ago
@walter9073 Just line it up with the square lobes facing up or 180 degrees from what I showed. Then you can use a flat file because the notches are off center.
briansmobile1 1 month ago
Back to a question from VampireFrancesca, could you elaborate why the cam position needs to be reset if you are conducting a routine t-belt change on a normally functioning engine?
jcorbat 1 month ago
@jcorbat Because once is enough for getting into this timing cover/valve cover. It's the way to make SURE it turns out right the first time.
briansmobile1 1 month ago
Brian What size reverse-torx soacket do I need for the cam bolt
sbstuby 2 months ago
Brian, I'd like to e-mail, but maybe this will help others too: Once you've removed the oil plug on the exhaust cam cover and loosened the reverse-torx bolt holding the hydraulic clutch & sprocket to the cam, what do you align the sprocket to? Autodata states "Turn sprocket until hole and large lug of sprocket hub at top". I have no idea what hole and large lug they are referring to!
robbnj 2 months ago
great video,
is this the same idea as a dohc ford sierra cosworth? the head looks similar. cheers, rob
zambam3 2 months ago
Thanks for this. 6,000 posts on the 'net on how to do it that make no sense whatsoever (even the step-by-step ones). My job just got easier!
robbnj 2 months ago
@robbnj You're most welcome!
briansmobile1 2 months ago
I recently replaced the timing belt on my 02 Focus zetec. I bought the tool kit for that car. I was really suprised at how easy it was to do! Now my nieces 02 ZX2 timing belt broke so I guess I get to use my tool again LOL! The kit for those that may wonder is a flat bar and a threaded pin to hold the crankshaft that screws into a hole on the side of the block under the exhaust. I used srmastertech's video since he did a Focus like mine. The ZX2 zetec has some differences from the Focus zetec.
yardtechbrando 2 months ago
I know 4 a fact that this guy is totally wrong, I just did a timing belt on a zx2 and he has his camshafts off by 180 degrees right now.
turbomatt81 3 months ago
@turbomatt81 Yes and no. I did mine like yours, but it will work 180 degrees off, as the cams spin at half crankshaft speed. So every time the engine goes one complete revolution, the cams go half, or 180 degrees. If you spin yours over one complete revolution, you'll see the cams are now off 180 with the crank at the same position. He just made himself a lot more work building an unnecessary offset tool when he could have just used a flat bar.
tbird635 3 months ago
Also, a zx2 , contour, and regular Focus are NON-interference engines, with the exception of the SVT Focus. The lift on the SVT cams WILL allow the valves to hit, bending the valves.
tbird635 3 months ago
Good video . I used it for my timing belt swap on my 2002 ZX2. A few pointers...buy the Gates kit with the pulleys and change them at the same time . The idler pulleys can come apart . Second, I used piece of flat bar stock that had slop. Advanced or retarded cam timing up to 4 degrees on either cam. Potentially good or bad depending on which way it ends up. Buy the correct tool OTC 6486 avoid the problem. Last, the VCT exhaust cam pulley bolt is inside the pulley under the plug.
tbird635 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
i just got done resetting the timing on my 97 contour it jumped timing d/t a loose timing belt tentioner. the first time i had the crankshaft 180 out and it wouldnt run but once i figured that out it was fine. and for the cam tool i used an old metal vent visor to hold them still.
kensteele2002 3 months ago
Dude, what is with your cams and cam tool?
Every reference I have found on the internet - including InFord - shows a completely flat piece of metal that fits into the cam notches and lies flat on top of the head. For all Escort's and Focus's alike. But your notches are below the top of the head.
I ask, because I have a Focus with the notches below the top of the head as well. My flat bar tool will not work. What the heck man!
