agentpfeifer

HI all, I have a potentially Serious problem I hope someone can help with...
While changing my timing components on my 2002 mstang gt, the left (driver) side cam moved so now its off one way or the other ( i dont know which). I've moved the crank by hand but can only move it so much in either direction before it just stops moving.
How can i reset the left cam into proper position so i can line up the new chain amd not ruin my valves.
any help is appreciated.

72MachOne99GT

Well, if you still have the crank in 'safe mode' (you'll have to look up the positioning on that one, I can't remember where the mark should be) you'll have all the pistons below deck, and you can turn the camshaft over by hand (or whatever tool you need to use to get enough force to turn it)

Just don't start to panic. Make sure once you DO get the crank into safe mode, that you send the camshaft back the opposite direction that you turned it.

I'm sure now that there is one reply to this post, someone who has done more than one head replacement will chime in to let you know where the crank needs to be and some of the other details.

Just don't panic and start turning stuff lol

agentpfeifer

thank you. I'll look up crankshaft safe mode and go go from there.

mustangman281

keyway at 12 oclock is safe mode

karrarararararar

The dimple on the crankshaft timing sprocket should be at 6 o'clock and then install the timing chain with the bright links lined up with the dimples on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. If you cannot find the bright links on the timing chain then just fold it in half and mark the link at each end and line those up with the dimples. Remember, do not turn the crankshaft. only turn the cam

agentpfeifer

Thanks alot guys. I set the carank shaft to safe mode, turned the cam back to where it should be, then set the timing mark on the crankshaft to 6 o'clock. I lined up the timing marks on the new chain and everything seems great. I turned the crank about 4 revolutions and nothings hitting anything its not supposed to.

Now, i'll button up the engine and HOPE that i didnt get it 180 deg. off. Any pointers on how to determine if its 180 off BEFORE i try to start it?

Thanks again, you guys have been great.

72MachOne99GT

If you search 'timing a 4.6 motor' on yahoo, or google or something, there should be a write up that has pictures.

The pictures will show you where the marks ON THE CAMS should be when you have the crank at 'X' position.

I wish I could remember the exact positions, but I know that I had something in the wrong position until I looked at those pictures.

(see, I told you after I replied, someone would be along )

Good luck finishing up!