My timing belt broke on my 1996 Ranger. It's a 2.3 5 spd - Replaced the timing belt, aligned the crankshaft at TDC before teardown and also made tick mark to align it without having to replace timing cover. The camshaft and oil pump marks line up perfectly. I rotate the crank twice to verify that everything lines up (it does) then start the engine. It dogs when I step on it, telling me that the timing is off. When I line it TDC afterward, everything lines up. I checked the deflection on the belt and re-tensioned the belt tensioner and get the same result. I even set the cam shaft and oil pump sprocket on their marks and rotated the crank alone 180 degrees just for the hell of it. Same result. Ideas?

I assume 4cyl?

1. Loosen tensioner adjusting bolt.

1. Using Camshaft Belt Tension Adjusting Tool T74P-6254-A, pry tensioner clockwise against spring tension as far as possible.

1. Tighten adjusting bolt to hold tensioner in released position.

1. Align crankshaft so number one piston is at TDC (top dead center) with crankshaft key pointing straight up and circle on crankshaft sprocket (6306) aligned with notch in engine front cover (6019) .

1. Align triangle on camshaft sprocket with triangle on inner timing belt cover.

1. Align diamond on oil pump sprocket with diamond on inner timing belt cover.
   
   Timing Mark Alignment

1. Using sprocket installation tool No. 6792 or equivalent, press the crankshaft sprocket onto the crankshaft.
2. Install the camshaft sprockets onto the camshafts. Install and tighten the sprocket retaining bolts to 75 ft. lbs. (101 Nm).

Fig. Fig. 4: Proper camshaft sprocket alignment for timing belt installation

1. Install the crankshaft sprocket. Set the crankshaft sprocket to Top Dead Center (TDC) by aligning the notch on the sprocket with the arrow on the oil pump housing.
2. Set the camshafts to align the timing marks on the sprockets.
3. Move the crankshaft to 1 / 2 notch before TDC.
4. Install the timing belt starting at the crankshaft, then around the water pump sprocket, idler pulley, camshaft sprockets, and then around the tensioner pulley.
5. Move the crankshaft sprocket to TDC to take up the belt slack.
6. Install the tensioner to the engine block, but do not tighten.
7. Using a torque wrench on the tensioner pulley apply 250 inch lbs. (28 Nm) of tighten to the tensioner pulley.
8. With torque being applied to the tensioner pulley, move the tensioner up against the tensioner pulley bracket and tighten the fasteners to 275 inch lbs. (31 Nm).
9. Remove the tensioner plunger pin. The tension is correct when the plunger pin can be removed and replaced easily.
10. Rotate the crankshaft 2 revolutions and recheck the timing marks. Wait several minutes and then recheck that the plunger pin can easily be removed and installed.
11. Reinstall the front timing belt cover(s).
12. Reinstall the engine mount bracket.
13. Reinstall the right engine mount.
14. Remove the floor jack from under the vehicle.
15. Install the crankshaft damper and tighten to 105 ft. lbs. (142 Nm).
16. Install the accessory drive belts and adjust to the proper tension.
17. Install the right inner splash shield.
18. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
19. Check for leaks and proper engine operation.

Source: Autozone.com

Rotate the engine so that No. 1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. Check that the timing marks are aligned on the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys. An access plug is provided in the cam belt cover so that the camshaft timing can be checked without removal of the cover or any other parts. Set the crankshaft to TDC by aligning the timing mark on the crank pulley with the TDC mark on the belt cover. Look through the access hole in the belt cover to make sure that the timing mark on the cam drive sprocket is lined up with the pointer on the inner belt cover.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/ernie_b93ee48ba0eab50b

Hi, the crankshaft marks are on the belt pulley and timing cover, so you have to mate it up to see them. The cam sprocket mark goes on the bottom, and aligns with another mark on the timing cover. There is a plug you pull out and hole to look thru to align the cam sprocket/shaft.








Rotate the engine so that No. 1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. Check that the timing marks are aligned on the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys. An access plug is provided in the cam belt cover so that the camshaft timing can be checked without removal of the cover or any other parts. Set the crankshaft to TDC by aligning the timing mark on the crank pulley with the TDC mark on the belt cover. Look through the access hole in the belt cover to make sure that the timing mark on the cam drive sprocket is lined up with the pointer on the inner belt cover.

1. Turn the crankshaft until the timing marks on the crankshaft indicate TDC.
2. Make sure that the timing mark on the camshaft drive sprocket is aligned with the pointer on the inner belt cover.

Never turn the crankshaft of any of the overhead cam engines in the opposite direction of normal rotation. Backward rotation of the crankshaft may cause the timing belt to slip and alter the timing.

