I am in the process of replacing my crank in 97 f-150 4x4 with
the 4.6L V8. I have read through the manual on setting the timing and I still don't get it. I don't see how marking the timing
chain when it's already off of the engine will do any good. does someone have a step-by-step process for setting the timing from
scratch?

Thanks,

 

I would recomend getting a service manual and possably some help. If you dont get the timing right you can dammage the valves heads and pistons. Also there are two 4.6 engines windsor and romeo They are somewhat differant.
I think that timing is to involved to post unless someone out their has some easy way of doing it.

 

I strongly recommend getting some help from someone who knows how to do it. Ford sent all techs to school to learn the proper timing procedures on the 4.6 and 5.4 motors and also the 4.0 SOHC engines. Also, every bolt on the crankshaft and rods need to be replaced. They are ALL torque to yield. And you must also mark the connecting rods where the caps meet the rods. These rods are "snapped" instead of machined on the big end. I am the engine guy on our team and again, I am recommending that you get someone that knows this engine to help! Getting the chains off one to two teeth will bend the valves! Had a guy at work replace a head and broke all the exhaust valves on that side when he tried to start it.

Robbie

 

I agree with bigbronc. Get help. If you are having trouble understanding after reading the manual then you need to have someone who understands how, to show you. The Ford shop manual is very clear on the procedure. Neal the HP freak is planning on fixing a head gasket leak. I will be helping him and I can snap some pics of how it is done. But that won't be for a while yet. Too darned cold. Do you have a Romeo or Windsor engine?

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

My VIN has a 6 in the 8th position. That means a winsor engine, right?

 

Yes, a 6 is for Windsor and a W is fro Romeo.

JMC

 

hawk1996 - see if this link helps.

Timing

As long as you understand the procedure before going into the project, setting the timing is much easier than it first appears. But I agree with others that if you aren't clear on how to do it, you should wait.

 

Doesn't that make perfect sense. Why would Ford be so silly as to use a W indicating it's a Windsor?

SL