Genuine 1998 Ford Ranger Variable Timing Sprocket

1998 Ford Ranger Variable Timing Sprocket Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What are the steps and precautions for removing and installing the timing chain and variable timing sprocket on the 4.0L SOHC V6 engine in the 1998 Ford Ranger?

  A: This is a rather complicated process that requires the use of particular equipment and the extraction of the engine from the car during the process of timing chain, cassettes, and sprockets extraction. To start with, the camshaft timing procedure and the manner in which these special tools are placed on the cylinder heads must be well understood, and the tools needed acquired. Before most repair operations on the cylinder heads, timing chains and jack shaft chains, the rocker arms and the valve lash adjusters have to be removed. Because errors in timing system are severe enough to result in severe engine damage, this procedure should only be performed by highly skilled persons and all work should be closely checked before attempting to start the engine. Start by pulling out the engine of the car, if is remove and standing on an engine stand. Then exhaust the rocker arms and valve lash adjusters, along with the lower oil pan cover, oil pump pickup tube, crankcase reinforcement section. Bolt/Nuts on the front cover of the engine block; uninstall the front cover. The engine employs a jackshaft to drive the camshaft timing chains and the oil pump while the left cylinder bank camshaft is driven by a chain at the front of the jackshaft and the right cylinder bank camshaft by a chain at the rear of the jackshaft. This is interconnected with the AWD system on the four-wheel drive vehicles so that the balance shaft assembly is driven by a chain from the crankshaft sprocket. Disconnect the tensioner and guide of the jackshaft chain, along with the sprocket with the chain, by unbolting the center bolt of the sprocket as well as the bolts that hold the chain tensioner and guide of the jackshaft chain. Disconnect the shack, so if it has not been done before the top cassette bolt, the camshaft sprocket and the lower cassette was block bolt will be removed, then the removal of the cassette, the chain, and jack shaft sprocket will be done. To get to the right camshaft chain, you will need to take out a large plug intended for the rear of the jackshaft; make sure you get a new plug for reinstalling. Torx bolt and spacer should be taken out from the openings; besides, the cassette bolt along with the chain and cassette should also be detached. Before starting the engine, turn the crankshaft manually at least two times; if there is any opposition felt, do not continue but try to ascertain that the valves have struck the piston. If the crankshaft has been turned during this procedure, the number one piston should be on top of the stroke, and the keyway of the crankshaft should be vertical. Select the correct camshaft timing chain cassette and fit it to the block; tie the excessive chain at the top with rubber; fit and tighten the rear jackshaft sprocket bolt and cap. First, put in the left camshaft chain and cassette, fasten the lower bolt, hang the jack shaft chain on the jack shaft sprocket then engage it on the crank shaft sprocket, then solder the jack shaft sprocket and tighten the bolt. Fit the jackshaft chain guide and tensioner, then torque up the bolts, clear the front face of the block and front cover with lacquer thinner then fit a new gasket before tightening up the front cover bots. As to the rest of the installation, it is performs the reverse from the removal list," and lastly, after the installation, start the engine and look for any oil or coolant leaks.