2.3 Liter Timing Belt Advice Needed
#1
2.3 Liter Timing Belt Advice Needed
Hello, I'm new to this forum and new to Ranger ownership, having bought my 1996 2.3 liter very recently. Although I've done lots of engine work in my life, I've never owned or worked on a car with a timing belt. I know, however, these things need to be changed on some sort or regular basis to avoid a valve-to-piston collision when an old timing belt breaks. That being said, I asked the seller of my car if he knew when the timing belt was last changed. Since he was a small dealer, however, he had no such information. The truck has about 112K miles on it, and I think it would be wise for me to change that timing belt now. The question I have for you who have both the experience and expertise in this matter is what all should I change as well as the belt itself? I know I should also change the serpentine belt while I'm at it, but what else should I replace to avoid any related problems when I replace these two belts? Thanks in advance for your advice/help in this matter.
#2
Your 2.3 is not an interference engine, so you can just risk it until it breaks and deal with the headache then if you want. lul.
But what else to change while you have the whole front end off? Check if it is leaking any oil on the front end, because it'll be easy to replace front seal. Check pulleys and tensioners and make sure they are still in good condition. That is probably about it. lul. not a whole lot on the front end to replace besides the belts.
Might as well change spark plugs and air filter and clean the maf while you're at it.
Good luck, these little engines are really easy to work on.
But what else to change while you have the whole front end off? Check if it is leaking any oil on the front end, because it'll be easy to replace front seal. Check pulleys and tensioners and make sure they are still in good condition. That is probably about it. lul. not a whole lot on the front end to replace besides the belts.
Might as well change spark plugs and air filter and clean the maf while you're at it.
Good luck, these little engines are really easy to work on.
#3
I just replaced mine after it broke, while i had most of the front end taken off added a new water pump, thermostat. However it's not something I'd worry about with only 112k miles, mine broke at 170k first time being replaced. Like the person before me said just wait till it breaks then fix it
#5
#7
the 2.3 timing belt is not too hard to replace. I done it without ANY prior knowledge or how to. you can wait until it fails like Grant said and it wont mess the engine up BUT, when it does fail, you lose EVERYTHING. no power steering, motor just shuts off completely, you have nothing. Mine went out while I was going 70 mph down the highway and i just coasted to a stop.
This is actually how I got into forums, here is my VERY FIRST post on a forum:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-ohv-sohc-v6-tech-33/timing-belt-cranshaft-problem-anyone-24963/
This is actually how I got into forums, here is my VERY FIRST post on a forum:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-ohv-sohc-v6-tech-33/timing-belt-cranshaft-problem-anyone-24963/
#9
the 2.3 timing belt is not too hard to replace. I done it without ANY prior knowledge or how to. you can wait until it fails like Grant said and it wont mess the engine up BUT, when it does fail, you lose EVERYTHING. no power steering, motor just shuts off completely, you have nothing. Mine went out while I was going 70 mph down the highway and i just coasted to a stop.
This is actually how I got into forums, here is my VERY FIRST post on a forum:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/showthread.php?t=24963
This is actually how I got into forums, here is my VERY FIRST post on a forum:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/showthread.php?t=24963
#12
As I’m finding out myself having recently replaced the timing belt on my ‘96 ranger 2.3L, you must remove the harmonic balancer in order to change the belt. The pulley (harmonic balancer) is pretty easy to get off with the proper puller.
#13
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