Hello, I have been having a hard time getting an answer to this question, and thought maybe y'all could help.

As noted in the title, I have a 94 Ranger with the 4.0L V6 (not the 3 liter) engine. At what mileage should the timing belt be changed? One source told me 60k miles, in which case I am way overdue. Another source said that figure was for the 4cyl engine, and that mine could go to 100k.

So, what's the correct figure? Also, will my engine be severely damaged if I don't change it and it breaks?

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to FTE sandbagger,

Get a repair manual + make your own rational judgement calls!
About the belt, ask a dealer if you have a Non- Interference type engine!
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‘90 Ranger XLT: 2.3L, EEC-IV, EFI, DIS, 2wd, Mazda 5sp

 

To start off with, the 4.0 has a timing chain, not a belt. 60k miles should be way, way too soon. Not even taxis would need one that soon. To get an idea of how much slack there is in the chain, put the timing light on it. Point the timing light at the timing marks and watch to see if the mark on the crank stays steady at one spot or fluctuates. The amount of fluctuation is the indicator of how much slack is in the timing chain/gear set.

 

Does the 3.0 have a chain?

 

Ok, I'll admit that even your simple instructions are beyond my knowledge, ability, or tools. Sorry.

Is there a ballpark figure at which I should be thinking about the chain? I have 90k on my truck. SHould I rush to have a mechanic look at it, should I just have them check it the next time I bring the truck in for service, or do I not even need to be thinking about this right now?

Thanks.

 

bump to get my last shred of a question answered...

 

Timing chains normally last the life of the engine unless you seem to have a reason to suspect it is causing a problem.

 

Thanks!