• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

2.3 Timing belt tensioner trick - VERY EASY!


txarmysgt

Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2014
Messages
24
Vehicle Year
1996
Transmission
Manual
After removing the power steering pump and bracket there is a bolt hole in the engine block DIRECTLY behind the tensioner. when you are ready to release tension loosen the spring bolt and the tension adjustment bolt, then borrow the washer from the crank pulley and a bolt from the power steering pump. put the bolt thru the washer and thread it into the forementioned hole keeping the washer tucked under the rear timing cover catching the edge of the tensioner. tighten it down and the belt will go slack and away you go no fuss no muss.
 

Attachments

  • 100_1131.jpg
    100_1131.jpg
    35.2 KB · Views: 789
  • 100_1132.jpg
    100_1132.jpg
    29.9 KB · Views: 935
  • 100_1120.jpg
    100_1120.jpg
    43.9 KB · Views: 883
Huh? I'm lost. I just used a pry bar...
 
Nothing wrong with using a pry bar. I'm just mildly retarded and didn't see a way I was comfortable with wedging one in there (didn't have a very good one on hand either) so I had to improvise and I found a way where I didn't need two tools at once. There's definitely more than one way to skin a cat as they say. Mine is no better, just an alternative. Thank you for your service by the way. I am an Army vet myself 1990 - 2005 Mostly Fort Hood CONUS and everywhere OCONUS.
 
Last edited:
I still don't get what you're exactly doing under there. Ya'll are welcome.
 
I see you have a 4.0 under your hood so this may not apply to you at all - not sure As you can see in this pic I am not quite at the re-assembly stage so forgive the mess. I threw together a little to try to show what I mean here the bolt and washer are in a hole for the power steering/ac compressor mount. as you can see, the washer has caught the right edge of the tensioner and as you tighten the bolt, the belt goes slack. you dont even have to tighten the adjusting bolt to keep the tension off the belt. Just remove the bolt and washer and you have your tension, then tighten the tensioner bolts. hope this clears things up!
 

Attachments

  • 2014-04-09 19.00.16.jpg
    2014-04-09 19.00.16.jpg
    77.2 KB · Views: 1,012
Oh... i see now. I had a 94 2.3 at one point and did a timing belt on it. That looks so different from what I remember (2-3 years ago now). Did they do major changes between 94 and 96?

Anyway that's a neat trick now that I see it. I'd say that needs a sticky in the 2.3 section or a page in the tech section.
 
Yeah the oil pump is now external and run by the balance shaft - no need to yank the engine to get at the pump - also no distributor and eight spark plugs
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Missing timing belt tensioner spring Ranger 2.3L
Replies
6
Views
6K
RonD
Simple trick for the 2.3 timing belt tensioner
Replies
4
Views
1K
Mark_88
Timing Belt Tensioner Installation Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
RonD
Ramirezsergio63
Timing belt tensioner
Replies
0
Views
2K
Ramirezsergio63
Ramirezsergio63
spring tensioner on timing belt
Replies
5
Views
5K
scotts90ranger
scotts90ranger

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Ranger Adventure Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

IMG_0673.jpeg
IMG_0675.jpeg
IMG_0671.jpeg
85 ranger
85 Ford Ranger
PXL_20250409_152004355.jpg
IMG_9440.jpeg
IMG_4799.jpeg
20240803_195331.jpg
IMG_4778.jpeg
IMG_4779.jpeg
IMG_4780.jpeg

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Back
Top