Timing the camshaft on 1959 TR3a

Timing chain possible . But more likely Camshaft Phaser for the variable valve timing , do you change you oil regularly ,these can get clogged up . They are controlled by oil pressure.
Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) System The VCT system consists of an electric hydraulic positioning control solenoid, a camshaft position (CMP) sensor, and a trigger wheel. The CMP trigger wheel has a number of equally spaced teeth equal to the number (n) of cylinders on a bank plus one extra tooth (n+1). Four cylinder and V8 engines use a CMP 4+1 tooth trigger wheel. V6 engines use a CMP 3+1 tooth trigger wheel. The extra tooth placed between the equally spaced teeth represents the CMP signal for that bank. A crankshaft position sensor (CKP) provides the PCM with crankshaft positioning information in 10 degree increments. The cam timing can become advanced to much an cause a low compression problem. You could do a compression test an that would tell you. this vehicle should have at lest 150 psi .

The detail is as under:
A. With the lower timing case in place and upper half timing case removed.
1. With the engine switch OFF, and in neutral position, hand brake pulled, jack up the right front wheel. Turn the steering wheel fully right hand side. Rotate the engine crankshaft pulley with 19 mm deep socket clock wise and bring the engraved timing mark of the pulley in front of Zero (0) degree mark which is printed on the lower timing case.
2. The cam shaft timing gear has a small hole on one of its spokes.
It should be straight upward, at exactly 90 degrees to the cylinder head upper face. With the help of mirror carefully look through this hole, you will find a pin hole mark there. With the crankshaft pulley at 0 degrees, this hole in the camshaft gear should exactly align with the pin hole of the camshaft bracket number 1.

please let me know if you have questions.
2.4L Engine
NOTE It is recommended that the entire procedure be reviewed before attempting to service the timing chain.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions section.
2. Drain the cooling system.
3. Remove or disconnect the following: Negative battery cable, Coolant surge tank, Accessory drive belt, Alternator
4. Install an engine support.
5. Remove or disconnect the following: Upper cover fasteners, Front cover vent hose, Right engine mount and bracket, Right front wheel, Right lower splash shield, Crankshaft balancer, Lower cover fasteners, Front cover
6. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise, as viewed from front of engine (normal rotation) until the camshaft sprocket's timing dowel pin holes align with the timing chain housing holes. The crankshaft sprocket mark should align with the engine mark. The crankshaft sprocket keyway should point upward and align with the cylinder bores centerline. This is the normal timed position.
7. Remove the timing chain guides.
8. Remove the timing chain tensioner.
   NOTE Be sure all the slack in the timing chain is above the tensioner assembly when removing it. CAUTION The tensioner plunger is spring loaded and could fly out causing personal injury.
9. Remove or disconnect the following: Timing chain, Camshaft sprockets

To install:

1. Install or connect the following: Camshaft sprockets. Torque the bolts to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm),
   Camshaft sprocket alignment pin through the camshaft sprockets holes into the timing chain housing holes to position the camshafts for timing.
2. If the camshafts are out of position and must be rotated more than 1 / 8 turn in order to install the alignment dowel pins, perform the following:
   1. Rotated the crankshaft 90 degrees clockwise off Top Dead Center (TDC) in order to give the valves adequate clearance to open.
   2. Once the camshafts are positioned and the dowels installed, rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise back to TDC.
      WARNING Do not rotate the crankshaft clockwise to TDC or valve and piston damage may occur.
      
3. Install the timing chain over the exhaust camshaft sprocket, around the idler sprocket and around the crankshaft sprocket.
   

