It wont turn over, my dad seems to think its bad timing or something along those lines. Its got 129k and otherwise in good shape, friend daily drove it until yesterday, when it started i guess sputtering/running rough so he shut it off and its been parked since then. Im buying it and curious what may be involved in fixing it. Any ideas or troubleshooting steps to start with would be awesome. Thanks!

 

Could be a dozen things besides timing, which BTW is completely controlled by the computer. A sputter before dying is more indicative of a loss of fuel. Have you scanned it for trouble codes or taken a fuel pressure reading yet?

 

I have not but that sounds like it could be the problem. I'm hoping its something simple. Im buying it to flip for a profit, paying 2k from a buddy, if it ends up being something major im sure worst case i can get my 2k back because overall its super clean and brand new tires, etc.

Ill have it today to mess around with a little before holiday get togethers and stuff. I have a cheap code scanner so ill try that first and let you know what i find.

 

Get a fully charged battery and a fuel pressure gauge first. You can putz around and waste a lot of time and trouble chasing your tail when you overlook something as simple as a low battery or a fuel pump that isn't pumping

 

Can you better define

 

I should be getting the truck today, I'll take a video and post it.

 

A video of what exactly, I thought it wouldn't start?

 

A video of what it sounds like trying to start.....lol

 

For that you can just post a sound file, if it's easier for you.

 

This is the code my scanner read.

Cleared it and it started but very rough then died and thru CEL again.

P0340 - Ford
Type Powertrain - Ignition System or Misfire - ISO/SAE Controlled
Description
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Conditions
Cause
Engine running, then the PCM detected that the CMP sensor signal was missing

 

Well there you go...

 

Changed the cmp sensor today, no go. I didnt have a volt meter with me to test the harness for power today, I'll check that tomorrow.

 

Did the connector pins look clean?

 

Here's the list of possibilities from the PC/ED for a DTC P0340 on your vehicle:

CMP circuit open
CMP circuit short to GND
CMP circuit short to PWR
SIG RTN open (VR sensor)
CMP GND open (Hall effect sensor)
CMP misinstalled (Hall effect sensor)
Damaged CMP sensor shielding
Damaged CMP sensor
Damaged PCM

However, a DTC P0340 will not cause a "No start" condition so you've got other issues.

See post #4 for prescient advice.

 

Had a mechanic friend look at it today, it happened to start, and was very loud and he immediately said its the timing chain(s) flapping around. So i guess thats the issue.