Turn crankshaft with timing belt removed?

[srisitt]

Is it ok to turn the crankshaft when the timing belt is removed? I know it would throw off the timing but would it damage anything? Trying to see if an 87 2.3L turbo diesel ranger is seized.

 

[pjtoledo]

if the timing belt is removed turning the crank throws the cam/crank relationship off.

if the belt is already off, chances are the relationship is already screwed up and the engine will need re-timed.
cams like to jump as soon as the belt is removed.
so it doesn't matter, you will have to re-time it anyways.

 

[tinman_72]

No it will not hurt anything. Lima engines are non-interference.

 

[racsan]

No it will not hurt anything. Lima engines are non-interference.

true on a lima (pinto/gas) engine, I dont know about the diesel 2.3

 

[adsm08]

I am not aware of any interference diesel engines. You should be good.

If you can, disassemble the valve train to a point that the cam no longer actuates the valves, this will let them retract all the way, and then you are 100% safe.