2.3L ('83-'97) one problem after another....

[s.drakre]

Hey guys, maybe someone can help... My '96 2.3l Ranger broke the timing belt. Prior to that, the engine was running like a champ. Installed new timing belt, water pump and tensioner pulley. The engine is timed properly. Finally got the engine to start, but it was knocking, saw there was no oil pressure and shut it down. Any ideas on how/why I suddenly have zero oil pressure? (it is not a mere gauge issue, there really is zero oil pressure). Thanks in advance.

 

[bobbywalter]

Might of knocked some crap loose and plugging pickup


Drive gear sheared on pump sprocket

 

[bobbywalter]

Looking at the engine....lower right timing belt pulley is the pump drive

 

[s.drakre]

right, I know about the pump/balance shaft . seems very odd that I lose oil pressure/oil pump from just a broken timing belt issue

 

[bobbywalter]

If the pump locked up and broke the built....

Or.....or.....or....

Pulley pin...

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, sounds like a possible oil pump problem... it would make bad noises without oil pressure since the lash adjusters are hydraulic... can't say that that is common but I ignored the '96 up engines until I got one...

 

[s.drakre]

problem solved, pulled the oil filter, ran the engine a few seconds to ensure oil pump was pumping, put filter back on. started engine, oil pressure returned in about 5 seconds but valvetrain was clattering all to hell. changed oil and filter, ran engine about 15 min at idle, clattering slowly went away. Engine purring like a tiger now. Thanks for the responses guys.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Very strange... but at this point I'd take what you can get

 

[bobbywalter]

Air locked.


Odd....but take it if it's workin

 

[scotts90ranger]

I'd kinda wondered if that was possible with the oil pump so high up after they moved it up... if it somehow lost it's prime (turning the aux pulley the wrong direction a few times while getting a belt on?) a gear pump would have a problem lifting oil...