Fig. 2: Timing belt assembly on the 2.3L and 2.5L engine (click image for zoom)

Hope helps.

The IGNITION timing on your Ranger is computer-controlled and is not adjustable.


Should the camshaft drive belt/timing belt jump timing by a tooth or two, the engine could still run; but very poorly. To visually check for correct timing of the crankshaft, auxiliary shaft, and the camshaft follow this procedure:
There is an access plug provided in the cam drive belt cover so that the camshaft timing cam be checked without moving the drive belt cover.

1. Remove the access plug.
2. Turn the crankshaft until the timing marks on the crankshaft indicate TDC.
3. Make sure that the timing mark on the camshaft drive sprocket is aligned with the pointer on the inner belt cover.

Never turn the crankshaft of any of the overhead cam engines in the opposite direction of normal rotation. Backward rotation of the crankshaft may cause the timing belt to slip and alter the timing.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

See Figures 1, 2 and 3

Fig. Fig. 1: Timing belt cover on the 2.3L and 2.5L engine

Fig. Fig. 2: Timing belt assembly on the 2.3L and 2.5L engine

Fig. Fig. 3: Releasing the timing belt tensioner using a special tool

1. Rotate the engine so that No. 1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. Check that the timing marks are aligned on the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys. An access plug is provided in the cam belt cover so that the camshaft timing can be checked without removal of the cover or any other parts. Set the crankshaft to TDC by aligning the timing mark on the crank pulley with the TDC mark on the belt cover. Look through the access hole in the belt cover to make sure that the timing mark on the cam drive sprocket is lined up with the pointer on the inner belt cover.

Always turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation. Backward rotation may cause the timing belt to jump time, due to the arrangement of the belt tensioner.

1. Drain cooling system. Remove the upper radiator hose as necessary. Remove the fan blade and water pump pulley bolts.

2.0L Engine SOHC ENGINE

1. Remove the drive belt and timing cover.
2. Raise the car and support it with safety stands.
3. Remove the right-hand splash shield and the crankshaft pulley. Fig. 11: The timing marks on both the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys must be aligned like this before removing or installing the timing belt — 2.0L SOHC engines
   
   
4. Align the timing marks as illustrated in the accompanying illustration.
5. Refer to the accompanying illustration and remove the timing belt as follows:
   1. Loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt (1).
   2. Use an 8mm Allen wrench, and turn the tensioner (2) counterclockwise 1⁄4 turn.
   3. Insert a 1⁄8 inch drill bit in the hole (3) to lock the belt tensioner in place.
   4. Remove the timing belt (4). Fig. 12: Remove the timing belt by following these 4 numbered steps (refer to the text for an explanation) — 2.0L SOHC engine
      
      
   5. Inspect the belt for damage and signs of oil leakage. To install: NOTE: Install the timing belt over the sprocket in a counterclockwise direction starting at the crankshaft. Keep the belt span between the crankshaft and camshaft tight when installing the belt over the camshaft.
      
6. Install the timing belt and remove the drill bit.
7. Tighten the tensioner bolt to 15–22 ft. lbs. (20–30 Nm).
8. Rotate the engine two complete revolutions and make sure the timing marks are aligned.
9. Install the timing belt cover and crankshaft pulley.
10. Install the right-hand splash shield and the drive belt.
11. Start the car and check for proper operation.

DOHC ENGINE NOTE: A camshaft alignment timing tool (No. T94P-6256-CH or equivalent) and a crankshaft Top Dead Center (TDC) timing peg tool (No. T97P-6000-A or equivalent) are required for this procedure. NOTE: Make sure the correct notch in the pulley is indexed to the lower cylinder block. Refer to the accompanying illustration. Fig. 13: A camshaft alignment timing tool . . .
Fig. 14: . . . and a crankshaft TDC timing peg tool are required when removing and installing the timing belt

1. Remove the spark plugs.
2. Rotate the crankshaft to TDC.
3. Locate and remove the plug bolt by the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor (refer to the illustration) and install the TDC timing peg. Fig. 15: Remove the plug bolt by the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor and install the TDC timing peg
   
   
4. Raise the car and support it with safety stands.
5. Unfasten the splash shields bolts and remove the shield.
6. Lower the car and remove the water pump pulley.
7. Remove the valve cover and the timing belt covers.
8. Align the camshafts and install the camshaft alignment tool on the back of the camshafts as illustrated. Fig. 16: Align the camshafts and install the alignment tool
   WARNING
   If the camshaft belt is being reused, mark the direction of the camshaft belt to the rotation of the camshaft prior to removal, or premature wear and belt failure could occur.
   
