Set timing on a ford 4.0 liter v6?

Answer 1

Setting the timing on a Ford 4.0 V6. Two variations are the Pushrod 4.0 and the DOCH 4.0.

*Pushrod 4.0

• The timing on the pushrod 4.0 is electronic so you can't adjust the firing. It will always be in the timing chain.
• ** Place the crank/pulley to the TDC position
  • Pull the #1 spark plug and check #1 is at TDC. Turn the crank back and fourth by 1-2degrees to verify it at TDC
  • If timing is off, the tensioner is probabbly bad. Remove the fron of the engine and inspect timing chain and tensioners.

*DOCH 4.0 - First get the timing order of the vehicle. http://autorepair.about.com/library/firing_orders/bl-fo-7234.htm Firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6 which means when #1 is TDC then so it #5 (exhaust stroke).

• Place the crank on TDC (top dead center) & pull the #1 & #5 plugs. They should be at TDC. You may need to turn the crank back and foruth (1-2degree turn) to verify they are TDC.
• To set the timing, remove everything on the front down and expose the timing chain. (This includes; fan, pullies, radiator, alternator, pull Power Steering and AC bracket away from the engine (don't remove)
• ** Also remove the right side valve cover (leave the electronics on the valve cover)
  • Mark the crank or place the retaining tool to hold the crank at TDC (Special clamp is made to hold the crank from moving and cams).
  • Place a pin into the main chain tensioner to remove pressure on the chain.
  • Loosten (do not remove!) the gear on the jackshaft (where the cam usually is)
  • Turn this gear to turn the #1 cylinder to TDC.
  • Turn the gear beind to adjust #5 cylinder to TDC.
  • *** A note here - The jackshaft, attached to the front cam, turn the chain on the REAR of the enginer for the left/passanger cam (#1, 2, 3). The second gear on the front on that shaft turns the cam on the right/drivers side (#4, 5, 6)
  • If the timing on the right side is off, replace the tension, gears and chain on the front
  • If the timing on the left side is off, remove the engine and replace the tension, gears and chain on the rear of the engine.
  • The timing should not be out more then 1-2 degrees. (that's about 1/4 from TDC) If it is off more then that, then either the damage is badly damaged, or these instructions are wrong.
  • Inspect and/or replace the tensioners on the main chain.

If you are going to open then engine this far you need to replace these parts.

• Water pump
• Front gasket
• Main timing chain and tensioners
• Right timing chain and tensioners
• Hose between water pump and thermostat housing

Please contact me at c_robertson at Yahoo.com to verify if this worked for you, or if you had problems or errors.