Well guys, I have won the VCT battle[drinking] . I found out that propely changing the timming belt will keep the VCT cam gear from making that ugly grinding noise( Search is a beutifull thing). There is a good thread here on how to do it properly. Oh and by the way, use Ford genuine parts. I had a Auto Zone belt and tensioner. The belt I bought from AutoZone was actually for the ZX3 and not the SVT. Got all the right parts from CFM, did the belt install properly and my VCT noise is gone. I even picked up some top end. WHHOOO HHHOOOOOOOOOOOO.[ffrocks]

I was just told by the ford dealership 2 days ago that my timing belt and tensioner need to be replaced. Parts = $140 Labor = $350. I'd like to do this myself if possible but I would rather pay to have them do it then screw the car up for good.

Thanks for any info you can provide.
Scott

If you haven't done it before, I'd HIGHLY recommend having the Dealer do it.
This task is not for the timid, and if you don't get it right, it'll cause problems, and you'll be spending another weekend trying to get it right.

Here's the procedure if you must...
http://atomic.speculation.org/Graphics/ZX3%20Pics/Focus%20Documentation/Ford%20Manual%20Files/Cam%20Timing.html (http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fatomic.speculation.org%2FGraphics%2FZX3%2520Pics%2FFocus%2520Documentation%2FFord%2520Manual%2520Files%2FCam%2520Timing.html)

My buddy is a mechanic. He build his Honda civic from the ground up. He said he's never changed one on and SVT before, but I'm thinking that he should probably be able to do it with the proper instructions available.

I've cautioned people before about the VCT...but in case you missed it. The VCT hub is spring loaded. When you unbolt the cam gears during belt install (you really don't need to do this if they were correctly installed in the first place) the hub will spring forward to its' proper location for the cam tool to orient the cams. Problems come when you turn the motor a couple of revs and double check your timing. You will NOT be able to get the cam tool back into the cams!!! Many people screw up right here.

They think "I must have done something wrong" and change the belt position. WRONG!! What happens is the valve springs are way stronger than the spring in the VCT hub and it isn't sprung forward where it needs to be for proper timing. To double check the timing, you only need to gently turn the intake cam forward until the hub bottoms out. Now the cam tool will fit and you are done! Easy to do but tricky at the same time if you aren't aware of what is going on.

^^ Amen to that. I turned the engine many times to make sure cams were properly lined up and every time the tool did not go in, but with a little help of a opened end wrench I rotated the intake cam just tad and in it went. I did loosen both cam gears, cuz the first time I didnt and thats when the noise began.

If you haven't done it before, I'd HIGHLY recommend having the Dealer do it.
This task is not for the timid, and if you don't get it right, it'll cause problems, and you'll be spending another weekend trying to get it right.

Here's the procedure if you must...
http://atomic.speculation.org/Graphics/ZX3%20Pics/Focus%20Documentation/Ford%20Manual%20Files/Cam%20Timing.html (http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fatomic.speculation.org%2FGraphics%2FZX3%2520Pics%2FFocus%2520Documentation%2FFord%2520Manual%2520Files%2FCam%2520Timing.html)

This link is exactly what I used to install mine.

my father just did that on his mustang....it was a hair-raising experience, as the cams rotated when he removed the chains and he had to go on blind faith and online knowledge to get it running..."I kope it doesn't kiss the valves on startup"...F_THAT


I think i will let a dealership do this so I don't have to worry...........and I think by around 60K SVTF need this correct?

If you have the money to spend go for it. But I have heard that even dealers have messed this up. The good thing is you can always take it back to them. If you have decent skills you can do it, its not like the Mustang. I used WD40's link on how to install and worked great. Just give yourself plenty of time in case of an OH SH&$!!!

I just found this forum the other day when I was looking for info on this. So far you guys are proving to be friendly and informative.

I'm thinking that I will print the info you provided and take it with me to what ever shop I have doing the work. There are a couple in town that I trust. I'm capable of doing some work but this may be more than should take on just yet.

I'm sure I'll have more questions and I do appreciate the help.
Scott

Glad to know your getting the info you need, thats what this is all about, helping out.

If you haven't done it before, I'd HIGHLY recommend having the Dealer do it.
This task is not for the timid, and if you don't get it right, it'll cause problems, and you'll be spending another weekend trying to get it right.

Here's the procedure if you must...
http://atomic.speculation.org/Graphics/ZX3%20Pics/Focus%20Documentation/Ford%20Manual%20Files/Cam%20Timing.html (http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fatomic.speculation.org%2FGraphics%2FZX3%2520Pics%2FFocus%2520Documentation%2FFord%2520Manual%2520Files%2FCam%2520Timing.html)
If we haven't done it before, how are we going to learn how to do it right? LOL [:)]

Was it really that hard? I'm technically inclined but haven't had to change a timing belt.

it's fine till the gears slip and then you have the figure out how many cogs back you need to go.....it's on of those things that COULD go really wrong.....that's all.....like a kissed valve and other shit wrong.....