I recently changed the timing belt on my 97 ranger. I replaced it before it broke. Now it seems to be down on power. Is it possible to be off a tooth in either direction? The truck runs smoothly.....but in runs like the timing is "retarded" kinda like the old distributor motors used to. Now if it is off a tooth....which way would I change it to "advance" the valve timing?
Thanks for any input.
Sorry this was posted on the wrong forum

 

wish i could help

 

I know this is 1998 info but will it help? There should be some ref. marks to properly time the engine. The timing ref. will be the key to getting it in time (if a gear moved or slipped. From a quick search on installing a 1997 timing belt this is what I saw.

Good Luck! (Please post your results)
JOW

How to Change the Timing Belt on a 1998 Through 2000 2.5 Ford Ranger | eHow.com

How to Change the Timing Belt on a 1998 Through 2000 2.5 Ford Ranger


The replacement interval for replacing the timing belt on the 1998 through 2000 Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. with a 2.5 engine has been determined through its service history to be every 60,000 miles. At the rate the belt slackens, the tensioner can only apply tension properly for this amount of time. The Ford Ranger 2.5 engine has been identified as a freewheeling engine with a minimal possibility of engine damage should the belt come off. However, if there is a failure, do a compression test on the cylinders as a precautionary measure


1. Step 1
Remove the radiator fan shroud. Loosen the water pump pulley bolts. Remove the accessory drive belts, the water pump pulley and the radiator cooling fan. Drain and recover the air-conditioning refrigerant. Remove the air-conditioning compressor and the power-steering pump, but leave the lines to the power-steering pump connected.
2. Step 2
Remove the air-conditioning compressor bracket. Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt and the pulley, and then the timing cover. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the number 1 cylinder is on top dead center of compression stroke, with the mark on the crankshaft sprocket lined up with the raised mark on the block. The oil pump on the left side has two diamond marks on the sprocket and block; they must line up, and the two triangular marks on the camshaft sprocket and the rear timing-belt cover must also line up.
3. Step 3
Loosen the tensioner pivot bolt. Slowly loosen the tensioner adjusting bolt. Use a wrench and turn the tensioner clockwise to release the tension from the belt and lightly tighten the bolt to hold it there. Remove the Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.Error! Hyperlink reference not valid..
4. Step 4
Make sure all of the timing marks are aligned. Install the new timing belt starting at the crankshaft pulley and work counterclockwise, keeping all the tension on the right side. Loosen the tensioner adjusting bolt. Slowly turn the crankshaft two turns clockwise until the timing marks are once again aligned.
5. Step 5
Torque the tensioner adjusting bolt to 33 foot-pounds of torque and the pivot bolt to 40 foot-pounds of torque. Allow the belt to be tensioned by spring pressure only. Install all components in reverse order of removal and torque the crankshaft bolt to 121 foot-pounds of torque.

 

Posting this in the Ranger & B-Series Forum probably would've helped.

Steve

 

Dear Steina I know it was posted in the wrong forum that is why I apoligized. Although I have had more hits on this one.
I would like to delete it off of this one but I am a new user. Duh!

 

Please post what you find on your timing matter.

Good Luck!
JOW

 

I haven't been able to get the truck back in my garage. I am trying to get it back to look it over as soon as I can and I wiil post what I find out.
Thanks

 

Thread moved to appropriate forum.

 

.


Did you line up the timing marks correctly on all 3 sprockets?

One sprocket has two marks, are you sure you used the right one?

The one sprocket that turned freely needed to be aligned exactly as it was when you started?

After installing the new belt, did you manually rotate the engine a few times and re-check the timing marks to be sure they are still lined up?



.