RockThePylon 3 months ago
@RockThePylon I've done both. The flat one's I have a file in the tool box that works awesome. Nobody had the tool so I made one. I sold it to a guy in New Jersey. They aren't super hard to make. The guy in Jersey sold it to someone else I understand.
briansmobile1 3 months ago
@RockThePylon THE SLOTS ARE OFFSET IN THE CAMS!! If the flat tool will not fit you are 180 out, turn the cams 180 and the flat tool WILL slide right in!!
joeysgarage1 3 months ago
@joeysgarage1 You are correct. Figured it out after spending 3 hours trying to find a different tool online.
But imagine my confusion! I have access to InFord, and I checked out every single make/year that a Zetec was used in. And guess what, every year uses the same flat tool! Oh man, drove me nuts!
But yea, I watched this video before I did the work, so I immediately thought, "Dang! I need that special tool he had!"
RockThePylon 3 months ago
@joeysgarage1 THANK YOU! You're awesome man. I gave you props at 1:12. Sadly I worked at a dealership that did these this way years ago. The flat tool/method is way better.
briansmobile1 3 months ago
@briansmobile1 I am very glad I could help. I have known a lot of people that have struggled with setup. I had a little trouble with the first one i did but I was lucky i had someone around that showed me the way to do this procedure. And thanks to the guy that saw this and called me to know where he could get the offset tool or if i had one.
joeysgarage1 3 months ago
@joeysgarage1 You're awesome. I sub'd your channel.
briansmobile1 3 months ago
@RockThePylon If joeys garage is correct PLEASE let me know so I can annotate this video so other people can know. When I've done these in the past I didn't try it 180- I just always went by the book. It MAY be possible.
briansmobile1 3 months ago
@briansmobile1 Joey's garage is right, and I'm retarded.
Slots in the cams are offset. Makes sure you're at TDC before power, not TDC before intake (Or the other way around, I dunno)
But yea, one full turn of the crank and the slots line up gorgeously.
I'd add an annotation for sure. I watched your video before I did it, so I just assumed such a thing existed. Then I got frustrated after spending 2 hours on Inford trying to figure out make and year had such a head!
I'm not mad, it's funny.
RockThePylon 3 months ago
@RockThePylon Thanks for confirming that the 180 works. Hopefully this will save others from frustration and I won't have to build another tool for the next one I do. You're the man- I really appreciate your follow up. I annotated this vid at 1:12 with your name.
briansmobile1 3 months ago
@briansmobile1 Just watched your video again, and yea, those cams have the offset notches too.
Hahaha, sad story bro!
RockThePylon 3 months ago
@RockThePylon That's not sad- that's GREAT NEWS! The book I was going by sucked. No reason to perpetuate bad info eigh? This means a file will work. I'll annotate it right now.
briansmobile1 3 months ago
Also the VCT Unit gear, the front torx bolt is just a plug, it must be removed to access the bolt behind this and it must be loosened to free the cam gear. A little oil will come out when you remove the plug. The bolt behind the plug takes a E-torx socket. When you start the engine the VCT unit will make noise until the oil pressure builds and fills the unit.
joeysgarage1 4 months ago
I don't want to piss anyone off here but I have done over 100 of these in my 30 years working on fords. This information is not correct. For one the slots in the camshafts are offset refer to this video at 1:25. you turn the slots until they are closest to the top and you can slide tool Part # 303-465 or make your own, ether way a flat not offset tool resting on the head surface will slide into the cam slots, if it does not you are 180 out.
joeysgarage1 4 months ago
If you run into a Ford VCT 2.0 engine that WILL NOT run right after youve timed it several times, check the tightness of the cam caps. Loss of oil pressure there will cause the VCT not to operate properly. Im DEFFINATLY NOT a VCT fan. Specially the older ones
wazoo2u11 4 months ago
Changed timing belt, still had running problems. Upon changin the solenoid and pulley, i noticed ALL the cam caps were loose. Since the VCT works on system oil pressure, loss of it is detramental. Loose caps caused oil pressure loss. Retorque caps, problem gone. FROM- Wazu2u11
briansmobile1 4 months ago
hello brian i need your help.
