Timing belt 96 2.3 Ranger

[rdana]

I am replacing the timing belt,the repair manuel says to set the crank to the TC mark on the belt cover, and allign the cam and oil pump sprockets to their marks.Question? can the crank marks be lined up and not have the #1 piston on the compresson stroke ?? Could it be on the crank marks and be on the exhaust stroke ? HELP!
Thanks Bob

[stuzman]

Originally Posted by rdana

I am replacing the timing belt,the repair manuel says to set the crank to the TC mark on the belt cover, and allign the cam and oil pump sprockets to their marks.Question? can the crank marks be lined up and not have the #1 piston on the compresson stroke ?? Could it be on the crank marks and be on the exhaust stroke ? HELP!
Thanks Bob

Yes, the crank mark could be on 0 degrees TDC, but could be 180 degrees out of phase which would place it on the exhaust stroke. If the belt didn't break, you'll know that you're on the compression stroke because the cam sprocket mark will be in alignment.

If the belt breaks, then you'll have to rotate the crank to TDC and be sure it's on the compression stroke.

There's a plug at the top of the timing belt cover which allows you to see the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket. Rotate the crank clockwise, (facing the engine) until you see the mark aligned on the camshaft sprocket. You will see a rib of plastic and the alignment mark on the camshaft sprocket will be aligned with the center rib. This will place you on the compression stroke. The mark on the crankshaft sprocket at this point will be in alignment with the 0 degree mark.

Bob, I did this job on my 94 Ranger, 2.3L about a month ago and yours should be the same. If you can send me a private message with your e-mail address, I can send you a few pics which will show you the alignment marks, etc.

[stuzman]

Originally Posted by rdana

I am replacing the timing belt,the repair manuel says to set the crank to the TC mark on the belt cover, and allign the cam and oil pump sprockets to their marks.Question? can the crank marks be lined up and not have the #1 piston on the compresson stroke ?? Could it be on the crank marks and be on the exhaust stroke ? HELP!
Thanks Bob

Bob, check your private messages..

Terry