Cam positioning tool help.
06-11-2013, 09:23 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 37
Cam positioning tool help.
Ok, this is confusing.....
As I said in my first post, I'm a Chrysler Guy, So modular fords are a new animal for me. Of course when your first Born Son gets in a Jam, you cant say NO. I borrowed the Timing tools from a Ford Tech Buddy, But when I tried to use the "Cam Positioner", I dont have any "Flats" on the Camshafts. "What gives...?? Maybe the cams were replaced in an earlier life? (Ooops...its a 2000 GT 4.6 Windsor By the way)
Ive heard and read about a "Safe Zone" for piston to valve clearance, but cant seem to get a straight answer. Some say keyway at 9:00, some say 12:00.... and some tell me no such thing. I am prepared to pop the followers out to eliminate any risk, but would rather not if I dont have to.
And, last but not least, The timing kit I bought, has a "Metal Shim" for the tensioners, They refer to it as an adapter plate. I dont have them on the existing tensioners . What are they , and what do they do.....Do I need them, or are they "Spare Parts From the Kit???
Thanx for any advice.
As I said in my first post, I'm a Chrysler Guy, So modular fords are a new animal for me. Of course when your first Born Son gets in a Jam, you cant say NO. I borrowed the Timing tools from a Ford Tech Buddy, But when I tried to use the "Cam Positioner", I dont have any "Flats" on the Camshafts. "What gives...?? Maybe the cams were replaced in an earlier life? (Ooops...its a 2000 GT 4.6 Windsor By the way)
Ive heard and read about a "Safe Zone" for piston to valve clearance, but cant seem to get a straight answer. Some say keyway at 9:00, some say 12:00.... and some tell me no such thing. I am prepared to pop the followers out to eliminate any risk, but would rather not if I dont have to.
And, last but not least, The timing kit I bought, has a "Metal Shim" for the tensioners, They refer to it as an adapter plate. I dont have them on the existing tensioners . What are they , and what do they do.....Do I need them, or are they "Spare Parts From the Kit???
Thanx for any advice.
06-12-2013, 09:55 AM
#2
5th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: kentucky
Posts: 2,241
06-12-2013, 06:16 PM
#3
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 574
Some modular camshafts have a 3/8 hole in the back of them. If that is the case you need the tool that plugs into them and then the cam alignment tool sits on that.
You honestly don't need it though, position the timing mark on the cam gear just a little outside 12 o'clock and line up the links on the chains. What you do need is the tool to set the crank in the proper position. Once that is done the colored links on the chain won't match up unless the cam is in the right spot.
Quick edit: If your chains don't have colored links lay them out flat. There should be one horizontal link on either end for a 4.6. Mark those with a marker and you're all set.
You honestly don't need it though, position the timing mark on the cam gear just a little outside 12 o'clock and line up the links on the chains. What you do need is the tool to set the crank in the proper position. Once that is done the colored links on the chain won't match up unless the cam is in the right spot.
Quick edit: If your chains don't have colored links lay them out flat. There should be one horizontal link on either end for a 4.6. Mark those with a marker and you're all set.
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