My car is ford puma 1.7 VCT use the same sistem as focus 2.0 im interested to know how to remove VCT and the solanoide, i will change my cams for oders ford racing puma cams FRP...
thanks :)
sercarvalho84 4 months ago
The previous owner of my ZX2 did a timing belt job. I think he may have screwed something up whilst aligning the cams. I am very mechanically inclined. Is this something I can just check relatively easily then? It sounds easy to be honest.
Prototypexl 5 months ago
@Prototypexl It's WAY different than other timing belts, but it's not hard with a little instruction.
briansmobile1 5 months ago
Did about 4 of those timing belt jobs in a month, bought the timing belt SST from Ford. Haven't done one in 6 years since I bought the tool :/
youvegotmoxie 5 months ago
@youvegotmoxie Ah, thus is life!
briansmobile1 5 months ago
How do you know when the piston is at the second part of fourth part of the revolution, since it goes up twice in one rotation?
William9alex 6 months ago
@William9alex It goes up once per rotation of the crankshaft. It goes up twice per rotation of the camshaft. The crank rotates twice for every two rotations of the camshaft.
briansmobile1 6 months ago
@briansmobile1 Right. so it doesn't really matter then right? As long as the camshafts are lined up with that bar and you find top dead center, correct? Second question, the previous mechanic to work on this escort I'm working on, made some marks on the camshaft to line them up. Is there a way I can time it all without pulling the head off? I don't want to buy a new gasket if I don't need to.
William9alex 6 months ago
@William9alex Valve cover MUST come off. NOT the head. Marking the the cams on the VCT is worthless and VCT ignorant unfortunately.. . . . . bless his heart.
briansmobile1 6 months ago
Comment removed
William9alex 6 months ago
Hey Brian; I am debating buying a good used ford fungus I mean focus, a friend of mine owns it now and has kind of given up on it. The timing belt went after the engine was shut off and the next time he went to start it , well obviously it wouldn't start, he was told that the possibility of the valves being bent is pretty good. Is this possible seeing as how it didn't come off when the engine was running? Can turning the engine over only by means of the starter bend the valves?
MegaFlaxman 7 months ago
@MegaFlaxman It COULD, but it isn't likely in this motor
briansmobile1 7 months ago
Hey Brian, Im currently finishing my 2002 ford escort zx2. I Put an engine from another zx2 with 18,000 miles in it and it starts up and runs. The new engine has 18,000 miles but it was sitting for 8 years. The engine hesitates under WOT. I did a compression test and im getting 60psi exactly per cylinder. I see no signs of head failure (no milky oil or oil in coolant) the car runs but as soon as I hit wot it feels like its going into a safety mode. Any idea
MrRaiomCurst 7 months ago
@MrRaiomCurst WOT in "Park" has a safety, but in gear and on the road it should do fine at WOT. If your timing is off it could cause hesitation, but it will be noticeable throughout the throttle stroke.
briansmobile1 7 months ago
@briansmobile1 This is my first ford with a VCT. I guess what im asking is if it is possible for the VCT to be off even if the timing is right. Got pistont 1 at TDC and cams aligned. But was thinking based off what you said with the escort sittting maybe for two long even though with 18 thousand miles the VCT leaked. Being hydraulic would the VCT refill after it runs?
MrRaiomCurst 7 months ago
@MrRaiomCurst Once they slip and become "off" they stay that way till you get in and physically line them up again. Another thing that can happen to a car that has sat a long time is the piston rings can become stuck in the piston groove and not expand properly. An easy fix for this is to put ATF in the spark plug holes and let it set overnight and then blow it back out. The detergents in it free up the stuck rings. - doing this will make it smoke horribly for a while after you start it up.
briansmobile1 7 months ago
@briansmobile1 Brian thanks for the quick replys. Today i disconected the vct sensor on the top of the intake manifold. Odd but the car ran much better. No hesitation and it idled much better. AM i missing something here. Maybe the car is jumping into a preprogrammed mode im not sure first ford with vct.
