2.3L ('83-'97) Loud popping while cranking

[RustRatz]

Probably crank sensor, like I’ve said before. Gas being orange probably was an issue as well.

 

[RustRatz]

Spark timing is off, cylinders/spark plugs are firing when exhaust or intake valve is open/opening
This can be slipped cam timing or crank sensor

The harmonic balancer is slightly scraping the crank sensor, what should I do about that?

 

[RonD]

There should be a Belt Guide, a thick washer with groove that matches keyway, between balancer and timing belt gear

Seen here: https://www.justanswer.com/uploads/cheeko12/2007-04-12_170941_d4.png

Lower middle left

It keeps the belt from "walking" back and forth on the cranks timing gear

 

[RustRatz]

There should be a Belt Guide, a thick washer with groove that matches keyway, between balancer and timing belt gear

Seen here: https://www.justanswer.com/uploads/cheeko12/2007-04-12_170941_d4.png

Lower middle left

It keeps the belt from "walking" back and forth on the cranks timing gear

It’s there, and I noticed that the piece on the harmonic balancer that goes through the crank sensor is scraping, and slightly catching

 

[RonD]

Thats what "the tool" that came with new crank sensor was for
Aligns the sensor so it won't touch the spinning cup/tab

 

[RustRatz]

Thats what "the tool" that came with new crank sensor was for
Aligns the sensor so it won't touch the spinning cup/tab

I understand that, but the actual harmonic balancer is bent slightly, so it’s scraping.

 

[Shran]

I understand that, but the actual harmonic balancer is bent slightly, so it’s scraping.

I’m really trying not to be smart ass here… if it’s bent and rubbing, then replace it.

 

[RonD]

+1^^^

If a part is broken, replace it or repair it

 

[RustRatz]

+1^^^

If a part is broken, replace it or repair it

I’ll be replacing it this weekend if I can find one cheaper than 250$

 

[Josh B]

How can a Harmonic balancer get bent?

 

[RustRatz]

How can a Harmonic balancer get bent?

I think I bent it when I pulled it off my other motor

 

[RustRatz]

How can a Harmonic balancer get bent?

The one that snapped is the old one. Not bent at all, and there’s no gap between the pieces.


One I pulled off my old engine is the bent one. It’s got a gap between the pieces and that probably was one of the contributing issues to my old engine not running. That and having little to no compression on multiple cylinders.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I've just straightened those vanes in the past, works fine, all it has to do is pass through the gaps in the sensor and not hit the sensor, my calibrated eyeball has been good enough on the crank sensor so far and I've done some sketchy stuff with them, the '86 block I'm running now wasn't meant to run that crank sensor...

 

[RustRatz]

I've just straightened those vanes in the past, works fine, all it has to do is pass through the gaps in the sensor and not hit the sensor, my calibrated eyeball has been good enough on the crank sensor so far and I've done some sketchy stuff with them, the '86 block I'm running now wasn't meant to run that crank sensor...

It broke the rivets…. Not sure how safe it’d be to run

 

[RustRatz]

Hey all. Still having the same issues. Still not sure what the popping could be.