the walking timing belt

[83rangerdanger]

Hey guys, i have a 83 ford ranger 2.3 roller with 500 miles on a brand new motor well as the title says my timing belt walks off the cam pulley about a half inch i had someone look at it and they said its missing some sort off retainer washer behind the balancer on the crank could that be the cause is what is it called and where do i get one p.s.i already replaced the tensioner thanx for ur help any reply is appreciated

 

[Mikel89us]

There is no balancer, its just a pulley, but yes there should be a convex washer.

 

[RonD]

Yes, there should be a "belt guide" on the crank gear and another on the Camshaft gear

Camshaft guide is in the rear of the gear
Engine|camshaft|belt guide|Gear

Crank has the guide on the front of the gear
Engine|crank|gear|belt guide|pulley/balancer

Yes it is similar to a washer, just larger than the gear

 

[83rangerdanger]

Awsome and that would cause it to walk like that and where can i find one looked on rock auto but no luck

 

[turbo91xlt]

Belt guide on the crank

The other sits behind the cam gear.

 

[83rangerdanger]

Nice thank you i love pictures lol

 

[Mark_88]

I'm pretty sure there was a guide on the front of the cam gear but can't remember what was on the back. When you pull the bolt holding the cam in place there should be a big round washer like part that comes off first and is definitely separate from the gear...and I think there was one on the back also...

I would show pics but I managed to blow up the engine last year and don't have that 88 engine now...might have some pics in my archive and can check if needed.

Just remember to seal the cam bolt when you put it back on...there is an oil passage in that bolt that needs sealer or you will have a nice oil leak on the front of the engine...

 

[tomw]

I would pay a visit to my local re-cycler, boneyard or used parts source{junkyard}. Other than that, I think it would be a dealer part.
The cam sprocket has not guide on the front as you can see the edge with the triangle used to check cam timing. If there was a guide, it would hide the triangle.
The lower guide also acts as a rock deflector, keeping extra 'stuff' from getting beteen the belt and the sprocket.
tom

 

[Mikel89us]

There's one on the back of the cam gear, and front of the crank. Between the two they should keep it on both gears.

 

[RonD]

Yes, it would be a dealer item, but now-a-days wrecking yard would be best bet.

2.0l/2.3l/2.5l Lima engines would all use the same crank belt guide as far as I know, since these engines haven't been made for 15 years, dealer might have old stock but most likely not.

Wrecking yard, the 2.3l was used in:
Ford Aerostar
Ford Courier
Ford Pinto
Ford Ranger/Mazda B-Series
Ford Mustang
Ford Fairmont
Mercury Bobcat
Mercury Capri
Ford Mustang II
Mercury Zephyr

 

[Mark_88]

The cam sprocket has not guide on the front as you can see the edge with the triangle used to check cam timing. If there was a guide, it would hide the triangle.
tom

Ooops, you're right tom...forgot about the arrow on the front of the cam gear!

 

[scotts90ranger]

Just as a note, I had this problem last week sort of, when I assembled my engine over 2 years ago I apparently didn't tighten the tensioner correctly which caused two things to happen, the timing belt walked forward a little and the belt loosened up causing it to skip a tooth. That bolt being loose made the tensioner pulley angle out a little which pushed the belt forward. The problem was I didn't tighten the bolt with the spring on it. I was in the boonies so I didn't replace the belt (will soon) but tightened it all correctly and it ran like a top the rest of the week.

i would get a new tensioner, the kit with the tensioner and belt usually costs the same as a belt for whatever reason...