CMP setup on 95 3.8L

[meditlondon.com]

I have a 1995 Ford Windstar 3.8 L (manufacture date 06/95) and purchased a camshaft sensor synchronizer tool (SPX OTC # 6467 for 95 windstar 3.8L (no other years listed)) to reinstall the CMP as the engine was rotated during the process of changing head gaskets.
The instructions with the tool say to set up at 26 degrees ATDC.
Haynes says to use TDC
Auto Repair Reference Centre (ARRC) says to use TDC
Mitchell-on-demand (according to my mechanic) says TDC
I found another source (something online but I can’t remember where) that said to use 26 degrees ATDC.

So I set it up with TDC. The engine runs (8 weeks now) but doesn’t seem to have the same pickup that it used to, appears to consume more gas and the engine now runs at the very top end of normal temperature, often, where as it used to sit at the bottom of normal. I do not have a CEL
Should I set it up at 26 degrees ATDC and see how it runs? (Though I've been warned of engine damage if it is set wrong)
Surely if I set it up at the wrong setting initially (TDC) and it was out 26 degrees it wouldn’t have run, would have at least run poorly and I would have a CEL

[khazar]

i wish you got a reply i have the same situation going on

[wiswind]

I am guessing that the tool is intended for several applications, so I would do as you did and follow the vehicle specific instructions.
I don't know the correct setting, but the "description and operation" description says that it senses when cylinder #1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC).

The tool listed in ALLDATA for 1996 is P/N T96T-12200-A

The instructions in ALLDATADIY, for the 1996, say to set the motor with cylinder #1 at TDC and carefully NOTE the position of the electrical connector on the old camshaft position sensor.
Then, when you change the sensor/syncro, you MUST end up with the electrical connector in EXACTLY the same position as when you started.

For 1996, they show the electrical connector as being 54 degrees off of pointing along a straight line front to back in the engine compartment (this straight line would be perpendicular (90 degrees) to the center line down the middle of the motor between the cylinders).

THIS is a picture of the sensor on my '96 3.8L windstar.


There are members on here that have done this adjustment with success.
Some have reported difficulty if the motor is shifted in position between when the syncro shaft is removed and installed.

I have only replaced the sensor, which does NOT require any adjustment to the syncro.
To replace the pick-up part, you unplug the electrical connector and remove ONLY the 2 small bolts that are on top of the actual sensor body.
DO NOT touch any other bolts.

I am sorry that I cannot be of any real help, but I have not done this job, and my ALLDATA subscription only lets me see the information for my year.

[khazar]

no, you were of immense help, #1 cylinder at TDC and synchronizer back at exact position as before was majority rule and worked, thankyou