2.3L ('83-'97) Can I split the timing belt and slip on the new one and then remove the last bit?

[ccaissie]

I'm about to change the timing belt on my 2.3 l while it's out of the vehicle.
Somewhere i read of a method to cut the existing timing belt slipt down the middle leaving half of it.
then the new belt is slipped on , and the remnant removed.

this preserves the timing and eliminates all the timing marks etc. Of course recheck is smart...

Anyone ever tried this?

 

[Curious Hound]

Why not just line up all the marks before removing the old one? Then, old off/new on. All done.

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd be concerned with getting things off a tooth cause of tension that way.

Side note: Does the 2.3 have any pulleys that will move under their own weight or with the slightest bump when the belt is off?

 

[scotts90ranger]

That would probably work, never tried it but turning to the timing marks especially when the engine is out shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Curious Hound]

I know this is a different engine, but...

Not too hard to rotate if you bolt a handle on the crank.

 

[ccaissie]

I did find the video... The guy used an angle grinder to split the belt...ugly. Many comments in the video screaming at the guy. I think I'll try a more moderate approach. What's the big deal? Cam to crank timing is the big one. No distributor....timing comes off the front pulley. Yes, you do want to check or replace the idler...

Most of the comments were about not replacing the idler....and using the angle grinder without a guard and without medieval protection armor. It seems the Russians use a knife while the engine is running....heh.

 

[Curious Hound]

Hate to say it. But you are watching all the wrong videos. Look for "how-tos" instead of entertaining "get yourself killed and mess up all your parts" videos.

 

[ccaissie]

The 2.3l doesn't take much to turn it. A larger diesel Like a 399 Cat might need more than the wrench bolted on.
We make our own tools and find our methods don't we....

 

[ccaissie]

Hey C-hound. There's your missing spring on the floor.

 

[Curious Hound]

Hey C-hound. There's your missing spring on the floor.

That's one of the old springs. I accidentally kicked it off the base of the engine hoist and didn't pick it up right away. Tomorrow, I plan on moving the motorcycle out so I have room to clean up and work there. I have one new spring retainer to replace (the kit contained the wrong # of exhaust retainers). Then, I'll put the timing cover on, followed by the water pump. After that, the freshly painted valve covers and oil pan. That should finish the engine shop work. Rebuilding the 4r70w is next before shutting down the Ranger and removing the 3.0l/M5OD/1354e combo.

 

[broncc]

EDIT: remembered it wrong. Service manual screenshot below:


It's really not that bad. At TDC nothing should move too far out of place between belts. It was an easy job on my Lima.

To answer your question: no you can't just slip a new belt on. The old one probably has stretched a small amount and the tensioner pulley will prevent the new one from slipping on easily.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, it's really not too hard, you only have to worry about the alignment of two pulleys (cam and crank, you can ignore the aux pulley as it's just the oil pump on '89-94) and both should have timing marks