Cam Synchro...
 

So I've been thinking for a while now about this whole cam synchro thing. It has me kinda scared being that I've got 87k on my 3.0.

I had an issue a little bit back with the oil gauge...since replacing the oil pressure switch, it has not returned, although that was THE hottest day of the year and I was stuck in stop and go traffic -- which I tried to replicate, and could not get the condition to reappear.

Anyway...looking through all the photos of the how to guides, I don't see how in the world the cam synchro (I realize it drives the oil pump) -- could cause the oil pressure to drop randomly and only at idle. I mean it's either spinning or it's not. There is the possibility that it could be jumping teeth, but then you'd have a check engine light for the cam sensor signal being off right?

I just don't see how the "oil gauge flickering" issue could be related to the cam synchro at all. Unless of course you assume that the synchro is partially falling apart and clogging the oil pickup with metal parts...but that would seem to be an issue at start up and when it's warm, not just a random condition that won't duplicate itself.

^^^ Agree. I don't believe that erratic OP gauge behavior has anything to do with the CMP/Synchronizer issue.

You could have a short in you IC. But I could be wrong.

ic...??

I wondered that, myself. Possible that slight slop caused by loose bearing/worn teeth causing slight oil pressure inconsistencies, causing gauge flutter? Possible slight mistiming causing erratic idle, causing erratic oil pressure readings to sender? Possibly a bit of both?

I dunno. I was HOPING that was what was causing mine when I had it changed when it started squeaking. But, it wasn't.

Howler

i had a check engine light on my ranger shortly after i bought it, ford said it was the cam synchro they checked and replaced things, under warranty and it was still there then they found it was a faulty ecu

The oil pressure senser switch is a common issue. You replaced it with no occurances afterwards, so I wouldn't be too concerned about the cam synchro too much. I have over 91K miles on my 01 and have all original engine parts still going strong. (Except the plugs, wires, and coil pack). They say that around 93K miles things start to really go, but I say it's all how you keep your vehicle. I've seen Rangers with less then half the miles I have fall apart.

+1