   Fig. Timing chain and sprocket alignment positions-2.4L DOHC engine
   

4. Remove the alignment dowel pin from the intake camshaft. Using a dowel pin remover tool, rotate the intake camshaft sprocket counterclockwise enough to slide the timing chain over the intake camshaft sprocket. Release the camshaft sprocket wrench. The length of chain between the 2 camshaft sprockets will tighten.
   NOTE If properly timed, the intake camshaft alignment dowel pin should slide in easily. If the dowel pin does not fully index, the camshafts are not timed correctly and the procedure must be repeated.
5. Leave the alignment dowel pins installed.
6. With slack removed from chain between intake camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket, the timing marks on the crankshaft and the cylinder block should be aligned. If marks are not aligned, move the chain 1 tooth forward or rearward, remove slack and recheck the marks.
7. Tighten the chain housing to engine stud. The stud is installed under the timing chain. Torque it to 19 ft. lbs. (26 Nm).
8. Reload the timing chain tensioner as follows:
   1. Form a keeper from heavy gauge wire.
   2. Slightly, compress the shoe plunger and insert a small screwdriver into the access hole.
   3. Release the ratchet pawl and compress the plunger completely into the hole.
   4. Insert the keeper between the access hole and the blade.
9. Install or connect the following:
   Tensioner assembly to the chain housing. Torque the bolts to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm). Tensioner shoe and retainer. Torque the bolts to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm). NOTE Recheck plunger assembly installation. It is correctly installed when the long end is toward the crankshaft.
10. Remove the alignment dowel pins. Rotate crankshaft clockwise 2 full rotations. Align the crankshaft timing mark with mark on cylinder block and reinstall alignment dowel pins. Alignment dowel pins will slide in easily if engine is timed correctly.
    WARNING If the engine is not correctly timed, severe engine damage could occur.
11. Install or connect the following: Timing chain guides, New seal into the front cover by lubricating the seal lip and tapping it into place, Front cover and gaskets. Torque the nuts and bolts to 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm), Crankshaft balancer. Torque the bolt to 129 ft. lbs. (175 Nm), Right front lower splash shield, Front wheel. Torque the nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (140 Nm), Right engine mount bracket. Torque the bolts to 81 ft. lbs. (110 Nm) plus an additional 90 degree turn, Right engine mount. Torque the bolt to 49 ft. lbs. (60 Nm), Upper cover vent hose
12. Remove the engine support.
13. Install or connect the following: Alternator. Torque the bolts to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm), Accessory drive belt, Coolant surge tank, Negative battery cable.
    
14. Refill the cooling system.
15. Start the engine and check for leaks.

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Installation

1. CAUTION: The camshaft must be held stationary at the hexagons with locking pliers. Do not use the alignment tool to hold the camshaft in position or damage to the camshaft may occur.
   NOTE: To loosen the camshaft pulleys, hold the camshafts by the hexagon.
   Loosen the camshaft pulleys.
   1. Remove the blanking plug from the exhaust camshaft pulley.
   1. Loosen the exhaust camshaft pulley bolt.
   1. Loosen the intake camshaft pulley bolt.

1. NOTE: Rotate the camshafts clockwise as necessary.
   Install the camshaft alignment timing tool on the back of the camshafts.

1. NOTE: Cylinder No. 1 is at top dead center (TDC) when the keyway is in the 12 o'clock position.
   Confirm the crankshaft position is at TDC (No. 1 cylinder) by rotating it clockwise against the alignment peg.

1. CAUTION: Do not rotate the crankshaft; as necessary check that it is still resting against the timing pin.
   NOTE: The lug of the belt tensioner should not be hooked in the sheet metal cover during timing belt installation.
   Position a new timing belt in place.
   • Starting from the crankshaft timing belt pulley and working counterclockwise, position the timing belt in place while keeping it under tension.

1. NOTE: Incorrect timing belt tension will cause incorrect valve timing.
   Pre-tension the timing belt.
   1. Rotate the tensioner locating tab counterclockwise and insert the locating tab into the slot in the rear timing cover.
   1. Position the hex key slot in the tensioner adjusting washer to the 4 o'clock position.
   1. Tighten the attaching bolt enough to seat the tensioner firmly against the rear timing cover, but still allow the tensioner adjusting washer to be rotated using a 6 mm hex key.

