1985 ranger, 2.3L 4cyl, 5 speed 4x4

[ran429]

Truck had a ticking in the #2 up in the valve cover for awhile.

Yesterday i went out to start it and go to the doctor, started for a few seconds then died.

Day prior i drove it 200 miles without a hiccup to a job interview and back.
parked overnight and nothing the next day.

Has spark to plugs, fuel to injectors, no start.
will crank and crank but wont fire.

cant hear that compression noise i hear in every other engine while cranking, smell alot of fuel but no fire. timing belt is in good shape.

I elimiated the Module going bad by cranking and seeing spark at the coil and plug wires, what else could cause a no start issue on the old goat?

Cranking the motor over, the engine just doesnt sound right, starter bendix going bad sound, what direct fit engine would i look for if I went with a 2.9 V6?

 

[ran429]

ok, disregard topic.
Tore it apart and found that ford designed a retarded timing belt tensioner setup. it evidently kicked back, loosened the belt, jumped a few teeth and told me to kiss its behind and drive the wifes van.

I think some water got into the waterpump or on the crank and froze from a puddle, then when i tried starting it it kicked/jumped a few teeth on the timing belt.

 

[ran429]

Noticing the starter moving slightly when the engine was cranking over, i took it off and relaced it. when the starter hit the ground i noticed the bolts holding the motor housing to the mounting bracket/gear reduction were worn out, loosened at some point and nearly broke. the base was tight to the transmission but the motor itself was only jumping.
New starter and the trucks starts nicely, although 1-3 teeth off in timing.

New belt going in today.