Does it run kind of like there is a way big hesitation when you step on the gas before it starts to build power? Almost like a rubber band inside the engine has stretched, and then it finally catches up? If so, I'd bet that the belt is too loose, and allows for the cam timing to be a little late, and then catch up. I had a problem like that when I changed my belt. All marks were dead on, but it felt real loosey goosey on power output. Took the cover off, and made the tensioner tighter. Formerly, you just let the tensioner apply the tension, and now I read that you have to apply 30lbs of torque in addition to what the spring does. My 85 book says to just let the spring push, my 90 manual says to apply tension. Well, if you don't apply tension, it runs like dog dukey, so I added some tension and it improved, but is still not the same as before.
tom

 

you also dont want it too tight either or the life of the belt and timing component with shorten up considerably. if it sounds like a jet engine under the hood then the belt is too tight.

 

You do realize he is talking about an '85. A code scanner would be useless...

 

Your "really?", the first post, and you are banging on someone about a scan tool for an '85?

There are tools, code readers, that will display EEC-IV error codes for 1985 vehicles. Not as common on the shelf as before, but somewhat available.

Do you realize this post was last updated 17 YEARS ago? C'mon Lazarus! You can do it!

If they have not figured it out by now, the truck is likely either in a boneyard or crushed by now.

tom

 

Welcome to FTE.
I see you have a 85 Ranger, so maybe you can enlighten us on why a code reader would be useless.