MrRaiomCurst 7 months ago
@MrRaiomCurst The variable cam timing is like a substitute EGR valve that reinjects exhaust into the combustion process as an inert filler to increase fuel economy at cruising freeway speeds on level ground or down hill. It may be that your valve is stuck such that it's allowing exhaust back into the combustion chamber when it shouldn't and causing bad EGR valve (stuck open) type symptoms.
briansmobile1 7 months ago
great job man... thanks a bunch!
damelloman 8 months ago
@damelloman You're welcome!
briansmobile1 8 months ago
Comment removed
ozzy1bud 9 months ago
hey, thanks a lot, this video help me on timing up my zetec engine, i replaced the main bearings on my 96 ford contour and i couldn't get it to start, but after watching this video i wend back to my car and i did the right way thanks again.
topolobam 9 months ago
@topolobam You're welcome. Love ya
briansmobile1 9 months ago
@topolobam Thanks for the post.
briansmobile1 9 months ago
This video was very helpful. but im having difficulties after the new bel install. Hoping you can help out... I made a cam tool, loosened both gears, set my tool in place like you did on the video with those 2 things upright on the cam side, turned the crank over to TDC and made sure the alignment mark on the crank was ok, then bolted everything back up. but now it revs up after pressing & releasing the gas pedal. and lacks power. poor throttle response :/. any help would be grateful thanks
calistang03 9 months ago
@calistang03 Was this a mileage timing belt swap or was there a timing issue due to the car sitting a long time?
briansmobile1 9 months ago
@briansmobile1 - It was belt failure. a good 20 teeth or so were stripped off right at the crank. I been doing a lot of research and found others with same problem. found a bad PCV hose and also disconnected the battery over night. just got back from test driving it. the high reving on its own is gone now but still lacks power. and jerks while driving. Like misfiring or something. if i put a timing light to it, where should it be at? I didnt use a timing peg for this. would that matter? thanks
calistang03 9 months ago
@calistang03 The peg is more for convenience. Some times with a belt failure you can have bent valves that create a misfire due to a loss of compression.A compression test will reveal this. More common a timing discrepancy is possible due to air getting into the VCT valve or other random anomalies. If you open up the cover and pull the valve cover and reset the timing (you'll see it's off a tooth or tooth and a half) it will likely be fine again. Common on a failed belt. = (
briansmobile1 9 months ago
@briansmobile1 this one doesnt have that hydraulic sprocket. both cam gears are identical. just normal looking. I really hope its not anything bent. dont think it is though. where should the timing be? my problem is poor throttle response and jerking while driving :/
calistang03 9 months ago
@calistang03 The timing varies by year and engine. The correct spec for your car can be found on the label under the hood marked either "Emissions" or "Catalyst"
briansmobile1 9 months ago
@briansmobile1 - i checked. all it says was timing not adjustable.. I just now finished removing the valve cover and re checking the timing. still idling rough. i also put new plugs in it. still no difference. this thing is driving me nuts
calistang03 9 months ago
Thank you for posting this video, It was extremely helpful & created a similar cam alignment tool, fixing my 2002 Ford Escort ZX2. - Eliot, Maine.
braceman03903 10 months ago
hey there back again with some more questions on doing this... will i have to remove any pulleys or things like the alternator. just wondering dont want to end up spillin any oil or anything like antifreeze of that nature thanks
fmartinez2580 10 months ago
@fmartinez2580 The alternator stays in place. You just need to take off the valve cover-that has oil in it, but usually doesn't spill.
briansmobile1 10 months ago
i fix my own truck! i have an 88 bronco with a 302 v8 the hardest ive done so far was removing broken waterpump bolt from the block by having to remove all the pullies out of the way to get the timing cover off. while having the timing cover off i went ahead and replaced the timing chain sence it had almost 3/4in play on both sides of the sprokets. for two months now and over 3000miles of driving there are no water leaks and runs great. parts such as the chain are getting hard to find now.
bradmann85 10 months ago
Good no-nonsense video, thanks for posting, very useful!
