What is this? Quick Q.

[aussiedave]

Originally Posted by behlinla

Bucking at high RPM sound like a bad cam syncro if you have the OHV engine.

I have the standard 3.0L - not the Duratec, so I'm thinking it's the OHV? If so does that mean my timing is out? Valve or electric?

[behlinla]

Yes, then you have the OHV engine. The timing is fine, but the cam sensor/syncro is bad.

This video will explain everything. It's pretty technical but pay attention to the symptoms when they are test driving the car at the beginning:

Ford Taurus Cam Sensor Problems - YouTube

Ford Taurus Cam Sensor Problems - YouTube

[Breeves002]

If it bucks at above 3000 RPM I agree with behlinla on this one.

If you installed the wires wrong you would have an obvious misfire with rough idle. Check the wires to be sure. Read through the misfire guide again.

[aussiedave]

Originally Posted by behlinla

Yes, then you have the OHV engine. The timing is fine, but the cam sensor/syncro is bad.

This video will explain everything. It's pretty technical but pay attention to the symptoms when they are test driving the car at the beginning:

Ford Taurus Cam Sensor Problems - YouTube

Okie dokie - watched the whole thing and it seems to be exactly what is wrong with the car.
A couple of things if you will bear with me - if I do the job myself, with the tool instead of using the scope, will I still have to reset the cam memory? He might have said, but I missed it if he did.
The other question is how much is the tool?
I think I might just go ahead and get the repair shop fix this one!
Thanks again,
ad.

[aussiedave]

Originally Posted by aussiedave

Okie dokie - watched the whole thing and it seems to be exactly what is wrong with the car.
A couple of things if you will bear with me - if I do the job myself, with the tool instead of using the scope, will I still have to reset the cam memory? He might have said, but I missed it if he did.
The other question is how much is the tool?
I think I might just go ahead and get the repair shop fix this one!
Thanks again,
ad.

Additional info.
Had a detailed discussion with the missus and she is describing another symptom.
She says that very occasionally, when idling in traffic with her foot on the brake, the car will begin to idle very rough and she gets a whole bunch of warning lights coming up and she fears the car is about to stall.
She pulls out of a car garage and has no chance of running the car to operating temp - she immediately has to sit for several minutes at a traffic situation.
I think this is a different problem to the other one, but there is a chance it could be related.
Any ideas?
ad.

[behlinla]

The scan tool is going to be like $10,000, so I think that's not an option for you. The small alignment tool you put on top to hold the vane is about $30. It's not too bad a job if you work on cars as a hobby.

Rough idle with warning lights could be electrical related if the battery and/or alternator are going bad.

[aussiedave]

Originally Posted by behlinla

The scan tool is going to be like $10,000, so I think that's not an option for you. The small alignment tool you put on top to hold the vane is about $30. It's not too bad a job if you work on cars as a hobby.

Rough idle with warning lights could be electrical related if the battery and/or alternator are going bad.

Roger that - thanks a bunch man.
ad.

[flauntinthebrd]

Check the big vacuum hose under the plenum too