Reposted from 4 Bangers forum to get more exposure.

This is a 2.3L Ford motor installed in a Bayliner boat with an OMC sterndrive.

I pulled the motor and rebuilt it this summer because it was seized. Two of the pistons had rusted rings.

Just coming up to the final stages of the rebuild. It's been alot easier working on this boat motor since I don't have to deal with any electronics or emissions systems.

Anyways I've in hit a snag with the timing belt installation. I read the manual and surfed the web to get as much information as I could get before installing the belt.

I read the tech section of the Ranger forum so I understand the install process.

Take a look at my camshaft timing marker. There are three markers to line up the dot on the camshaft sprocket.

Which one should I line it up with?

When I install the new timing belt, I line the camshaft sprocket with the middle marker.

After turning the crankshaft 2 turns from TDC to TDC, the camshaft sprocket lines up with the left marker. It that OK or should it line up with the middle marker?

If I turn the crankshaft half a tooth, the camshaft sprocket marker will move from the middle marker to the left marker.

Thanks for any advice you guys can give.

 

what year engine is it? I would try it to see if it runs. if it back fires then try to get it to the middle marker. maybe try setting it to the right marker then turning the crank to get it to the middle marker, I would think it is suppose to be the middle one.

 

Turn number 1 piston to TDC and see if intake valve is open when the middle marker is lined up and after you put on the head, you can still yanks the cam out with head on can't ya. Then just go through the firing order and see if they follow. does the crank have a mark on it and what is its relation when you line up the cam with the middle. I am not too familiar with the 2.3 but even with my 4.0 i wouldn't want to start it up unless i was sure the timeing was on. Unnessessary chance.

 

Hey man, I work for Zamboni as a mechanic and they used the LSG 2.3L in all the ice resurfacers.The motor in the boat is a Ford industrial engine. I do timing belts everyday on theses things. Line the top pulley to the bottom notch (left side) on the cover. You will have no problems.

 

hey goose - do you work at an arena?

 

Great information. Reflected in your reputation.

Let us know if you need anything else r4^2