timing the 2.3.

[Blackdog455]

how do i go about timing the 2.3? Putting the timing belt and camshaft in the right position? The crankshaft in the right position and the distributor? ive gone through the ford manual for '88 rangers and i dont know the right process on how to go about this. Any help would be appreciated! thanks.

 

[tomw]

From memory, the camshaft pulley has a triangle embossed on the front edge. It must align with the pointer located at about the 4 o'clock position relative to the pulley.
The keyway in the crankshaft will be at 12 o'clock when the crankshaft is at TDC.
The rotor in the distributor should be pointing near the #1 plug wire position.

After you get it set, release the tensioner, and turn the crankshaft over two complete revolutions and check the timing again. If it is ok put the belt cover in place.

To set the static timing, you could put all the above in place, and then rotate the crankshaft to where the timing mark is at 10BTDC. Remove the distributor cap, and loosen the hold down bolt. Remove the coil wire from the cap, and put a spark plug into the connector, and place the spark plug shell on a grounded surface.
Rotate the *distributor* in the direction of the rotation of the rotor, and then, with the ignition "ON", rotate the distributor in the opposite direction, simulating the rotor turning in its normal direction, until the coil and plug fire. That would be static timed at 10BTDC of the crankshaft rotation. It should allow an engine to fire immediately. If you removed the 'SPOUT PLUG', you would have guaranteed static timing at 10degrees, as the computer will not be futzing with spark timing with the SPOUT removed.
tom

 

[Blackdog455]

When i put everything together i didnt turn over the crankshaft two times. But as far as i know, for the most part i aligned everything up the right way. I still can't get this truck to fire. It turns but doesnt want to fire.