Cam Synchronizer wasted drive gear

I am in the process of replacing the cam synchronizer and need to know if the missing tooth on the cranckshaft damper is TDC when aligned with the Crank sensor? If so, will it be close enough to TDC to set the syncro? or do I need to be critical.

I am startin fresh because the syncro has a wasted drive gear and stopped turning. When it stops turning, so does the oil pump :eek: . Lukily I shut it down before there was any engine damage.

BTW: Is this acommon failure?

Oop's forgot to mention is a 98 Sable 3.0 2v, or a VIN code "U"

Thanks

that'll be close enough - have done about 50 of em and that's what I use - it's a couple deg. off but never had a problem - the pcm will correct for minor errors.

Thanks rivguy, that eases my mind, I didn't want to re-do it. Since you've done so many of them, did any of them have a wasted drive gear or am I the only one?

normaly we find the shutter smashed where it hit the sensor - occasionaly we ahve noise problems as they seize but never have seen the gear go bad. either if the above could prolly cause the gear if it goes unchecked for a while.

That's kind of what I figured, I searched this site and others....nothing. The syncro was a little squeeky but nothing indicating a drive gear going south. Oh well, and thanks again for your input.