AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Guys,

When I am under acceleration especially on the incline, the car will miss, at the same time I can hear like a squeal/screech noise from the motor. Any thoughts, I have no idea at this point in time. I will do a scan check for any fault codes, hopefully this Saturday.

Cheers

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Harmonic balancer.

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Will the Harmonic Balancer cause the miss, it’s just the one miss. Also there is no vibration what’s so ever with the motor.

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Yes, as it slips the timing goes out.

See:

https://dannysengineportal.com/harmo...warning-signs/
https://fluidampr.com/troubleshootin...nic-balancers/
https://automotiveden.com/harmonic-balancer/
https://www.techtips.ie/Gates/torsio...on-dampers.pdf
https://www.underhoodservice.com/har...ers-fail-look/

and Youtube on how to replace it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoI9Znd8m18

Etc

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

The fuel pump on my s3 XR8 would screech on occasion. Will also cause a miss.
Just a thought

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Thanks Aussiblue, good bit of information. I will let you guys know of the outcome.

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Thanks PG2, interesting. I was more thinking of spark plug or leads. Nevertheless I am no mechanic or pretend to be one, hence this wonderful forum full of knowledge and experiences.

Cheers

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Thanks 290GT.

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

OK, update. Replaced the Harmonic Balancer and the problem still exists?

Regards

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

as in one or both of the faults you mentioned?.

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Missing when engine is under load (incline for example) could be a vac leak. If you get a lean code when scanning, then that increases the probability that its a vac leak.

As for the noise, a video can sometimes be useful to assist with internet diagnosis :)

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Look into the camshaft synchronizer, which have a habit of becoming noisy like that and cause misfiring. A very common Windsor issue, but also other Ford V6 engines. You can lubricate them, but the effect is short lived and replacement is the best option.

https://automotivesuperstore.com.au/...SABEgJ79vD_BwE

https://www.autopartssupply.com.au/f...CABEgLPg_D_BwE

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

^^^this - the screech is a good sign that it’s the issue.

Simple enough job to do mate,

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Most likely the cam synchro as above, for a test or temporary workaround you can unscrew the black cap and tip a teaspoon of engine oil down there.

Back in the day people used to buy them from rock auto in the states, but there are local options now. The very last year or two of the 5.0 explorers had the same part. The Dorman one was dirt cheap but regarded as poor quality with several tales of the gear stripping or falling off and destroying the engine. I haven't keep up recently, but the genuine Motorcraft part would be the safest bet if it's still available.

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Thanks Undertow,

B.P.T Motorsport are selling the factory Camshaft Synchroniser's for a ridiculous price of $482, nevertheless there are quite a few on the market now. But I will try the oil treatment first, this will at least be a good indication it's the Camshaft Synchroniser, if the problem subsides temporarily.

Regards

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

I ordered mine from the US years ago, delivery for under $130 i reckon

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

They are still cheap, I got one recently from my parts guy for $145.

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

Sorry Edxr6 that I lead you up the wrong path.

I should have said to check it first.

Re: AU XR8 series 3, 5 speed manual
 

All good PG2,

It would have needed to be changed in the near future I guess with 180,000klm on the clock. Most of the engine components are all factory, except the valve springs and retainers. They were only changed out because I had the common problem of a cracked valve spring and went with the heavy duty Crow set up.

I am guessing all the mechanic moving parts on these motors are coming to age and soon require replacing, it's all part of ongoing maintenance.

Cheers