Need help timing a 1997 ford ranger 2.3l

[kmull11]

My uncle's timing belt snapped when he was driving in town. I broke it down and changed the belt but having a hard time timing it. I get it top dead center, cam lined up, and oil pump lines up. It starts but not consistently. Every time it turns over the camshaft pulley is off the mark a few degrees. Any tricks or tips I can try. I did everything haynes manual said to do.

 

[1993rangerxl]

Is there proper tension on the timing belt? What you describe sounds like you start with everything in proper place but then is skipping a couple of teeth after starting.

 

[1993rangerxl]

Another possibility is the tensioner may be worn out.

 

[enjr44]

Are you tightening the tensioner bolt after its spring has tensioned the belt. I believe my book says to rotate the tensioner against the belt with around 30 ft-lbs of torque and tighten the adjustment and pivot bolts to correct torque. Once you get the proper tension on the belt the tensioner assembly is designed to be locked down.

 

[kmull11]

I get the marks lined up and tighten my tensioner down. Truck starts but not consistently. Sounds good and smooth when running. I didn't think about proper torque on tensioner, that may be why it's a couple of teeth off after truck turns over. Thanks fellows ima give that a try and I'll post my results. The belt broke when driving so it's hard to get lined up perfect.