AutoZone.com | Repair Info | Ford Ranger/Explorer/Mountaineer 1991-1999 | Engine & ...

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This procedure applies to the 2.3L and 2.5L engine only.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Should the camshaft drive belt/timing belt jump timing by a tooth or two, the
engine could still run; but very poorly. To visually check for correct timing of the
crankshaft, auxiliary shaft, and the camshaft follow this procedure:

There is an access plug provided in the cam drive belt cover so that the camshaft
timing cam be checked without moving the drive belt cover.

1. Remove the access plug.

2. Turn the crankshaft until the timing marks on the crankshaft indicate TDC.

3. Make sure that the timing mark on the camshaft drive sprocket is aligned
with the pointer on the inner belt cover.

Never turn the crankshaft of any of the overhead cam engines in the opposite
direction of normal rotation. Backward rotation of the crankshaft may cause the
timing belt to slip and alter the timing.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

See Figures 1, 2 and 3

Fig. 1: Timing belt cover on the 2.3L and 2.5L engine

Fig. 2: Timing belt assembly on the 2.3L and 2.5L engine

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Fig. 3: Releasing the timing belt tensioner using a special tool

1. Rotate the engine so that No. 1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression

stroke. Check that the timing marks are aligned on the camshaft and
crankshaft pulleys. An access plug is provided in the cam belt cover so that
the camshaft timing can be checked without removal of the cover or any
other parts. Set the crankshaft to TDC by aligning the timing mark on the
crank pulley with the TDC mark on the belt cover. Look through the access
hole in the belt cover to make sure that the timing mark on the cam drive
sprocket is lined up with the pointer on the inner belt cover.

Always turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation. Backward rotation may
cause the timing belt to jump time, due to the arrangement of the belt tensioner.

2. Drain cooling system. Remove the upper radiator hose as necessary.

Remove the fan blade and water pump pulley bolts.

CAUTION
When draining the coolant, keep in mind
that cats and dogs are attracted by
ethylene glycol antifreeze, and are quite
likely to drink any that is left in an
uncovered container or in puddles on the
ground. This will prove fatal in sufficient
quantity. Always drain the coolant into a
sealable container. Coolant should be
reused unless it is contaminated or several
years old.

3. Loosen the alternator retaining bolts and remove the drive belt from the
pulleys. Remove the water pump pulley.

4. Loosen and position the power steering pump mounting bracket and
position it aside.

5. Remove the four timing belt outer cover retaining bolts and remove the
cover. Remove the crankshaft pulley and belt guide.

6. Loosen the belt tensioner pulley assembly, then position a camshaft belt
adjuster tool (T74P-6254-A or equivalent) on the tension spring rollpin and
retract the belt tensioner away from the timing belt. Tighten the adjustment
bolt to lock the tensioner in the retracted position.

7. Remove the timing belt.

To install:

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8. Install the new belt over the crankshaft sprocket and then counterclockwise
over the auxiliary and camshaft sprockets, making sure the lugs on the belt
properly engage the sprocket teeth on the pulleys. Be careful not to rotate
the pulleys when installing the belt.

9. Release the timing belt tensioner pulley, allowing the tensioner to take up
the belt slack. If the spring does not have enough tension to move the roller
against the belt (belt hangs loose), it might be necessary to manually push
the roller against the belt and tighten the bolt.

The spring cannot be used to set belt tension; a wrench must be used on the
tensioner assembly.

10. Rotate the crankshaft two complete turns by hand (in the normal direction
of rotation) to remove the slack from the belt, then tighten the tensioner
adjustment and pivot bolts to specifications. Refer to the necessary
illustrations. Make sure the belt is seated properly on the pulleys and that
the timing marks are still in alignment when No. 1 cylinder is again at
TDC/compression.

11. Install the crankshaft pulley and belt guide.

12. Install the timing belt cover.

13. Install the water pump pulley and fan blades. Install upper radiator hose if
necessary. Refill the cooling system.

14. Position the alternator and drive belts, then adjust and tighten it to
specifications.

15. Start the engine and check the ignition timing. Adjust the timing, if
necessary.

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