Timing Belt Question - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

alden92 · 11-18-2010, 16:14

I have a 89 Ranger w/ the 2.3L.. Well, I was just wondering if I dont change the timing belt until it breaks if it will mess anything up?. The belt is taping on the cover, so i know it needs to be changed. but i am kinda against standing out in the cold to try to mess with the timing belt. if it is going to mess something up i will find a heated garage where i can do it (which i may do anyways).. but i just need to know how crucial it is that i get this fixed.. and also if anyone could tell me where the pulleys are set to be "in time" when i put the new belt on.. and anything else i may need to know. thanks

**jwko** · 11-18-2010, 16:27

The 89 2.3 IS an interference engine. I would replace it ASAP

There is also a TSB that might interest you.

Quote:

9214ford02
Article No.
92-5-11

February 26, 1992
^ TIMING BELT - 2.3L OHC - "WARBLE" SOUNDS FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT

^ NOISE - "WARBLE" SOUNDS FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT

FORD: 1985-88 THUNDERBIRD 1985-92 MUSTANG

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1985 COUGAR
MERKUR: 1985-89 XR4TI

LIGHT TRUCK: 1985-92 RANGER 1986 AEROSTAR

ISSUE: A "Warbling" sound may come from the engine compartment. This is caused by the timing belt design.

ACTION: Install a new design half-round tooth timing belt (F1ZZ-6268-A). Also replace the crankshaft sprocket (F1ZZ-6306-A), camshaft sprocket and auxiliary shaft sprocket (F1ZZ-6256-A) to accommodate the new half-round timing belt. Refer to the appropriate Car or Light Truck Service Manual, 2.3L OHC Engine Section, for service details.

PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

F1ZZ-6268-A Timing Belt CG
F1ZZ-6306-A Crankshaft Sprocket CG
F1ZZ-6256-A Camshaft And Auxiliary CG
Sprocket (2 Req.)

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
For 1992 Models, Basic
Warranty Coverage, Major
Component Warranty
Coverage, Powertrain

alden92 · 11-18-2010, 16:58

ok.. should i replace anything else? (water pump, or seals/gaskets or anything?).. $$ is a little bit of an issue as far as replacing other parts go, but if its necessary i might be able to come up with the $$ somehow.

thefonz · 11-18-2010, 18:17

any idea when the 2.3 changed from interference to non- interference??

**jwko** · 11-18-2010, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefonz

any idea when the 2.3 changed from interference to non- interference??

I thought from 89 up was non-interference but according to alldata that is not true.

Quote:

ok.. should i replace anything else? (water pump, or seals/gaskets or anything?).. $$ is a little bit of an issue as far as replacing other parts go, but if its necessary i might be able to come up with the $$ somehow.

Not that I can think of.