1. CAUTION: Tension the timing belt, working counterclockwise.
   Using the hex key, rotate the adjusting washer counterclockwise until the notch in the pointer is centered over the index line on the locating tab (the pointer will move clockwise during adjustment).

1. While holding the adjusting washer in position, tighten the bolt.

1. CAUTION: The camshaft must be held stationary at the hexagons with locking pliers. Do not use the alignment tool to hold the camshaft in position or damage to the camshaft may occur.
   Tighten the bolt on the intake camshaft sprocket.

1. CAUTION: The camshaft must be held stationary at the hexagons with locking pliers. Do not use the alignment tool to hold the camshaft in position or damage to the camshaft may occur.
   Tighten the bolt on the exhaust camshaft sprocket in three stages.
   • Stage 1: Tighten the bolt to 50 Nm (36 lb-ft).
   • Stage 2: Remove the TDC peg and the camshaft alignment timing tool.
   • Stage 3: Tighten the bolt to 115-125 Nm (85-92 lb-ft).

1. NOTE: Install a new oil plug seal.
   Screw in the new oil plug on the variable camshaft timing assembly.

1. NOTE: Turn the engine two turns in the normal direction of rotation by the crankshaft.
   Check the valve timing by inserting the special tools and correct the alignment as necessary.
   • Screw in special tool 303-574 and make sure that the crankshaft is resting against the special tool.
   • Insert special tool 303-465 into the camshafts. If necessary loosen the timing pulleys and correct the camshaft alignment.
   • Remove the special tools.

.6L (VIN 3) & 2.0L Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
   

2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   

   • Negative battery cable
     

   • Engine cover
     

   • Right-hand front wheel
     

   • Right-hand wheel well side cover
     

   • Accessory drive belts
     

   • Water pump pulley
     

   • Timing belt upper cover
     

3. Turn the crankshaft pulley so cylinder No. 1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC). Align the pulley groove with the timing mark "T" of the timing belt cover.
   

4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   

   • Crankshaft pulley
     

   • Crankshaft flange
     

   • Lower timing belt cover
     

   • Timing belt tensioner
     

   • Timing belt To install:Align the timing marks of the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets to ensure the No. 1 cylinder is at TDC.Temporarily install the timing belt tensioner.Install the timing belt over the crankshaft sprocket, then inside the idler pulley, over the camshaft sprocket and then inside the timing belt tensioner.Apply tension to the timing belt by turning the tensioner in the clockwise direction so there is no slack in the belt on the tension side.Tighten the tensioner mounting bolts to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm).Check the timing belt tension as follows:
     

1. • 1.6L (VIN 3) engine: Push the tension side of the belt in horizontally with a moderate force, the timing belt cog end is approximately 1/2 of the tensioner mounting bolt head radius away from the bolt head center.
     

   • 2.0L engine: Push the tension side of the belt in horizontally with a moderate force, the timing belt cog end sags approximately 0.16-0.24 inches (4-6 mm).
     

2. Turn the crankshaft two turns in the clockwise direction and realign the crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprocket timing marks.
   

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Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Disconnect the Manifold Air Temperature (MAT) sensor connector.
4. Disconnect the air cleaner outlet hose from the throttle body.
5. Disconnect the breather tube from the camshaft cover.
6. Remove the air cleaner housing bolts.
7. Remove the air cleaner housing.
8. Remove the right front wheel.
9. Remove the right front wheel well splash shield.
10. Remove the serpentine drive belt.
11. Remove the crankshaft pulley bolts and the crankshaft pulley.
12. Remove the right engine mount bracket.
13. Remove the front timing belt cover bolts.
14. Remove the front timing belt cover.
15. Using the crankshaft gear bolt, rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the timing mark on the crankshaft gear is aligned with the notch at the bottom of the rear timing belt cover.
    

Fig. Aligning the timing mark on the crankshaft gear with the notch at the bottom of the rear timing belt cover.

