Timing Belt and PCV question

[fastpakr]

Thanks in advance for any help. I picked up a '94 2.3 Ranger last week to replace the Explorer. I'm doing the timing belt and a few other maintenance items since I don't have records of previous changes. Following the instructions posted here, I've gotten as far as step 5 (although I never was able to actually move the power steering pump bracket - loosened every bolt that appeared to hold it in place and it wouldn't budge. Ended up just very carefully slipping the cover out). There are a few differences in the instructions compared to mine, e.g. my cover being held on by clips instead of bolts, the crank pulley having four small bolts holding it in place and not having to remove the main crank bolt, etc. Do I need to remove the main crank bolt in order to get the belt guide out? If so, how do you keep from rotating the pulley while putting the required torque on the bolt?

Separate question - where is the PCV valve located on the '94? I've wandered all around the engine and can't lay my hands on it.
Thanks again!

 

[shadetree]

Remove the bolt by using a socket on a break over handle with a cheater. Lay the bar under the pass side frame, and hit the starter. In most cases this will loosen the bolt.

The PCV valve is on the drivers crankcase breather canister down by the pan rail. It will have a hose going up to the intake manfold. You have to stand on your head to see it from the top, but you can see it from the bottom.shady

 

[fastpakr]

Thanks. Once you have the bolt out, how do you get everything back in time?

 

[shadetree]

On the rear camshaft cover there will be 3 white marks at about the 5 o'clock position. Set the triangle on one of the camshaft sprocket teeth to the center of the three marks.

Point the keyway on the crankshaft straight up. This is top dead center.

On the 94 the auxilary shaft only turns the oil pump, so it can be set anywhere. On later models , one of the aux shaft sprocket teeth will have a diamond. It goes straight up, and aligns with a mark on the rear timing cover.shady

 

[TireIron]

When I do my '94 I don't bother with the PS bracket either. Also I just remove the main bolt in the crank pulley because you need to get the entire pulley off to get things out.

The PCV valve actually connects 2 hoses on the driveside of the engine. just to the rear of the intake manifold at about the height where the upper meets the lower there is a rubber hose running vertically. This pulls apart there at the PCV valve. It can be a pain to find the first time but once you find it it's easy to deal with.