petrolhead1977 11 months ago
@petrolhead1977 You're welcome- glad I could help.
briansmobile1 11 months ago
I timed my '99 mystique w/ 4 cyl vct engine w/ the cams 180 deg. opposite the way you show in your video. (By sliding in a piece of flatstock in the grooves flat on the head) The car runs ok but the cam sensor keeps throwing its code. (which would make sense if I'm so wrong) where can you get the proper cam alignment tool for these cars? I looked at some online but they look like my flatstock!
jama5958 11 months ago
@jama5958 I couldn't find any I liked either- so I make my own. It's faster than waiting for shipping and it's cheaper it you already have a welder, grinder, and a micrometer.
briansmobile1 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I timed my '99 mystique w/ 4 cyl vct engine w/ the cams 180 deg. opposite the way you show in your video. (By sliding in a piece of flatstock in the grooves flat on the head) The car runs ok but the cam sensor keeps throwing its code. (which would make sense if I'm so wrong) where can you get the proper cam alignment tool for these cars? I looked at some online but they look like my flatstock!
jama5958 11 months ago
GREATVID!!! but the VCT on the Zetec is to replace an EGR valve system, not to make power like a honda VTEC
PnmRED 11 months ago
@PnmRED You are correct! It is.
briansmobile1 11 months ago
Hey buddy...I had a customer with a focus zx2 2001 2.0L came in with a sound from under sprocket. Replaced all timing parts and sound still there. Power is fine. Did it same way as you, but sound there still. Any suggestions
timewasterscommish 1 year ago
@timewasterscommish you really gotta describe the sound for me or do a video response.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
Replace the front gear at the same time,the part inside sticks and you will have problems.This is for the 2.0 DOHCs 2004 and up.Have been told of this happening on an escort and bent the valves with this same engine
wafrederick 1 year ago
@wafrederick Cool. Thanks for the info!
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@wafrederick Doubt it, the last escort ZX2 was produced in 03, The escort ZX2 had VCT which had a solenoid that controled the exhaust cam timing (similar to vtec) via a phaser in the cam gear. The engine in the ZX2, Contour/Mystique/Cougar/Escape is essentially the same. The only other US ford with VCT is the Focus SVT and in that application it was on the Intake cam. All you need to change is the belt on these cars, if the phaser is gummed up that is the least of your problems...
PUREAAMERICAN 1 year ago
@PUREAAMERICAN This did happen and this gear did stick.A retired Jasper rep told me about this and knows the shop that saw that saw this happen
wafrederick 1 year ago
I would like to thank you. Your video really helped out. Couldn't have done it without you.
Leanne779 1 year ago
@Leanne779 You're welcome
briansmobile1 1 year ago
my 99 escort ran fine and the timing belt broke i replaced it and it still doesn't start what do you think i did wrong
ajk148700 1 year ago
@ajk148700 Maybe nothing. Check compression for bent valves.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@ajk148700 if the belt broke while you were running it, there is a 95% chance you bent some valves. This is what ford calls and "interference" engine. Meaning there is little or no clearence between the pistons and the valves. When the belt goes, it is common for the piston to come up and whack a valve...
asetech76 1 year ago
Have you ever did a focus svt model. i'm trying to do mine. Timing belt broke off due to cranking the motor to go somewhere. I did what you said and it didn't crank over. Let me know.
exclusivecuriosity 1 year ago
how would i know if i was one tooth off im cranking after we put it all together sounds good but no fire 96 mercury mystique by the way....
jboe145eva 1 year ago
@jboe145eva Do you have injector pulse and spark?
briansmobile1 1 year ago
If the timing belt has been replaced and not done properly. Do I have to remove the belt again to adjust the timing again?
bestclarkesspot 1 year ago
@bestclarkesspot Possibly not, but you may. If you can get the cams right by just loosening the bolts in the end of the cam you'll be fine.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
Comment removed
bestclarkesspot 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I had my timing belt replaced and my car jerks at idle speed and smooth out while driving. Could this be a bad timing adjustment?
bestclarkesspot 1 year ago
Comment removed
bestclarkesspot 1 year ago
@bestclarkesspot It's possible that it's off a tooth. Was it smooth before?
