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Mercury Villager: I am working on a 1998 mercury villager van

 
tims auto repair's Avatar
  • Answered by:tims auto repair
  • mechanic
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  • Accepted Answers: 227
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Customer Question

I am working on a 1998 mercury villager van 3.0l engine I had the valves done and reinstalled them and think I have a timing issue the van will not crank , when we installed the new timing belt we followed all the instructions but is it possible that we could have installed it 180 degrees out or not on the compression stroke I need help and detailed instructions van is getting fuel and spark at plugs but will not start up I tried moving distributor back and forth within its small amount of adjustability

 

Country: United States
Make: Mercury
Model: Villager
Year: 1998
Engine: 3.0l

Submitted: 391 days and 22 hours ago.
Category: Mercury
Value: $28
Status: CLOSED

Accepted Answer

Picture
Expert:  tims auto repair replied 391 days and 21 hours ago.


tims auto repair :

hi

tims auto repair :

have you checked to see if the engine has compression?

tims auto repair :

are you there?

Customer :

It has compression it just had a damaged head gasket thats why I pulled it down it has never been overheated or anything heads checked out good

tims auto repair :

does it have compression now?

Customer :

yes

tims auto repair :

this will tell us if the belt is correct

tims auto repair :

ok

tims auto repair :

how much does it have?

Customer :

I dont have a gauge on it at the moment

tims auto repair :

ok

tims auto repair :

you need to check it,,,this will let you know if the belt is right

Customer :

what should I be looking for

tims auto repair :

over 100psi

Customer :

I have the cover on the belt now

tims auto repair :

ok

tims auto repair :

you did have the distributer removed corret?

tims auto repair :

correct?

Customer :

yes

tims auto repair :

ok

tims auto repair :

we also need to check the timing here

tims auto repair :

you need to get the #1 piston up on the compression stroke

Customer :

how do I determine this

tims auto repair :

remove the #1 plug

Customer :

ok

tims auto repair :

turn the engine slowly,,until you feel air[compression]comming out of the plug hole

Customer :

got it out

Customer :

with a ratchet

tims auto repair :

turn the engine slowly till the mark on the crank pulley aligns with the marker

tims auto repair :

yes

Customer :

there are 4 or 5 marks which one the first one?

tims auto repair :

understand,,the crank turns twice to the cams once

tims auto repair :

[0]0

Customer :

ok

tims auto repair :

so,,,it must be up on the compression stroke

tims auto repair :

install the distributer to where the rotor is pointing to the #1 plug wire terminal iin the distributer cap

Customer :

ok

tims auto repair :

then it should run

tims auto repair :

if it is in time on the belt

tims auto repair :

give me just a second,,,i may have a picture

tims auto repair :
1998 Mercury Truck Villager V6-181 3.0L SOHC VIN 1 EFI
Distributor Service and Repair, Procedures


NOTE: Ford does not provide a TDC (Top Dead Center) mark or determination procedure for this engine in this vehicle.
users have reported success using aftermarket tools to determine TDC on this engine.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the distributor cover.
3. Loosen the three distributor cap screws and set the distributor cap, distributor to spark plug wires, and ignition coil to distributor high tension wiring aside.


97_fm97sm319_0307-006a.png
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4. Disconnect the distributor ground connector from the tab on the distributor housing.


98_fm97sm319_0307-006b.png
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5. Disconnect the distributor harness electrical connector.


99_fm97sm319_0307-006c.png
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6. Remove the distributor electrical connector from the bracket.


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Timing Marks On Crank Pulley (Yellow Is TDC)



7. Rotate the crankshaft until the No.1 piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke. Check to be sure that the timing mark (yellow) on the crankshaft pulley and the timing pointer on the engine front cover are aligned.


01_fm97sm319_0307-007a.png
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8. Note the relation of the distributor rotor to the engine. Make a mark on an engine component to assist with installation.