1. Fig. Aligning the camshaft gears with the notches on the camshaft cover.
3. Align the camshaft gears with the notch on the camshaft cover.
4. Remove the timing belt.
5. Loosen the automatic tensioner bolt. Turn the hex-key tab to relieve belt tension.
6. 
   

To install:

1. Align the timing mark on the crankshaft gear with the notch on the bottom of the rear timing belt cover.
2. Align the timing marks on the camshaft gears, using the intake gear mark for the intake gear and the exhaust gear mark for the exhaust gear.
3. Install the timing belt.
4. Turn the hex-key tab in a clockwise direction to tension the belt. Turn until the pointer aligns with the notch.
5. Install the automatic tensioner bolt and tighten to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
6. Rotate the crankshaft two full turns clockwise using the crankshaft pulley bolt.
7. Recheck the automatic tensioner pointer.
8. Install the front timing belt cover.
9. Install the front timing belt cover bolts and tighten to 53 inch lbs. (6 Nm).
10. Install the right engine mount bracket.
11. Install the crankshaft pulley and tighten the crankshaft pulley bolts to 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm).
12. Install the serpentine drive belt.
13. Install the right front wheel well splash shield.
14. Install the right front wheel.
15. Install the air cleaner housing.
16. Install the air cleaner housing bolts and tighten to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).
17. Connect the air cleaner outlet hose to the throttle body.
18. Connect the breather tube to the camshaft cover.
19. Connect the MAT sensor connector.
20. Connect the negative battery cable.

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Removal & Installation

1.5L, 1.6L (VIN 5) & 1.8L Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the accessory drive belts.
4. Remove the alternator.
5. Remove the water pump and crankshaft pulleys.
6. Remove the timing belt guide plate.
7. Remove the upper and lower timing belt covers.
8. Position the crankshaft so that the timing mark is aligned with the timing mark on the engine.
9. Verify that the I and E mark on the camshaft pulley align with the mark on the cylinder head.
   NOTE Do not move the crankshaft or camshaft once the timing marks have been correctly positioned.
   
10. If the timing belt is to be reused, mark the direction of rotation on the timing belt.
11. Remove the timing belt tensioner pulley.
12. Remove the timing belt.
    

To install:

1. Install the timing belt tensioner pulley, move the tensioner to its furthest point and tighten the lockbolt.
2. Install the timing belt onto the pulleys, as follows, crankshaft pulley first, then the idler pulley, exhaust camshaft pulley, intake camshaft pulley, and the tensioner pulley.
3. Loosen the tensioner pulley and allow the tensioner spring to apply tension on the belt, then tighten the lockbolt to 28-38 ft. lbs. (38-51 Nm).
4. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise 2 turns and be sure all marks are still correctly aligned.
5. Install the remaining components in the revere order of the removal noting the following torque specifications:
   
   Crankshaft pulley: 9-13 ft. lbs. (12-17 Nm) Water pump pulley: 9-13 ft. lbs. (12-17 Nm)
   
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

1.6L (VIN 3) & 2.0L Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Engine cover Right-hand front wheel Right-hand wheel well side cover Accessory drive belts Water pump pulley Timing belt upper cover
   
3. Turn the crankshaft pulley so cylinder No. 1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC). Align the pulley groove with the timing mark T of the timing belt cover.
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   NOTE If the timing belt is to be reused, mark the belt to indicate its turning direction.
   
   
   Crankshaft pulley Crankshaft flange Lower timing belt cover Timing belt tensioner Timing belt
   

To install:

1. Align the timing marks of the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets to ensure the No. 1 cylinder is at TDC.
2. Temporarily install the timing belt tensioner.
3. Install the timing belt over the crankshaft sprocket, then inside the idler pulley, over the camshaft sprocket and then inside the timing belt tensioner.
4. Apply tension to the timing belt by turning the tensioner in the clockwise direction so there is no slack in the belt on the tension side.
5. Tighten the tensioner mounting bolts to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm).
6. Check the timing belt tension as follows:
   1. 1.6L (VIN 3) engine: Push the tension side of the belt in horizontally with a moderate force, the timing belt cog end is approximately 1 / 2 of the tensioner mounting bolt head radius away from the bolt head center.
   2. 2.0L engine: Push the tension side of the belt in horizontally with a moderate force, the timing belt cog end sags approximately 0.16-0.24 inches (4-6 mm).
   