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@briansmobile1 Yes it was smooth before
bestclarkesspot 1 year ago
If it is on # 1 compression stroke, shouldn't the cam lobes on # 4 cylinder point inward toward each other?? I'm working on one of these myself (Blew the belt)
9020powrmax 1 year ago
@9020powrmax You can do it 180 off on the cams because the crank goes twice for every once the cams rotate.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
I would like to tell you all,if you go to your local parts store for any of the tool kits to change belts,chains on these OHC engines,Don't let them tell you it's a dealer item. Tell them pull that tool catalog under the counter along with the other books they never look at.Found a bunch of the tool kits by OTC auto specialty section of the catalog.Ran into this with parts for myZX2.1998 early engine,neede a heat sensor ended up being a 97 contour part in their computer.
79indypony 1 year ago
thanks for the video great help.I have a question about my zx2,its a early 98.blew a timing belt replaced it hasn't run right since. bought the tool kit redid it. same problems you spoke of in video(spark knock sluggish performance).I did remove the VCT sprocket and made sure the tab did go into the larger of the 4 holes in cam.loosened the sprocket bolts to set belt tension. is there something different that needs to be done since mine blew the belt?replaced idlers thats what threw the belt
79indypony 1 year ago
This is 180 off...If you look the intake valves are about to open when the exhaust is what needs to open next. also if it was right the tool would rest even with the head. Get a book or buy the tool online. u custom made the tool to fit below only because your 180 off. I though this was the case but didnt say anything untill I just finnished my 2001 timing. You were 180 of in this video and you ddont need to use a tool. 2 8mm craftsman wrenches work perfect.
johnz281994 1 year ago
Your wrong.... Did you listen to what he said ?? The later models were built differently... They no longer line up even with the head... They line up under the head to make this job harder for the DIYers out there... This video is accurate, dont listen to these critics that have no clue as to what they are talking about
camarodave1967 1 year ago
@camarodave1967 lol i just did an 01. lookat the video if the #1 piston is TDC on the compression stroke which valves should open next? If you said exhaust than you are correct. This is any eingine because when it goes boom (all valves closed) then next thing that happens is the exhaust gasses need to get out. This is a clockwise spinning eingine meaning the way he has it the intake is the next to open. That is all plain as day if you mute his video and look at the cam/valves. He is 180 off
johnz281994 1 year ago
@johnz281994 yeah i was just about to say the same i have done the timing one these engines before, it is possible they use wasted spark on this engine ie fires on compression then again on exhaust so it wont realy matter if its of 180
Bricksandmortars 1 year ago
@camarodave1967 This has all been confirmed with ford, personal experiance , the haynes, and chilton books. All manufatured timing tools for all these engines are line up with the head. I am not a critic I am trying to save anyone doing this job the trouble of following bad directions.
johnz281994 1 year ago
Brian, you mentioned the tolerance of those slots on the cams to be within 0.15 mm. But a welded plate like you are using, with welding splatter and unfinished welds, is lucky to have tolerance better than 2mm. How close do you have to be for it to work correctly? If you are close, does the computer automatically adjust timing to get it exact? With dual OHC design, can it electronically adjust each cam timing separately? Thanks.
spelunkerd 1 year ago
@spelunkerd Good question. What I do is I weld it thicker than it needs to be, and then I grind it down to be close to spot on. The parts of the tool that are inserted are ground surfaces that are free of splatter and any type of randomness caused by welding. That way I have a tool with performance and I get it cheaper and right now.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@briansmobile1 I guess what I'm getting at is whether I could do this all myself. I have hand grinders and a welder and cutting torch but I need help to resurface engine heads. Do I need to machine the mating surfaces to exact specs, or could I do this close enough with hand tools? Thanks for your help.
