Genuine 2004 Ford Ranger Camshaft

2004 Ford Ranger Camshaft Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove, inspect, and install the camshaft and related components in DOHC four cylinder engine on 2004 Ford Ranger?

  A: To address the removal of the timing chain, one should first remove the camshaft sprockets and record the numerical values on the bearing caps and create a map of the numbers to be matched without fail. These bearing caps cannot be interchanged hence must be replaced in its correct position to avoid devastating effects on the engine. Tighten the camshaft bearing cap bolts step by step and then remove the caps step by step with regarding the markings and dowel location. Before you pull the camshafts out label the position of lobes for the number one cylinder on the chart and when doing this you will have noted the reference lobe for the camshaft position sensor to know which of the camshafts is the intake one. Now settle sixteen clean containers and number them from one to sixteen either to the chart of the bearing caps to this chart or on creating a chart for the valves. Each tappet should be removed one at a time using a valve lapping tool or magnet and placed in the corresponding numbered container as each of them is designed for the individual valve clearance and must be plugged back into the engine. Check each camshaft for wear and roundness, by measuring the O.D. of each tappet in at least three locations, in order to ensure that they have not become tapered or out of round. Inspection of camshaft lobes should then be carried out to check for signs of wear and overheating; the bearing journals and cylinder head surfaces should also be inspected for wear or pitting. Take several measurements of the diameter of the journals and if the diameter found is less than the nominal diameter, then replace the camshaft. To check on the amount of end play on the bearing journals, the first step is to give the bearing surfaces of the journals a thorough cleaning then place the camshafts and the bearing caps in their respective positions but with Plastigage across the full width of the journals on each side; the next step is to tighten the bolts to the desired standard then measure the amount of width left on the Plastigage strands after they have been compressed In case any of the bearing clearance goes beyond set service limits, fit a new camshaft and then redo the check; if still out of limit, the cylinder head must be changed. With regard to camshaft endplay, remove the bearing caps and clean the bearing surfaces before fitting the camshafts and the bearing caps, torque the bolts and measure the endplay with a dial indicator. If the endplay is beyond service limits, replace the camshaft and check the above again. In the course of reassembly, it is recommended that the cylinder head tappet bores and tappets should be oiled before fitting each tappet into its respective bore. Lubricate the camshaft journals, the bearing caps and lobes put them in place in accordance to the positions that were determined while removing them. Place the camshaft alignment tool and ensure the dowels are properly fitted and use a thin layer of solvent to the camshafts front bearing cap interface of each camshaft. Before reinstalling each bearing cap to its original location, lubricate the camshaft on the new lifters, and fasten the bearing caps square with the cylinder head using the proper amount of torque in the prescribed order. To the extent necessary, complete the tightening stages, remove surplus of sealant and wait for the material to cure prior to starting the engine. Last, fit the camshaft sprockets and timing chain, and the reassembly is to follow in the order, revolve, compress, expand and tighten, and finally, check the valve clearances before topping off the engine block and placing the valve cover.