Timing belt. help a.s.a.p. please!!!!!!!!!!

[Hollywood88]

My timing belt on my 97 ranger 2.3 has stretched and needs replaced, any body got a clue on how hard it is to change it and how long does it take, any tips to make it easier on me would would be greatfully appreciated.

 

[ZackB]

There are many many threads on timing belts, please do a search. The hardest part is removing the crank bolt, easier if you have an impact wrench, then prying the crank pulley off of the shaft takes patients and heat and patients and prying and time.

 

[4b316]

go here;http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177331 Can one of the mods make this a sticky?

 

[ejholmgren]

Crank bolt is cake ... put a breaker bar on it so that it hits the driver's side frame rail and bump the starter.

 

[Kenneth S]

go here;http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177331 Can one of the mods make this a sticky?

We have one in our own back yard, go here and scroll down to post #21.
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6427&page=2

 

[bubba cakes]

that's what i did

the breaker bar trick really works. make sure your socket is fully seated on the crankshaft pulley bolt, that the breaker bar is firmly against the frame, then bump the starter for a half second. to make sure the breaker bar doesn't slip, i used a C-clamp to clamp it to the rail. it took two bumps of the starter to loosen it.

i would NOT try to get the pulley off without a pulley puller. buy one, steal one, borrow one... it makes the pulley come off without a problem.

it took me a long time to change my timing belt, 'cause i had to figure it out by reading the manual. oh, yeah, if you haven't got a manual, go buy one. read and complete the instructions one sentence at a time. space is tight, so when the manual suggest ya remove the radiator, do it. it's only two simple bolts and it lifts right out. it will have to come out to use the pulley puller, probably.

and remember, it's supposed to be fun! hahaha

 

[TooManyRangers]

The timing marks on my 96 ranger were different from what was in Chilton’s and Haynes. It has been about a year but if my memory is correct there are two marks on each pulley (camshaft and oil pump) a diamond and a triangle. Line up the triangle for the oil pump with the triangle on the back plate and the diamond for the camshaft with the triangle on the back plate.
The books were correct on the rest. I usually get both Chilton’s and Haynes manuals and compare before I start a project. Occasionally I find important disagreements between the manuals (like torque specs and patterns on the cylinder head)

 

[TooManyRangers]

For the crank pulley, I used the tap and rotate method of removal because is did not want to remove the radiator so I could fit a puller. This method works well if you have a child you can plant behind the wheel to frog the engine on command every few seconds. Just be gentle with it and use a piece of wood between the hammer and the pulley.

On the other hand there is much to be said for using the "proper" tools.

 

[shadetree]

and the diamond for the camshaft with the triangle on the back plate.

Backwards. Diamond on the aux, and triangle on the camshaft.

The crank pulley is not a press fit, but close to it. If it isn't ancient, and rusted to hell and gone, try two pry bars on each side of the pully and work it off. It sometimes takes a gentle tap from a hammer to break it loose. Don't tap too hard as it bends easily.shady

 

[feellnfroggy]

Somebody fill me in, I dont remember removing the crank pulley for my timing belt. I didnt swap it I was jsut adjusting it, but still. Is there a difference between teh 92 2.3 and the 97? I remeber removing the radiator fan but I that was the pulley with 4 bolts, not hte crank. Im really lost reading this...

 

[shadetree]

I don't know what you would be adjusting, but to change the belt, you have to remove the crank pulley as there is a retaining washer behind the pulley that keeps the belt from running off the sprocket.

A couple of guys have changed the belt in an emergency by bending the washer out of the way, but...not recommended.shady

 

[dirtracer81_2]

Dont forget to put that washer back on when you put the pulley back on. My buddy forgot to put his on but its still running stronge and I wouldnt trust starting it.

 

[feellnfroggy]

Dont forget to put that washer back on when you put the pulley back on. My buddy forgot to put his on but its still running stronge and I wouldnt trust starting it.

By adjusting I mean adjusting cam timing. I hada post in here about it somewhere... Either way, i didnt know about the washer, thats good knowledge for retention. I think maybe my washer might already be gone cuz i never saw it.

 

[ejholmgren]

By adjusting I mean adjusting cam timing. I hada post in here about it somewhere... Either way, i didnt know about the washer, thats good knowledge for retention. I think maybe my washer might already be gone cuz i never saw it.

With the factory cam sprocket, there's not really any adjusting. You're either dead on, or off a tooth in either direction.

 

[feellnfroggy]

With the factory cam sprocket, there's not really any adjusting. You're either dead on, or off a tooth in either direction.

Yeah but this was before I realized my waste spark had two points with no fire. So I went back and forth 1-2 teeth at a time till I forgot where I was and ended up going all the way around tooth by tooth til it ran the way it was before LOL.