Hello All -

*Edit: Meant to say "Timing Pointer" in title - forgive my ignorance *

This is basically my last attempt to search for information regarding an issue my dad has. My father has had his 1986 Ford Aerostar since I was born in 86 and he loves the car so much he is desperate to keep this car. The issue we have now is that it cannot pass Smog because a "timing pointer" is missing. I myself am not so mechanically inclined so I have been trying to do research to the best of my ability to see what I can do for him.

My dad is now going to junk sites to get this part so any information would be helpful.

Here is where my confusion is:

My dad says the engine is 3.0 however after a lot of research I see that the "Cologne Engine" was a 2.8 that was in the 1986 Van but by 1987 the engine was the "Vulcan" 3.0. I am looking for confirmation of the engine because we may be able to get this part from another junked car with a similar engine if we cannot find it in the junked Aerostars. Could the 1986 Aerostar have a 3.0 engine?

Is anybody familiar with the 1986 Engine for the Aerostar? Would anybody have a picture of the "timing pointer"?

After searching every possible word combination all I found was this picture of a "timing pointer" however I am unsure if this is even the same engine or car:



I would really appreciate any help or assistance.

I can even offer compensation for anyone via paypal if you can help me to determine how I can get this part or if someone has a link to this part?

My dad has an emotional connection to this car so that is why I am coming off a bit desperate here for a 28 year old van.

Thank You,
Theo Varelas

 

First lets figure out what engine you have. If you look at the VIN on the lower driver side of the dash through the windshield (or in the drivers door jam sticker), see what the 8th digit is. If it is a S then you have the 2.8L. If it is a U then you have the 3.0L. Just off chance, it is a A then you have the 2.3L 4 banger.

Once you find out your engine code, we can go from there on what you need.

 

I just asked and it is a U so it looks like the 3.0L.

What should my next step be? Thank you so much for your response and help!

 

The catalog is not listing a separate 6023 timing pointer for the 3.0L, so it might be part of the timing cover (E9DZ-6019-A obsolete), good news is that the 3.0L out of the Taurus/Sable from 86-89 has the same timing cover.

Another option is to get a universal pointer like THIS and install it. I have never heard of being required to have one for inspection, so it might fly?

Good luck!

 

Nighthawk - Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. It is greatly appreciated. My dad almost in tears over his Aerostar haha he's owned the car for this long. I will keep you posted what they can find in the junk yard and the final result. You are a saint. Thank You sir.

Would you happen to know where I can find a diagram or picture of an 86-89 Taurus/Sable Engine or Timing Cover ? Just to know what to search for?

-Theo

 

The mandatory smog checks in California always check timing, so a properly installed pointer is necessary.

 

The "pointer" (or timing degree indicator) is nothing more than a small metal rod with a sharp end glued to a plastic mount. If I were you and in one of my "redneck" fix modes, I would just cut the end off a 16 or 20 penny nail and mount it on the remaining stub with JB Quick Weld. A touch of flat black paint down there and voila! Problem solved. The pointer is a useless appendage - like an appendix. Can't believe they think its necessary for smog control.

 

Ask and ye shall receive!









I would see if you could just remove the pointer from one and JB weld it to the Aero motor, or go with the nail idea that Aerocolorado has.

 

Here is a picture of the "pointer" and the magnetic pickup mounted where you show the "hole" in your photo. As you can see, the pointer is just that. It serves only as a visual reference if one were using a timing light to check engine timing. The engine's computer uses the signal from the magnetic pickup to determine where top dead center is for each firing order. All timing is done by computer from that point on. If you notice, there is a larger gap about the 11:00 position on the tone ring. This is what the magnetic pickup "reads" as top dead center.

 

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