How to Change a Timing Belt on a Ford Ranger 2.3 Ltr Engine

by Dan Ferrell

torque wrench and accessories image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com

The 2.3-liter engine inn your Ford Ranger uses a synthetic rubber belt to synchronize the engine cylinders and valves. But years of service tend to wear out and stretch the belt. It is possible for you to change the belt at home; however, you will need a special tool, which you might be able to rent from your local auto parts store or find through your local dealer.

Preparation

Step 1

Place a drain pan under the radiator and drain the coolant from the radiator.

Step 2

Squeeze the spring clamp holding the upper radiator hose to the radiator fitting with a pair of rib joint pliers and slide the clamp towards the engine.

Step 3

Twist and pull the upper radiator hose off the radiator.

Step 4

Remove the fan blade using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Step 5

Rotate the belt tensioner pulley using a breaker bar and remove the drive belt.

Step 6

Detach the water pump pulley using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Step 7

Pry off the access plug from the upper part of the timing belt cover using a small standard screwdriver.

Step 8

Set the transmission to Neutral and apply the Parking brakes.

Step 9

Rotate the crankshaft pulley with a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket to align the "O" mark on the crankshaft pulley and the "O" mark on the belt cover.

Step 10

Look through the cover access hole. If you see another timing mark on the camshaft sprocket aligned with the mark on the inner belt cover, cylinder number 1 is at Top Dead Center (TDC). If not, rotate the crankshaft one complete turn again and check for the alignment marks.

Removing the Timing Belt

Step 1

Unscrew the four mounting bolts and the Phillips screw next to the access plug from the timing belt cover using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket and Phillips screwdriver.

Step 2

Detach the crankshaft pulley using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket and remove the belt guide (large washer) from behind the crankshaft pulley. You may need a pulley remover to take the crankshaft pulley off. If so, you can rent one from most auto parts stores.

Step 3

Loosen the adjusting bolt on the tensioner pulley assembly using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Step 4

Rotate the tension spring rollpin (this is the screw next to the adjuster bolt on the tensioner pulley assembly) away from the timing belt using timing belt tensioner wrench number T74P-6254-A. As you hold the timing belt loose, tighten the assembly adjuster bolt to lock the tensioner using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Now remove the tensioner wrench.

Step 5

Remove the timing belt.

Installing the New Timing Belt

Step 1

Install the new timing belt starting at the crankshaft sprocket. Route the belt in a counterclockwise direction over the auxiliary and camshaft sprockets. Properly engage the belt lugs on the sprockets' teeth and keep any slack on the belt to the right side, between the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Make sure not to rotate any of the sprockets as you install the timing belt.

Step 2

Loosen the adjuster bolt on the tensioner pulley assembly so the tensioner rolls against the belt. If necessary, push the tensioner pulley against the belt with a large standard screwdriver to remove any remaining slack on the belt.