2002 3.8L no 1 tdc

[DJC]

I am trying to replace the canshaft angle sync but I can't find the timing mark.
Can someone tell me where on the timing cover is the mark and what is best angle to view from?

Thanks,

DJC

[12Ounce]

Its best to remove the engine from the vehicle!

OK, I joke ... but not much. First study the faint timing markings on the crank balancer/pullery wheel. They are not very visible ... but once you discover them, you could enhance them a bit by cleaning and perhaps some marking fluid or finger nail polish. Its the middle mark you are most looking for ... thats the TDC mark.

The fixed pointer is close to the crank sensor area ... above and to the rear of the crank centerline ... very hard to get a look at. You might try removing the wheel and look thru the wheel well area. Or you might get a look at it (perhaps by using a mirrow) down inside the engine area. Not easy!

[DJC]

I appreciate the help.

That is where I thought it is but I have not seen it yet.
I will try thru the wheel well area next.

Thanks,
DJ

[12Ounce]

BTW, I forgot to mention .... I always take the windschield cowling off ... along with the cabin filter, lower cowling, etc ... just to get some "light" down behind the engine. The serpertine belt really gets in the way of seeing things.

[DJC]

Thanks again, I did remove the cowling.

I can't even find the pointer but Lined it up by pressure / suction on number 1.

I think there should be a pointer and marks on the damper, see attached pic taken from behind crank looking forwards and slightly up.

[12Ounce]

That is a most curious image! I could not understand what I was looking at ... went back and reviewed some old images I had made of my '99 3.8 during a rebuild. Your crank/wheel/balancer looks different ... the crank sensor looks different ...?? Can the years be so different? On my 3.8, the pointer (cast into the alum front cover) would be in view in that image ... within an inch of the sensor.

I then went and looked thru the engine section of a Haynes. The 3.8 crank sensor is mounted with studs and nuts. The 3.0 is mounted with screws. Can your engine be a 3.0 swap-out? ??

You may want to find the images of the two front covers in a Haynes. Chapter 2, part A.

Curious!

If it is a 3.0, the pointer will be just on the other side of the crank sensor.

[DJC]

Hard to believe but there is nothing on the other side of the sensor. There is no TDC marker that I can find. Valve covers have 5 bolts like 3.8 instead of 8 bolt for 3.0.
I have never seen an engine with no timing marks before. Bought the van with 27k on it and don't know the priors.

I painted the flywheel and scribed a vertical mark at what I thought was TDC. Started it up and timing light showed mark was vertical. Is running rough so I need to tweek the alignment for the cam.
Thanks for your help. I really was struggling with the timing.

I will let you know when I find the timing marks (out of curosity).
DJC

[12Ounce]

I don't know what's going on .... did the engine change that much between '99 and '02? Have you had a chance to look at a Haynes?

You could try using a small plastic rod thru the plug hole to "feel" the piston and determine exact TDC. By rocking the crank back and forth when you get very close ... you will get very precise results. Removing all plugs makes it easier. Of course, you can use almost anything (convenient) for a pointer ... and make your own pulley mark.

I could post a couple of images from my 3.8 rebuild if you think it might help.

[12Ounce]

.... using the plastic "feeler" rod to establish TDC is a good practice ... even if the marks and pointer are not "in question" ... to double-check the condition of the balancer pulley. There have been cases where the balancer rubber gets distorted and timing gets out of whack.

[devilscap4]

There are NO TDC marks on a 2000 Windstar. You are going to have to remove the plugs, or the valve cover, and find TDC yourself.