97 Aerostar 3.0 L Camshaft Synchronizer I have a 97 Aerostar 3.0 L engine which was showing a code Po340, I think, indicating a bad camshaft position sensor. I did find that the camshaft synchronizer was bad due to a camshaft position sensor that had mutilated itself and rolled around inside mashing the vane of the synchronizer down. I purchased the new parts, synchronizer and sensor, and debated about installing them myself. However, I took it to a mechanic who installed it rather quickly and "sychronized" it electronically. Now, everything I have read about installing this says that it must be physically positioned in a certain orientation relative to the #1 cylinder being at TDC using a positioning tool.

What I need to know is, Is it possible to sychronize a camshaft sychronizer electronically, or did I get sold a bill-of-goods??

Appreciate your help.

 

what the mech. probably meant was that he used the alignment tool and then checked base timing "electronically" with his electronic diagnostic equip.

how does it run, good power and performance?

 

No, he did not set it with the alignment tool. He did not bring the #1 cylinder to TDC. All he did was scribe the location of the original housing, (even though I told him it was probably not in the right location), and then replaced it with the new one. Then used a computer input and said he synchronized it electronically. I still have a PO340 code showing.

 

Then it sounds like he didn't do it correctly. In my experience with doing that repair, you must have #1 at TDC, and you really should use the alignment tool.
Scribing the location will only get you so close....
Go buy the tool 'cause the hard part is done. If you do it with the tool and #1 at TDC, your code will disappear. I Promise

-reever