2.3L ('83-'97) 2.3L makes weird sound after replacing timing belt?


BCanuck

10+ Year Member

Joined
Mar 25, 2015
Messages
39
Points
1,601
Vehicle Year
1994
Transmission
Manual
I have a 1994 first ranger 2.3L.
I replaced the timing belt (and tensioner) after it snapped and left me stranded on the side of the road. After I got it towed home, I replaced the timing belt and now it makes a weird clicking noise. It fires right up when I started it..

The timing belt cover is off and the surpintine belt is also off just to quickly test the timing belt.

See video...
Noise after installing Timing Belt - Video

Thanks in advance!
 
So I got everything back together. Either the valve train has issues, the oil pump is toast, or the engine is done... At a loss right now

I may quickly try and find another vehicle. (My wife's car just blew the transmission 3 weeks ago too)

I saved the truck from going to the wrecker a few years ago and now it has 350k km on it (211k miles)


Any ideas much appreciated but not looking to great.
 
Anyone know if his engine is an interference engine or not? If it is, you might have bent valve(s).
 
I believe its non-interference. Don't quote me....
 
Any chance there is a bolt not fully tightened and hitting something? Or a screw or bolt slightly too long and hitting a rotating part? I once used a screw too long for the transmission dust cover and it was hitting the torque converter stud nuts. Similar sound....
 
I'm fairly sure I tightened everything down but it's worth the look.
Yes, it is a non-interference engine thankfully.

2nd Video Here - here is the video after the serpentine belt was put back on... I left the timing cover off for now.
 
Get a 4' or 5' piece of garden hose. Stick one end in your ear and use the other end as a stethoscope. Poke around and see if you can isolate the noise.
 
Haha
Ya I will grab some hose at work and give it a listen.
 
2.3 lima is non-interference. You can quote me.
 
Doesn't sound like valve noise, or anything internal to me. It sounds like a pulley or the belt hitting something. Perhaps something got bent when the belt let go. Id let the engine cool off and get in there and feel everything for clearance, spin the engine by hand and see if any pulleys hit something, run your hand along the belt and make sure nothing is close to it.
 
I was able to track the sound to under the truck by the crank. It seem to be the loudest there. Then a massive down pour of rain came and had to stop. The hose didn't help too much.

I may try a long screw driver for listening.
 
Last edited:
So I got everything back together. Either the valve train has issues, the oil pump is toast, or the engine is done... At a loss right now

I may quickly try and find another vehicle. (My wife's car just blew the transmission 3 weeks ago too)

I saved the truck from going to the wrecker a few years ago and now it has 350k km
 

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