timing belt on 99 4banger

[jgt]

okay guys, hope this isn't a worn down topic, but we need help. My boyfriend's truck snapped the timing belt. We got the fan clutch and shroud out. Loosened the bolts for the AC compressor. He's having trouble getting the outer timing belt cover off.
-we didn't remove the spark plugs. I was told by a friend who rebuilt my pathfinder, this isn't necessary, just makes the crankshaft harder to turn. And he's having a heck of a time turning the cam...what can you tell us to help?
-Do we need to take the PS pump and bracket off to gain access to remove the cover?

Thanks, any help would be appreciated. We have a Haynes manual, this is our first timing belt. I figured i'd ask for help online cuz he won't. Thanks! -julie

 

[Rangerman4158]

The cam is hard to turn because the four cyl. is an interference engine which means that the pistons are hitting the valves you need to turn the crank one way or the other to get the cam to turn but the valves are probably messed up and will have to be replaced

 

[jgt]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_tell_an_interference_engine_on_a_Ford

i know it's just the internet, but it says the 2.5L 1999 4 banger is not an interference engine. Does anyone know if my engine is toast?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

no engine used in any ranger is of an interference design...your valves are fine.

removing the spark plugs will not make the cam easier to turn, but it will make the crank easier to turn.

im having a hard time picturing the problem. you said you cant get the cover off...but yet hes trying to turn the cam? what exactly is stopping you from getting the cover off?

 

[shadetree]

The cam is hard to turn because the four cyl. is an interference engine which means that the pistons are hitting the valves you need to turn the crank one way or the other to get the cam to turn but the valves are probably messed up and will have to be replaced

Please don't give information if you don't know what you are talking about. The OP is confused enough, don't scare them any more.shady


The cam will be hard to turn as all the valves are pushing against it. The timing cover has a couple bolts way down by the crank pulley. Make sure they are out. shady

 

[jgt]

thanks so much guys. The timing cover seems to have all the bolts out and is loose, but the p/s bracket seems in the way so we can't remove it. Does the PS res. need to be drained and the low/hp hoses disconnected to remove the timing cover? The chiltons does says to remove the p/s bracket, but can it be removed 'together' with the pump? Can't see where those darn bolts are. there's a long bolt under the ps res, where's the other?

Here's the pix. As you can see the ac compressor is loose, but I circled the lower part of the bracket that seems to be in the way.

 

[Bill G]

I think you will have to remove the power steering bracket to get the cover off. On my 92 there are bolts that can only be accessed from below. I had problems with one that can barely be seen and if I remember correctly took about 20 minutes to get out.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Yep, I'd say that needs to be removed as well.

Also as stated, your valves are fine, these are not interference engines. I've done enough timing belts on these Lima engines to know.

 

[Hardwareman]

To remove the power steering bracket you will need to remove a total of 4 bolts 3 of them are 13mm and the last one is 10mm. 1 (13mm) is behind the A/C pump so that will need to be loosened as well. The other 2 13mm are down at the bottom of the bracket and the 10mm is in the middle of the bracket towards the rear.

Don't ask me, I did'nt design it....haha. That's why I leave my front cover off although some members here don't advise it.

After, and only after all that can you more easily remove the cover and start realigning your timing marks.




Allen

 

[dennis461]

FYI
Gates WEBsite will tell you if any engine model vehicle is an interference type
.
http://www.gates.com/part_locator/index.cfm?location_id=3598
.
"The vehicle shown is not an interference engine unless noted "Interference Engine Application" in the comments column of the Cam Belt application section. "

 

[Bill G]

FYI
Gates WEBsite will tell you if any engine model vehicle is an interference type
.
http://www.gates.com/part_locator/index.cfm?location_id=3598
.
"The vehicle shown is not an interference engine unless noted "Interference Engine Application" in the comments column of the Cam Belt application section. "

That looks to be a very helpful link.

Thanks

 

[jgt]

got the cover off, thanks guys. the belt is stuck in the crank pulley. We are going to do the water pump and thermastat next, then prob. more questions for you guys when it comes time to align the marks. So far so good.

 

[Bill G]

got the cover off, thanks guys. the belt is stuck in the crank pulley. We are going to do the water pump and thermastat next, then prob. more questions for you guys when it comes time to align the marks. So far so good.

It will be easier if you take the pulley (hub) off to take off the belt and put the new one on. There have been people here that have gotten the belt off without taking it off. But I'm lazy and hate to fight with stuff.

You might as well do the water pump and thermostat while you got it torn this far apart. It makes it easier.

 

[jgt]

Another question. We got a tensionor also as that is recommended to be replaced at the same time. I am reading that we need a special tool to remove this? Is this true?

 

[fastpakr]

You CAN remove the cover without the power steering bracket moving, but it will require some carefully maneuvering. I did it about two weeks ago with no problems.