spelunkerd 1 year ago
@spelunkerd If you have hand tools including a micrometer, and some patience you're good.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
Hi I have a contour with the vct motor in it. I have been having issues with it since i got it back running... its been sittin for about two years the only times i would move it would be when i needed to situate somewhere else... I plugged in the diagnostic tool to the computer and it came up with three diffirent codes one was for a catalyst deficiency and the other for bad fuel rail pressure. another one said the timing was overretarded. what would you say it could be???
fmartinez2580 1 year ago
@fmartinez2580 The oil likely drained out of the VCT valve and timing got off. You can pull the upper cover and use the marks on the harmonic balancer to verify this. (harmonic balancer is the accessory drive belt pulley.)
briansmobile1 1 year ago
Comment removed
meyerkyle9 1 year ago
The focus has a non-VCT zetec 2.0. Also, the VCT was strictly to meet the emissions requirements of the states and NOT FOR PERFORMANCE. This VCT system allows ford to not have an EGR on this motor.
meyerkyle9 1 year ago
@meyerkyle9 Nice! Thanks for sharing that. = )
briansmobile1 1 year ago
I am doing this job on a 2000 contour 2.0 i used a 1ft file to align cams with surface of the head. is that the way it goes cause you said that 2000 models need a tool that aligns them below the surface of the head?
chev1988rolet 1 year ago
@chev1988rolet Ya a file is fine- good job.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@chev1988rolet he said this because he is 180 off. if he was on it would be above the head
johnz281994 1 year ago
@chev1988rolet a file would work. I used 2 8mm craftsman wrenches
johnz281994 1 year ago
Hey, I am in the process of doing this and I have to get the bolts on the cams loose... What size do I need or is there some other technique I can use? Thanks:)
CharalaAnn 1 year ago
@CharalaAnn I use an impact. If I remember right it's 8 or 10 mm. allen wrench. 8mm I think. Sorry, it's been a while since last June. Can any one help him out?
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@briansmobile1 I'm not a him and the little cover is a hex T55. Doesn't matter at this point because one of them refuses to break. Thanks for the vid though, Good Job.
CharalaAnn 1 year ago
@CharalaAnn I probably should have caught that by your user name- my apologies ; ) You're a rare find- good for you for being unique!
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@CharalaAnn dont loosen the bolts just allign it without loosening the bolts. that is a waste of time and energy.
johnz281994 1 year ago
Did I miss something? Is there a timing mark on the crank pulley? And the tork nut on the left cam is in fact what holds the sprocket on the cam shaft, but the tork nut on the right cam is a plug with an O ring to keep the oil from leaking out. you have to remove the right tork plug to get to the nut that actually holds the sprocket on. I just found this out, after looseing the right cam nut the sprocket would not rotate, I removed it and found another nut behind it.
fd390hp 1 year ago
@fd390hp Some do. The timing on the Crankshaft is harmonic balancer to timing cover. I go by the piston- unmistakable. Thanks for sharing!
briansmobile1 1 year ago
A great deal of help, thank you brother!
dyaballikl 1 year ago
@dyaballikl You're welcome. I'm honored to be of service to you!
briansmobile1 1 year ago
Just curious, if you are doing a routine belt replacement (with no running issues present) do you need to loosen up the cam sprockets? I would think not?? I would then envision just placing the belt on like any other "normal" vehicle with woodruff keys, correct? The loosening of the cam sprocket was just to reset the base cam timing on a goofed-up one, right?
