'02 Vulcan engine chirping

[Willyum]

Chirping/scraping noise has started from the engine area. No engine light warnings. Is it reasonable to suspect the camshaft position sensor? Any advice where is best place to purchase new sensor and if the sensor positioning tool is necessary to complete installation.
Many Thanks

[rdh2]

Originally Posted by Willyum

Chirping/scraping noise has started from the engine area. No engine light warnings. Is it reasonable to suspect the camshaft position sensor? Any advice where is best place to purchase new sensor and if the sensor positioning tool is necessary to complete installation.
Many Thanks

Hi Willyum,

Sounds like the CPS. When my started, I only replaced the sensor, so I didn't have to to use a positioning tool. No trouble in 20000 miles. I purchased mine at Autozone.

Bob

[Willyum]

I downloaded the shop manual and it gives instructions to install for two different types of power steering. Any idea how to tell if I have type II or type III? Does the noise come from the sensor?

[way2old]

The camshaft sensor is not around the power steering system. You may be confusing the CMP (Camshaft Positioning Sensor) with the CPS (Crankshaft Positioning Sensor). The cam sensor sits nder the air intake hose almost directly below the throttle body. If it is just the sensor, no alignment tool is needed. If syncronizer is replaced, a tool is really helpful, but marking the "C" portion where it sits, and where it stops moving. This will put it close enough that the check engine light will not come on and allow the PCM to read the sensor correctly.

[Millermagic]

Where is it coming from?

[rdh2]

Originally Posted by way2old

The camshaft sensor is not around the power steering system. You may be confusing the CMP (Camshaft Positioning Sensor) with the CPS (Crankshaft Positioning Sensor). The cam sensor sits nder the air intake hose almost directly below the throttle body. If it is just the sensor, no alignment tool is needed. If syncronizer is replaced, a tool is really helpful, but marking the "C" portion where it sits, and where it stops moving. This will put it close enough that the check engine light will not come on and allow the PCM to read the sensor correctly.

OOPS!! My typo. I meant to type CMP when I responded!!

[Willyum]

I must have jumped the gun because I haven't heard any chirping noises the last two days.
Many thanks for the replies and assistance, will re post if it pops up again.

[Willyum]

The scraping/chirping noise is back. Significant when the engine has not completely warmed up. Definitely sounds like is coming from the area under the thermostat housing on the back of the engine.
Could it be the cam sensor drive?

[Willyum]

Service writer at Ford says it's the camshaft syncronizer, bearing went dry. Part costs $155, at least $450 labor. Can be a DIY job but a simple alignment tool is needed, can't figure out where to find one.

[way2old]

OTC makes one for around 40$ You may find a parts house that sells them.

[Willyum]

It was the cam sensor postioner. The unit is listed under several different definitions, but it is the device installed where the distributor used to be in the 3.0 Ford pushrod V-6 that spins a tab that is picked up by the cam position sensor. Seems to be a common failure, the shaft doesn't seem to get proper lubrication and begins to make a squeaking noise that can lead to a seize up of the gear system on the camshaft that drives the oil pump and positioner.
The dealer estimates I got to fix it were between $425 - $600, parts included.
Bought a Motorcraft part at a discount parts supplier for $107 and did it myself without the special Ford positioning tool from instructions obtained on the Taurus car club web site. Was more of a job than I expected but still only took about 3 hours.

[mrflint]

Hi all.
My Taurus started Chirpping last week. After reading posts on this board and careful listening to engine, I'm sure its the cam position sensor (CPS)problem. The car is 2002 SES, vulcan engine. I saw a picture of the synchronizer and cps. It looks like a distributor assembly. The removal does not appear to be too difficult. Question, about that long synchronizer, does it come out with enough clearance from the plastic throttle body?
Thanks for helping

[dddcccmack]

I had the same problem and fixed it cheep. I found all years/model of the part to be the same so I got one at the wreaking yard $15. Before I remove the old one I very very carfully marked is position and install the replacment in the same position . . . worked perfect. I also lubed the replacment its been in now about 75,000 miles . . . still working.
Heres whats next, as the noisey bearing goes dry it will get hotter and hotter from friction and finlly melt the electronic sesor parts which will then cause the check engine light to come on. The engine will sitll run, strangly enuf. You can continue to drive the car but the day will come when youll need a smog check and it wont pass.

[Willyum]

Mrflint,
You'll need to lift the plastic intake manifold so you can get the wiring away from the top of the sensor. I went to the taurusclub site and entered "sensor". Complete instructions can be found by reviewing member comments. Is a common flaw.