I Hope this isn't a stupid question - Compression

[rancheroo]

The 88 Ranger that I bought last month runs like CRAP. There are several issues, but to check the overall health of the engine I did a compression test.

Cyl 1 - 100 PSI
Cyl 2 - 50 PSI
Cyl 3 - 100 PSI
Cyl 4 - 50 PSI

Is it possible that if my timing belt was installed wrong (out of time be a few teeth) that it could affect compression?

Thanks in advance, Rick

 

[Mutant Pony]

If the timing belt were off a few teeth it would give you a reading like that. It is easy to check. There is a rubber plug in the front of the timing cover that corresponds with the timing mark. Put the motor at TDC on the crank and see where the cam gear is at. Just remember that the cam turns half as fast as the crank so you may have to put it at TDC twice to find the right location.

 

[rancheroo]

Thanks MP. I'll go try that. One other timing related question.

All of the firing order diagrams that I've seen, you know the little pics with cyls 1 - 4 and the distributer pic, have the distributer pic with the number one cylinder at about 5:00. Mine is on the opposite side at 11:00. should they be wired with number one at 5:00? If so, does that mean my dist is 180 degrees out?

Thanks again, Rick

 

[Mutant Pony]

No, that just means you need to turn the crank 360 deg and the rotor will be pointed in the right dirrection.