In these engines, if the timing chain breaks...is it possible when replaced, to get the cam out of time with the pistons by 360 degrees?

In other words, we replaced the timing chain, and made sure the timing marks on the new sprockets lined up correctly. However, after everything was back together, it still runs like it's out of time...almost like the exhaust valves are opening during the compression stroke, and visa-versa...is this possible?

I certainly hope not, as this means complete tear-down again, and this engine is in an aerostar van...barely enough room to work in to change the belts, much less the timing chain...

 

Nope, as long as the sprockets are aligned, it is timed right.

 

Note if the intake valves were to open when the Exh. did or close the carb. would pop,pop,pop,so on when you gave it the gas, pull the s/p set #1 on TDC then recheck your rotot in the dist. it should be pointing at #1 on the cap. ggggooood luck

TNT
PS OH reset the dist. if its not on one.

 

Here's what we've done...

The chain went, so we tore it down, and replaced the chain, making sure the timing marks on the sprockets lined up...

Put everything back together, and went to fire it over, and nothing...then i realize a mechanic we'd had look at it when the belt went (for confirmation, as i didn't want to tear it down without a second opinion), had left the coil wire unhooked from the coil...

Hook the wire up, and still no fire...

check the distributor, and when the engine was at TDC on the ignition stroke, the rotor was pointed at post #4 on the distributor...

OK, distrib is turning with the engine, so I pull the distrib, and turn the rotor to align with #1 @ TDC...

Still no spark...

One mechanic insistes this would be the module on the distrib, so we replaced the modle, and still no go...

Since all of this, we've had rain, so I haven't been able to go out and check for spark at the plug...

when the chain first started to go - it had jumped time first...but we didn't realize this at the time...as the van was due a serious tune up, so when that happened, figuring it was related (had a Mazda with a broken cap do the same thing once), replaced all the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and all filters...it would still turn over, run reall rough for a few moments, then die...

now it won't even turn over...

BTW, this engine sits uncomfortably in a 1990 aerostar....

Any ideas, guys?

 

Do a compression check. If you have compression, the gears and chain are installed properly. Make sure you set the distributor on #1 piston on the compression stroke. If all is correct there, I would guess a wire is not connected or maybe broken. Another possibility is a bad rotor or cap. Good luck.

 

If you're sure you got the gears aligned right I'd check to make sure the rotor turns when the engine cranks, the 3.0L has a nasty habit of the distributer gear wearing out. Let us know what you figure out.

92 3.0L Aerostar

 

well, i know the distrib is turning with the engine, and i've pulled the distrib out to align it to #1, TDC...then, to make sure, I also rotataed it 180 degrees, in case it was off. When it was pulled out, the distrib gears were fine...

it has a brand new cap, rotor and ignition module...new wires, and new plugs...

 

Maybe a trouble code has been thrown and is sitting in memory. Have you tried pulling them?

 

i have no idea how to do that on this van...

 

Now's as good a time as any to learn:

Code Retrieval for Ford EEC-IV Systems

Code Retrieval for Ford EEC-IV Systems II (bit more detailed PDF file)


Pull the codes per the above (your '90 will set 2 digit codes) and then look them up here:

Look up 2 Digit Ford EEC-IV Diagnostic Trouble Codes

 

Will this work even if the battery was disconnected for about a month since the last time it started ?

 

No, the PCM codes will be reset with the battery disconnected that long!!