Well first off i want to introduce myself. im from NY im 16 and i have a 97 explorer limited with a 5.0 V8. im currently attending school to become a certified mechanic. i am an existing member or the ExplorerX forum but i really couldnt get a straight answer from them so i wanted to ask you guys. i am going to be replacing my cam synchronizer on monday as it is mangled(which i just learned is fairly common) i did a search on this forum for threads on this but i really couldnt find a straight answer on the procedure. What exactly do i have to line up between the old and new synchronizer shafts??? i know about TDC and everything i just didnt understand what was meant about lining up the shafts...if anyone can explain to me it would be greatly appreciated. or if there is a thread already explaining this in detail and i missed it please direct me to it.

 

Section 303-14: Engine Controls, Electronic 1997 Explorer, Mountaineer Workshop Manual

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

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Synchronizer, Camshaft — 5.0L

Special Service Tool(s) Synchronizer Positioning Tool
T96T-12200-A

Removal

CAUTION: Prior to the removal of the camshaft position sensor (CMP sensor), set the No. 1 cylinder to top dead center (TDC) of compression stroke. Then note the position of the CMP sensor electrical connector. Installation procedures require that the electrical connector be located in the same position.

CAUTION: Once the engine is aligned at TDC, do not move the crankshaft until the entire procedure is complete. Doing so will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine, causing a possible emissions fault.

CAUTION: Always disconnect the battery ground cable prior to working on the electronic engine controls.

Disconnect the battery ground cable.

Remove the camshaft position (CMP) sensor.
Disconnect the CMP sensor electrical connector.
Remove the screws.
Remove the CMP sensor.

Remove the (A) bolt and (B) clamp.

Remove the camshaft synchronizer from the cylinder block.


Installation

CAUTION: Failure to follow this procedure will result in the fuel system being out of time with the engine (6007), possibly causing engine damage.

Install (A) Synchronizer Positioning Tool, aligning tabs and notches with those on the (B) camshaft synchronizer.

Install the camshaft synchronizer into the cylinder block.

When installing the camshaft synchronizer into the cylinder block, make sure that the arrow on (A) Synchronizer Positioning Tool is pointing toward the front of the vehicle, on a (B) line that is parallel to the center line of the crankshaft.

CAUTION: If the CMP sensor electrical connector is not properly positioned, do not reposition by rotating the synchronizer assembly. This will cause the fuel system and the engine to be out of time, possibly causing engine damage.

Position the clamp and install the bolt.

CAUTION: Do not rotate the crankshaft when Synchronizer Positioning Tool is installed on the camshaft synchronizer. The armature tab will be damaged, and the synchronizer timing may be shifted.

Remove Synchronizer Positioning Tool.

Install the CMP sensor.
Position the CMP sensor.
Install the screws.
Connect the CMP sensor electrical connector.

NOTE: When the battery ground cable is disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the vehicle relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 mi) or more to relearn the strategy.

Connect the battery ground cable.