9. Loosen the tensioner pulley bolt and relieve the tension on the belt by disconnecting the tensioner tab from the timing cover back plate.
10. Slide the belt off the sprockets.
11. Inspect the belt for wear and replace as necessary. Fig. 17: Timing belt routing — 2.0L DOHC engine
    To install:
    
12. If, for any reason, the engine was disturbed, the camshafts moved or the sprockets replaced, perform the following procedure: NOTE: Make sure the correct notch in the pulley is indexed to the lower cylinder block.
    1. Position the crankshaft just prior to Top Dead Center (TDC).
    2. If not already done, locate and remove the plug bolt by the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor (refer to the illustration) and install the TDC timing peg.
    3. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise against the TDC peg. NOTE: Installation of the alignment tool into the exhaust camshaft may require the camshafts to be rotated clockwise.
       
    4. Install the camshaft alignment tool on the back of the camshafts.
    5. Install the timing belt and engage the timing belt tensioner tab into the upper timing cover backplate. NOTE: A 3⁄8 inch drive, 10mm, 2 inch torque adapter offset is required to tighten the tensioner bolt.
       
    6. Using a 6mm Allen wrench, adjust the tensioner until the index marks are aligned and tighten the bolt to 17–20 ft. lbs. (22–28 Nm).
    7. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise against the TDC alignment peg, then remove the camshaft alignment tool.
    8. Remove the TDC peg tool and install the plug bolt.
    9. Install the timing and valve covers.
    10. Install the water pump pulley and the splash shield.
    11. Install the spark plugs. If the engine or the camshaft were not disturbed in any way, or the sprockets were not removed, perform the following procedure:
        
13. Install the timing belt and engage the timing belt tensioner tab into the upper timing cover backplate. Fig. 18: Engage the timing belt tensioner tab into the upper timing cover backplate . . .
    Fig. 19: . . . then use a 6mm Allen wrench to adjust the tensioner until the index marks are aligned
    Fig. 20: A 3⁄8 inch drive, 10mm, 2 inch torque adapter offset is required to tighten the tensioner bolt (arrow) — 2.0L DOHC engine
    NOTE: A 3⁄8 inch drive, 10mm, 2 inch torque adapter offset is required to tighten the tensioner bolt.
    
14. Using a 6mm Allen wrench, adjust the tensioner until the index marks are aligned and tighten the bolt to 17–20 ft. lbs. (22–28 Nm).
15. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise against the TDC alignment peg, then remove the camshaft alignment tool. Fig. 21: Rotate the crankshaft clockwise against the TDC alignment peg
    
    
16. Remove the TDC peg tool and install the plug bolt.
17. Install the timing and valve covers.
18. Install the water pump pulley and the splash shield.
19. Install the spark plugs.

Your question states both 94 and 95 for model year.
94 and 95 ranger had a 2.3L.

1. If not done:
   1. Loosen tensioner adjusting bolt.
   1. Using Camshaft Belt Tension Adjusting Tool T74P-6254-A, pry tensioner clockwise against spring tension as far as possible.
   1. Tighten adjusting bolt to hold tensioner in released position.

1. Align crankshaft so number one piston is at TDC (top dead center) with crankshaft key pointing straight up and circle on crankshaft sprocket (6306) aligned with notch in engine front cover (6019) .

1. Align triangle on camshaft sprocket with triangle on inner timing belt cover.

1. Align diamond on oil pump sprocket with diamond on inner timing belt cover.
   
   Timing Mark Alignment
   

Belt covers need to be on. Timing mark on crankshaft (while on compression stroke) should line up with TDC mark on cover. then Camshaft mark, needs to line up by looking through access hole of cover, and align mark on cam sprocket with pointer on inside of belt cover.

Align harmonic damper mark at TDC with #1 piston at top. You'll have to remove harmonic damper on front of crank. (You can do it without removing the damper, but it's a real pain in the rear.) This WILL require an industrial strength impact wrench to break the bolt loose. Pull spark plugs. Makes last step easy and you can use a screwdriver to make sure #1 is at top. You'll see tick marks on the crank pulley, the cam pulley and the auxillary shaft pulley. These marks must line up. Use a straight edge (ruler, piece of flat metal stock, etc.) to make sure they're aligned. Pull tensioner arm back and lock it there. Install belt around pullies. Now comes the tricky part. Whne you release the tensioner, the auxillary shaft will rotate at least one tooth off of alignment. Release tension and compensate auxillary shaft postion. You want the marks aligned with the belt under tension. Now using a long wrench, rotate the engine clockwise by turning the crank balancer bolt. After 2 complete revolutions back to TDC, confirm timing mark alignment on the pullies. If they're off, redo it until they're aligned. Good luck.