So.....I just replaced my cam phasers and all associated timing components in my 2004 F-150 Lariat. However as brain farts go I had a good one. I didn't mark the cams or use the tool that holds them in place and when I took the chains off they both jumped in opposite directions. I followed the guide to setting the timing and got everything put back together however, I am still nervous. When I rotated the motor by hand to see if the timing marks would all line back up, everything was off by one tooth in the same direction (hope that makes since). How do I ensure that I have set the timing correctly? Do I need to make sure that the engine is on the compression stroke? When I rotated the motor by hand I didn't feel any sudden stops or unusual resistance.

Also, a guy a the parts store said that I would have to put my trucks computer in "learning mode" when I crank it for the first time. Is this true? if so, how do I do that? This is my first venture into the modular engine but I have never heard of anything like this before. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

C'mon.....any help will help.

 

There are special tools required for setting the cam/crank/timing chain at the proper positions, without those tools you may as well buy a new engine or get someone that has the tools and knows how to use them.

http://www.otctools.com/products/for...cam-timing-kit

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Maybe make 2 wedgie pieces if wood from hammer handle an fasten rods into them. Not so hard. Then 2 pieces from a piece of aluminum to hold cams from turning.

 

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Is it at all possible to set the timing with out using the tools?

 

If there was a way they wouldn't make those tools. The cam lock down tools are an absolute necessity, there is no other way to hold the cams in the proper position because of valve spring pressure wanting to rotate the cams to a neutral position. You might get away without the crank holding tool. Check ebay for a cheaper set but beware as they might not be machined to specific tolerances as the Ford recommended tools.



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Ok, so......I know that the right tool for the right job can be important however, I did not use the ford specified tool for setting the cam position while timing my 5.4 3v and nailed it on the first try. As long as you follow the instructions and the timing marks line up you should be good. Not sure if that is news to anyone but after reading countless posts about the fears of timing an OHC motor I have to say that they are unwarranted. Its no harder to set initial timing on these motors than it is on the older push rod engines. yes there are more parts involved but the principles are the same. Hope this helps some people in the future while swapping cam phasers.