02_fm97sm319_0307-007b.png
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9. Remove the distributor bolt.
10. Remove the distributor and the distributor base gasket.

INSTALLATION

Firing Order: 1-2-3-4-5-6


50_fm97sm319_0307-005a.png
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1. If the crankshaft is rotated during distributor removal, rotate the crankshaft until the No.1 piston is at TDC on the compression stroke.
2. Install the distributor base gasket and distributor. Engage the distributor drive gear into the camshaft sprocket. Ensure that the distributor rotor aligns with the mark made on the engine component during removal.

NOTE: During installation of the distributor, the distributor rotor will tend to shift when the gears mesh.

3. Install the distributor bolt finger-tight.
4. Install the distributor electrical connector onto the bracket.
5. Connect the distributor harness electrical connector.
6. Connect the distributor ground connector to the tab on the distributor housing.
7. Position the distributor cap, distributor to spark plug wires, and ignition coil to distributor high tension wiring onto the distributor.
8. Tighten the distributor cap screws.
9. Install the distributor cover.
10. Connect the battery ground cable.
11. Adjust the ignition timing.
12. Tighten the distributor bolt to 14-17 Nm (10-12 lb ft).
tims auto repair :

Please ACCEPT my answer by clicking the accept button, so I can get credit for my work.i don't receive commission unless you do ..I'm not always going to be giving you good news,so please don't let this stand in the way of you accepting my answer.it does not cost you more money.we will still be able to communicate.please understand,i can not see,hear or touch the vehicle and only know what you tell me. Bonuses and positive feedback are appreciated!if you are not satisfied with my answer,please do not leave bad feed back,i will gladly opt out and let another expert handle the question.if i have sent any diagrams,please print them.they will only stay on here for an hour or so...sometimes you may need to right click the image,then save picture as]to save it to your computer so you can open it with your picture program...PLEASE ASK IF YOU NEED MORE HELP

tims auto repair :
1998 Mercury Truck Villager V6-181 3.0L SOHC VIN 1 EFI
Timing Belt Service and Repair, Procedures


NOTE: Ford does not provide a TDC (Top Dead Center) mark or determination procedure for this engine in this vehicle.
users have reported success using aftermarket tools to determine TDC on this engine.

69_fm98vilgr_03.01-017a.png
Full Size Image



REMOVAL
1. Drain the cooling system
2. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
3. Remove the generator drive belt, water pump and power steering pump drive belt, and the A/C compressor drive belt (if equipped).
4. If equipped, remove the three A/C compressor drive belt idler pulley bolts and the A/C compressor drive belt idler pulley.
5. Remove the upper radiator hose bracket bolt.
6. Loosen the two upper radiator hose clamps and remove the radiator hose bracket bolt. Remove the upper radiator hose and the upper radiator hose bracket from the vehicle.
7. Remove the water bypass hose from between the thermostat housing and the water hose connection.
8. Remove the main wiring harness from the upper engine front cover.
9. Remove the eight upper engine front cover bolts and the upper engine front cover.
10. Raise and support the vehicle.
11. Remove the RH front wheel and tire assembly.
12. Remove the four RH outer engine and transmission splash shield bolts and two screws and remove the RH outer engine and transmission splash shield.
13. Use Strap Wrench 303-D055 (D85L-6000-A) or equivalent to hold the water pump pulley while removing the four water pump pulley bolts.
14. Remove the water pump pulley from the water pump.
15. Remove the crankshaft pulley.

38_fm97vilgr_03.01-016a.png
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16. Remove the five lower engine front cover bolts and the lower engine front cover.

44_fm97vilgr_03.01-019a.png
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17. Ensure that the timing marks between the crankshaft sprocket and the oil pump housing line up.

45_fm97vilgr_03.01-019b.png
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18. If the timing chain/belt is to be reused, mark the direction of rotation on the timing chain/belt.