   
7. Turn the crankshaft two turns in the clockwise direction and realign the crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprocket timing marks.
8. Install or connect the following:
   
   Lower timing belt cover. Tighten bolts to 6-7 ft. lbs. (8-10 Nm). Crankshaft flange Crankshaft pulley. Tighten bolt to 101-109 ft. lbs. (138-147 Nm) for 1.6L (VIN 3) engine and 123-130 ft. lbs. (168-177 Nm) for 2.0L engine. Upper timing belt cover. Tighten bolts to 6-7 ft. lbs. (8-10 Nm). Water pump pulley Accessory drive belts Right-hand wheel well side cover Right-hand front wheel Engine cover Negative battery cable

You need to attach a timing wheel to the end of the crankshaft which is the most accurate way to find Top Dead Center without damage to the engine. Usually you can replace the timing belt without moving the camshaft, then you would not need to use a timing wheel.

Removal & Installation

2.0L Engine

1. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Negative battery cable Spark plugs Catalytic converter Right front wheel Right inner splash shield Accessory drive belt and idler pulley
   
2. Rotate the crankshaft to Top Dead Center (TDC) and install Crankshaft TDC Timing Peg T97P-6000-A.
3. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise against the peg.
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Water pump pulley Valve cover Crankshaft pulley Timing belt covers
   
5. Install Camshaft Alignment Timing Tool T94P-6256-CH into theslots of both camshafts at the rear of the cylinder head to lock thecamshafts into position.
6. Loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt and relieve the tension onthe timing belt by disconnecting the tensioner tab from the timingcover back plate.
7. Remove the timing belt.
   
   Fig. Crankshaft alignment position-Ford 2.0L (VIN 3) engines
   
   
   Fig. Placement of Camshaft Alignment Timing Tool T94P-6256-CH-Ford 2.0L (VIN 3) engines
   
   
   Fig. Timing belt tensioner index marks-Ford 2.0L (VIN 3) engines
   

To install:

NOTE Always replace the timing belt after loosening or removing it.

1. Install the timing belt.
2. Engage the timing belt tensioner tab into the timing cover back plate.
3. Adjust the timing belt tensioner until the index marks are aligned. Tighten the tensioner bolt to 17-20 ft. lbs. (22-28 Nm).
4. Remove the camshaft alignment tool and the crankshaft TDC peg.
5. Install or connect the following:
   
   Timing belt covers Crankshaft pulley. Tighten the bolt to 81-89 ft. lbs. (110-120 Nm). Valve cover Water pump pulley Accessory drive belt and idler pulley Right inner splash shield Right front wheel Catalytic converter Spark plugs Negative battery cable
   
6. Start the engine and check for proper operation.

For timing, on 1981 and later 4 cyl engines (from the Haynes manual):
1. Turn camshaft so both valves for #1 cylinder are closed, and turn the crankshaft so #1 piston is at top dead center (woodruff key should be pointing up).
2. Engage the camshaft sprocket (with stamped numbers facing out) into the timing chain, and install the chain around the crankshaft sprocket. The bright links on the chain should be aligned with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket (on the right side as you look at it) and with the number "2" stamped into the camshaft sprocket, which should also be on the right side as you look at it.
3. Install the camshaft sprocket onto the camshaft, aligning the camshaft dowel pin with the number "2" hole near the center of the sprocket.

For the firing order and wiring routing for the 8 plug 4 cylinder engine: (Plugs on the intake manifold side are coded "I", and on the exhaust manifold side are coded "E")

Wire to 1I should be connected to tower on the distributor facing directly to the front of the vehicle. Going counterclockwise from there, the order is (1I), 2E, 3I, 1E, 4I, 3E, 2I, and 4E.