Working on my fiance's 99 ranger with a 3.0 V6. Where is the camshaft position sensor/synchronizer? All the pictures I saw pointed it to being by the trans fluid dipstick but I'm not seeing it.

 

The 3.0L is a copy of a GM V6 so the distributor/cam synchro is buried down behind the engine.

 

Is it possible to reach without removing too much?

 

Yes, but you have to pretty much crawl over top and be laying on the motor with your head above it to see/work on it.

 

But other than that not real difficult from what I see.

 

there is a wiring harness you'll have to push out of the way. It's not too difficult. while you're in there be sure to oil the top bushing. that's what dries out and puts a load on the shaft, which wears the drive gear, which fails and stops driving the oil pump. then the engine seizes.

 

I got it installed. Apparently I timed it correctly, no issues. The old one was definitely worn, it had a sticky spot and would squeak. But of course it's been wet and the belt is also chirping. So we don't get to see if we fixed that problem with the new synchronizer. I think we did as the chirp is no longer coming from the rear of the engine.

 

So a simple question to satisfy my curiosity.....What brand did you replace it with? The 3.0 engine has a terrible reputation for eating camshaft synchronizers. While I've replaced a few, I've never had to replace one on the various 3.0 engines that I've owned. (My wife's daily driver is a 3.0 Ranger. My theory is that extended oil changes does these things in, but maybe I've just been lucky) Getting back on subject, every 3.0 "expert" on planet Earth says to replace it with a Motorcraft or Ford replacement only or the bad mojo will happen and I probably agree with them, at least somewhat.
Care to tell us?

 

I just replaced it with an Echlin part from Napa with a new sensor. The future wife complained this morning about loss of power along with the chirping so I didn't want to wait for a Motorcraft part to come in. We will see. I normally always use OEM parts for that exact reason. She's just now letting me start to work on her vehicle, which has more to do with her parents thinking that only people with ASE certification can do anything. But we won't open that can of worms. I plan to drop the oil out this weekend and replace it with a high mileage blend and a Motorcraft filter. My 7.3 gets it's turn right after her Ranger. Ladies first.

 

Hey I know this is a couple years old but how did the Echlin from Napa hold up? I to have a 99 3.0L Flex Fuel and the Motorcraft part is actually discontinued and impossible to find there are sites that state it's in stock but as soon as you try to purchase it you get an out of stock email from them I've done that 4 times already and then I just started doing the online chats to find before even attempting all are out of stock. So aftermarket it is. Anyways just curious to see how it held up as that is the one I'm currently considering. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

Hey how'd that Echlin hold up? The Motorcraft part is now discontinued and can't find in stock anywhere the sites that say it is have been confirmed to indeed be out of stock. I to have a 99 Ranger 3.0L Flex Fuel and am leaning towards the Echlin from Napa as well since OEM is no longer an option hope that one did well for you. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

Okay, take my parts that I list here with a grain of sale and MAKE SURE YOU VERIFY THE NUMBERS before you order them.
I'm PRETTY sure the parts you are looking for would be the Motorcraft DA2089 replacement part or the original ef-ate-dee-zee-won-too-aye-363-aye-aye. (or perhaps an upgraded or superseded number where the AA is different). Am I correct?
Have you run both part numbers through a search engine and are positive that there are none available? There seem to be a few stores that say they have them, but I've run into a bunch of sellers that just don't seem to update their web sites. Not sure why they want you to waste both your and their time, but it is what it is. If you've done a thorough search and can't find it anywhere, it looks like the part has not been completely discontinued, but is currently on backorder. Of course, with Ford, you never know. I've also seen some Motorcraft camshaft synchronizer replacements that are now made in China. Another "you never know" product.
Since this is on backorder I would (if it was mine, but of course, it is yours) buy your local Echlin or whatever replacement source that has the best warranty and run with it. The last two years has got me completely frustrated with just about all part suppliers, including dealerships, and I would just get the best one you can get through RockAuto or locally. Good luck.
Edit after initial posting: So this site puts an emoji over the official Ford part number? Geesh. I changed it. I guess if I get banned, I get banned for helping out a fellow Ford guy. Anyway, if you are familiar with Ford part numbers you can figure it out.

 

Correct the DA2089 is what I was after I also saw the other as well I guess it is the old part number. That's weird about the part number but I caught on to it what's funny is even though 2 sites listed that same one as being for my truck 2 sites said it didn't fit my model I'll do some more digging today and even if it says it doesn't fit if it's available I'll just go ahead and buy it. With parts becoming scares for the ol truck I know at some point aftermarket is going to be my only option which sucks but is what it is. Thank you for the reply and information!

 

Sorry for the late response. I've been super busy and my internet is slow at best. She still has the truck, drives it every day and no issues so far. For the $70 I paid it seems to have held up well.

 

No worries I definitely understand busy these days. And awesome that is great news and makes me feel a lot better about going that route. Thank you for getting back to me!