NOTE: The directional arrow is necessary to ensure that the timing chain/belt can be reinstalled in the same direction.

46_fm97vilgr_03.01-019c.png
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19. Loosen the timing chain/belt tensioner nut.
20. Remove the timing chain/belt.

INSTALLATION

47_fm97vilgr_03.01-019d.png
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NOTE: Ensure that the timing marks on the camshaft sprockets and the seal plate are properly aligned. Ensure that the timing marks on the crankshaft sprocket and the oil pump housing are still aligned.

05_fm98vilgr_03.01-020a.png
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1. Use an Allen wrench to turn the timing chain/belt tensioner clockwise until the timing chain/belt tensioner spring is fully extended. Temporarily tighten the timing chain/belt tensioner nut to 43-58 Nm (32-43 ft. lbs.).
2. Install the timing chain/belt starting at the crankshaft sprocket and moving around to the camshaft sprocket following a counterclockwise path. Do not allow any slack in the timing chain/belt between the timing sprockets. After all of the timing marks are matched up with the timing chain/belt installed, slip the timing chain/belt onto the timing chain/belt tensioner.

59_fm98vilgr_03.00-015a.png
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CAUTION: Pay special attention to the tooth shape of the timing belt. The current timing belts are not interchangeable with the timing belts from the 1993 model year. The 1993 model year uses a square or trapezoidal tooth timing belt while the current model year uses a rounded tooth design. The design change was made to extend the service life of the timing belt from 6O,000 miles for the square or trapezoidal toothed belt to 105,000 miles for the rounded tooth belt. If the proper timing belt is not used, the customer may complain of a "whining" noise coming from the engine compartment. If the camshaft sprocket has a square cut in the valley of the gear tooth, it will require a square or trapezoidal tooth timing belt. If the camshaft sprocket has a rounded cut in the valley of the gear tooth, it will require a rounded tooth timing belt.

NOTE: If a new timing chain/belt is to be installed, make sure that the arrow is pointing away from the engine. If a timing chain/belt is to be reused, make sure that the directional arrow that was marked during disassembly is facing the correct direction.

50_fm97vilgr_03.01-021b.png
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NOTE: A new timing chain/belt has three white timing marks that indicate the correct timing positions of the camshafts and the crankshaft. These marks will help ensure that the engine is timed properly. When the engine is properly timed each white timing mark on the timing chain/belt will be aligned with the corresponding camshaft and crankshaft timing mark on the sprocket. Because the white timing marks are not evenly spaced you will need to refer to the illustration for proper timing chain/belt placement. There should be 40 timing belt teeth between the timing marks of the front and rear camshaft sprockets and 43 teeth between the timing mark on the front camshaft sprocket and the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.

NOTE: Verify that the camshaft timing marks are aligned with the timing marks on the seal plate and that the crankshaft sprocket timing mark is aligned with the timing mark on the oil pump.

3. While holding the timing chain/belt tensioner with an Allen wrench, loosen the timing chain/belt tensioner nut.
4. Allow the timing chain/belt tensioner to put pressure on the timing chain/belt.

51_fm97vilgr_03.01-021c.png
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5. Use an Allen wrench to turn the timing chain/belt tensioner 70-80 degrees clockwise and tighten the timing chain/belt tensioner nut to 43-58 Nm (32-43 ft. lbs.).
6. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise twice and align the No. 1 piston to Top Dead Center (TDC) on its compression stroke.

52_fm97vilgr_03.01-022a.png
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7. Apply 98N (22 lbs) of force on the timing chain/belt between the rear camshaft sprocket and the timing chain/belt tensioner.
8. While holding the timing chain/belt tensioner steady with an Allen wrench, loosen the timing chain/belt tensioner nut. Remove the Allen wrench and adjust the timing chain/belt tensioner as follows:

72_93fdtkmotor-432.png
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Installing Feeler Gauge Between Timing Belt & Tensioner



a. Install a 0.35 mm (0.0138 inch) thick and 12.7 mm (0.500 inch) wide feeler gauge as shown.

