PROBLEM SOLVED

HELP. I need my truck for work Monday AM. I have a 94 Ranger 2WD with the 2.3 and 5 spd. I changed the timing belt and tensioner. The belt didn't break but with 254K miles it was way past due.

I went by the Haynes Manual. First thing I did was I set the engine to TDC via the #1 cylinder, verified the cam sprocket mark and the crankshaft keyway at 12 O'clock. The auxiliary shaft has a timing mark but nothing to align it up with so I left it in the position it was in when I started the work.

I installed the belt and new tensioner, set the tension, rotated the crankshaft 4-5 times and checked all the marks. Everything lined up. I buttoned everything back up and went to crank the engine. It started right up but at the upper front right side of the head there is a fairly loud clacking noise that was not there when I parked the truck.

I know the 93 and 94 years are different than other years when it comes to the oil pump/auxiliary shaft sprockets and how they line up. The auxiliary shaft sprocket has a mark but there is no mark to align it with.

Oil pressure has always been around the 3/4 mark on the gauge and I've always used full synthetic oil and good filters.

It was running fine when I parked it to start the belt swap. What could I have done to cause the clacking noise.

I searched this problem on the forums here but didn't find anything that was helpful in this situation.

 

the lifters may have drained down from turning the motor over slowly by hand. let it run for about 15 minutes if you are certain the marks are lined up correct

 

WOW!! What a quick response!! Thanks.

I thought about the lifters but didn't think they would drain down that quick.

The cam sprocket is on the mark and the crankshaft keyway is at 12:00. Where should the aux. shaft sprocket be pointed? There's a mark on the sprocket but nowhere to line it up with.

Does all the above sound right?

 

the aux shaft just drives the oil pump on your truck and im not sure why they have a mark. the trucks that are 88 and older i can understand, because of distributor timing

if the crank was at 0* TDC and the cam sprocket is on the mark, run it for a little while at idle and see if it changes. my 88 ranger 2.3 had to run for about 30 mins before the lifters pumped back up

 

I've had several V-8s through the years that had a lifter leak down and cause the rocker arm to clatter till it pumped back up.

I think this is a good time to give it a oil change so the lifter will have a good clean drink of oil.

I'll update in the AM.

Thanks for the reply's!!

 

Well the lifter pumped back up and the engine is running just fine.

For the record I set #1 at TDC, the cam sprocket mark on the inner cover mark and the crankshaft keyway at 12:00 and the roll pin is at 12:30- 1:00. I set the auxiliary pulley's mark at 12:00 although I don't think it matters where it is positioned.

Thanks Toreador4x4 for your input. It got me back on the road again. Now I can drive my 22-23 mpg Ranger and leave my 13-15 mpg 87 Grand Wagoneer at home.

 

glad to hear...

heres something i found in the workshop manual

NOTE: On 49-State, and all automatic transmission vehicles, it is not necessary to align auxiliary shaft sprocket.

5. If vehicle is California Emissions Certified with manual transmission:
a. Install Synchronizer Positioner T93P-12200-A into synchronizer.
b. Rotate auxiliary shaft sprocket until the synchronizer shutter is against the stop, and the notch of the tool engages the notch of the synchronizer bowl.

Since you are not in California you are good to go

 

Glad I'm not in CA

Thanks for the confirmation on the aux. pulley.

You've been a big help.

Terry