Hello all. I need to replace the Camshaft Synchronizer on my 97 Ford Taurus. I have the new part that I got at a junk yard but I can't seem to get the tool to put it in. I have read that you can put it in without it as long as it is at TDC(top dead center)... I need an easy way to get it to that point so I can replace the synchronizer. Is there any one that can explain it to me in laymans terms?????

 

The most basic way I know how to get the cylinder on TDC is to pull the spark plug out of cly#1 and stick your finger over the hole. have someone (or yourself if your super talented) turn the engine with a breaker bar till you feel compression. Then stick something straight though the hole(pen) and keep turning the engine till the pen is stuck out the furthest. go back and forth if you have too, whatever it takes to make sure the piston is as close to TDC as possible.

P.S. hold on to the pen while turning the engine, that last think you want to do is lose something in the cylinder.

Hope it help, Good luck