54_fm97vilgr_03.01-022c.png
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b. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to position the feeler gauge between the timing chain/belt tensioner and the timing chain/belt.
c. Tighten the timing chain/belt tensioner nut to 43-58 Nm (32-43 ft. lbs.).
d. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to remove the feeler gauge from between the timing chain/belt tensioner and the timing chain/belt.

NOTE: An assistant may be needed to adjust the timing chain/belt.

9. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise twice and align the No. 1 piston to TDC on its compression stroke.

91_fm97vilgr_03.00-014a.png
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10. Apply 98N (22 lbs) of force on the timing chain/belt between the rear and front camshaft sprocket.
11. Measure the timing chain/belt deflection. Timing chain/belt deflection should be between 13-15 mm (0.51-0.59 inch). If timing chain/belt deflection is not within specification, repeat steps 3-11. If the timing chain/belt cannot be adjusted to within specification, the timing chain/belt will have to be replaced.
12. Position the lower engine front cover and install the five lower engine front cover bolts. Tighten the five lower engine front cover bolts to 3-5 Nm (27-44 in. lbs.).
13. Install the outer timing chain/belt guide and the crankshaft pulley.
14. Position the water pump pulley on the water pump and install the four water pump pulley bolts.
15. Use Strap Wrench 303-D055 (D85L-6000-A) or equivalent to hold the water pump pulley and tighten the four water pump pulley bolts to 16-21 Nm (12-15 ft. lbs.).
16. Position the RH outer engine and transmission splash shield and install the four RH outer engine and transmission splash shield bolts and two screws.
17. Install the RH front wheel and tire assembly. Tighten the lug nuts to 98-118 Nm (72-87 ft. lbs.).
18. Lower the vehicle.
19. Position the upper engine front cover and install the eight upper engine front cover bolts. Tighten the eight upper engine front cover bolts to 3-5 Nm (27-44 in. lbs.).
20. Install the main wiring harness on the upper engine front cover.
21. Position the water bypass hose between the thermostat housing and water hose connection.
22. Install the upper radiator hose between the radiator and water hose connection and position the two upper radiator hose clamps at their respective ends.

39_fm97vilgr_03.01-016b.png
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23. Tighten the two upper radiator hose clamps until only 6-8 mm (0.24-0.31 in) of threads remain below the bolt head.
24. Position the upper radiator hose bracket. Tighten the upper radiator hose bracket bolt to 46-65 Nm (34-48 ft. lbs.).
25. If equipped position the A/C compressor drive belt idler pulley and install the three A/C compressor drive belt idler pulley bolts. Tighten the three A/C compressor drive belt idler pulley bolts to 21 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
26. Install and adjust the generator drive belt water pump and power steering pump drive belt, and the A/C compressor drive belt (if equipped).
27. Connect the battery ground cable.
28. Fill the cooling system.
29. Check and adjust the ignition timing.
tims auto repair :

Please ACCEPT my answer by clicking the accept button, so I can get credit for my work.i don't receive commission unless you do ..I'm not always going to be giving you good news,so please don't let this stand in the way of you accepting my answer.it does not cost you more money.we will still be able to communicate.please understand,i can not see,hear or touch the vehicle and only know what you tell me. Bonuses and positive feedback are appreciated!if you are not satisfied with my answer,please do not leave bad feed back,i will gladly opt out and let another expert handle the question.if i have sent any diagrams,please print them.they will only stay on here for an hour or so...sometimes you may need to right click the image,then save picture as]to save it to your computer so you can open it with your picture program...PLEASE ASK IF YOU NEED MORE HELP

tims auto repair :

thanks for using justanswer

Expert Typemechanic
Category: Mercury
Pos. Feedback: 98.0 %
Accepts: 227
Answered: 3/13/2012

Experience: owns repair shop....25 years

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