VampireFrancesca 1 year ago
@VampireFrancesca On these you always loosen them.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
a ecm code for the vct being over advance (cant rember the code #) and cant seem to get the timing right with low power, they may have a broken flex plate (fly wheel). Come to find out what started my whole problem was my fly wheel was broken. Just a thought.
bigdnelyria 1 year ago
@bigdnelyria Thanks for adding that here. = )
briansmobile1 1 year ago
thanks for your info. Got my car running but unforurantly (sorry, spelling sucks) as soon as i got it running, spun a bearing. Got a used eng for car though and will use same set up for timing. I know you said that you made a tool for the cams, but i found out if eng is at tdc, you can put a flat bar in the slots right across the top of the head and it still works. Also you may want to let people that if they get
bigdnelyria 1 year ago
After trying this method 4 times on 99 Mystique with poor results (rough idle, no power) I talked to a local Ford mechanic. He told me to turn the cams 180 and use a flat bar in the slots, get TDC, run the belt, tighten everything down. Bingo worked the first time. I do believe I was off 1 tooth through the whole experience though. Not sure if it matters which way the cams are?? (method in the vid or 180 with flat bar tolock them in) but the latter worked for me. thx 4 the vid very helpfull.
theoneninja 1 year ago
Comment removed
theoneninja 1 year ago
thanks for responding to my message. you showed on ur vid that tdc on #1, the cam for the intake is set up right when the notches on the intake cam is facing up. when intake is set up, witch way does the excaust cam lobe on #1 cylender face, towards the front of the car, or towards the spark plug? cant quite tell from ur vid. thk.
bigdnelyria 1 year ago
@bigdnelyria Only worry about the back side of the cams. Go by the nubs NEAR the cams, but not the cam wheels themselves. The cam wheels themselves don't have notches to align them.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@briansmobile1 thanks for replying again to my message. when i reinstall the belt, from what i read online, do i only rotate the engine clockwise do to the excaust advance assmblely? From what i read, seems like if i go conter-clock wise, the timing will never be right.
bigdnelyria 1 year ago
@bigdnelyria That is correct. Always go clockwise.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
@briansmobile1 thanks for your help
bigdnelyria 1 year ago
Very helpful. I got ahold of one that had sat for 6 months. The oil drains from that clutch and seems as though it slips until the engine oil works back into it. so I had to set it twice. The only alignment tool that i could find for for this same cam setup was in a master kit which was over $500. I made my own as well.
tss0101 1 year ago
@tss0101 Way to go! That's awesome!
briansmobile1 1 year ago
your video very helpful except you makeshift tool put the cams upsdedown it should lay on top of the block
navwar1977 1 year ago
Also, one more thing. When the timing is not correct on these engines, does it almost sound like the engine is blown? I can get it to start, but almost sounds like the belt is broken which has been replaced. Engine makes alot of nasty noises which almost sounds like it has a busted rod. I've done timing belts before but this is the first one i've done on this kind of motor. Thanks
bigdnelyria 1 year ago
@bigdnelyria If the belt is off a tooth you get a really rough running motor or it won't start if you're off more than two teeth. Noised will vary, but shouldn't rod knock etc.
briansmobile1 1 year ago
Good video. One question. At TDC, those notches on the intake cam are facing up. Can't tell which way the exaust lobes are facing by your video. Could you possably tell me which way the exaust cam lobes should be facing? To the front or towards the spark plug?
bigdnelyria 1 year ago
nice video,good job
czar1177 1 year ago
@czar1177 Thanx!
briansmobile1 1 year ago
wow 1000% best vid ive seen on vetech i did this exactly on my 02 svt focus but im still getting a timming advanced code im thinking its a bad intake cam gear
soicstang 1 year ago
Thanks!
briansmobile1 1 year ago
how do i get the bottom pulley off
MrTom715 2 years ago
The belt off the pulley or the tensioner slack? Or the serpentine idler off the cover?
briansmobile1 2 years ago
I think you mean the harmonic balancer pulley... That one you put a pry bar on either side behind it and rock/wiggle it back and forth till it wiggles off.
briansmobile1 2 years ago
Unfortunately not all cars have No1 at the timing belt or timing chain end !!
Primarily french cars are guilty of this !!
Byootox 2 years ago
@Byootox I'm not a conosuer of French cars. Japanese, American, German, and definitely Italian. French have good food. I've been there and loved the food.
briansmobile1 2 years ago