Trying to get a 1983 Ford Ranger 2.3L to fire up. Back story is the truck was parked ~15 years ago when the timing belt broke, and I’m now planning to stab the 2.3L into my flat fender. Unfortunately, like many 2.3L’s, the plastic timing cover and marks are long gone. Here is what I’ve done so far to try and get initial timing set with the new belt:
• Verified #1 TDC on compression
• Verified the pointer on the cam sprocket was aimed directly at the centerline of the auxiliary sprocket
• Rotated the auxiliary sprocket so the distributor rotor is pointing directly at the #1 distributor cap post
• Installed the timing belt and put it under adequate tension, ensuring the lineup above remained in tact
• Verified all plug wires are on the correct distributor cap posts and corresponding plugs in the cyldinders
With the above done, it still just won’t light off and run. The 2.3L distributor is wired for a Duraspark setup, using one of the typical Motocraft ignition modules. I’ve got power to the coil under both key ON and START positions, and I’ve tried it with all combinations of the OEM and new aftermarket coils and ignition modules… The carb is clean and putting fuel into the carb throat, but it won’t light off with starting fluid or straight fuel either. So, I’m either way off on initial timing setup or something is wrong with my wiring… Can anyone provide any thoughts or suggestions? I’m not above starting over, but I’ve done what I think is the correct procedure (above) for setting baseline timing at least a dozen times. Thanks in advance for ANY help!!

 

There is a pointer for the cam sprocket to line up with, it will be at about 5 oclock. The mark on the crank sprocket will be just to the right of tdc. Sounds like you have the auxiliary sprocket ok.