97 Ranger 2.3 Timing belt replaced, WONT START

ChiefDLane · 04-07-2008, 11:32 AM

PLEASE HELP, I replaced the timing belt on my sons 97 2.3 2wd ranger and now can not get it started. I tried rotating the crankshaft several different times to make sure #1 cyl was TDC and still no luck. Camshaft and oil pump where aligned to marks each time as directed.

My son will be home from Iraq on leave next week and I am in a bind? Am I missing something?

FYI, belt broke while it was going down the road if it makes any difference.

Thanks,

Dan

jonmark1985 · 04-07-2008, 11:51 AM

Even if you have the #1 piston at TDC you could be 180° off. You need to watch the intake valve so you know when the motor is at TDC before the powerstroke.

ChiefDLane · 04-07-2008, 12:05 PM

Could you tell me how that is done (observing the intake valve)?

I have rotated the crank several times with the assumption that I had initially lined up the marks on the exhaust stroke so I lined all marks back up, removed the belt and turned the crank 360 degrees with no luck. I have repeated the process over and over and still nothing.

jonmark1985 · 04-07-2008, 12:13 PM

sorry I was thinking wrong, its been about 3 years since I changed the belt on a 2.3...

Your getting the timing marks right, so that should be so much an issue. I haven't done the 2.3 DIS, so I wonder if you can adjust the cam or crank posistion sensors.

phantom_smack · 04-07-2008, 12:55 PM

What about fuel,fire and compression?Maybe its someting simple like an inertia switch.Start with the basics because it sounds like you have the timing correct.

ChiefDLane · 04-07-2008, 01:44 PM

Thanks, I just dont get it, I tried numerous times realigning the crank mark thinking I had it out 360. It turns over but to me sounds almost like its not getting spark.

If the Inertia switch needed to be reset wouldn't starting fluid work as I did try giving it a shot with no success?

Thanks again for all your help. I'll keep you posted.

phantom_smack · 04-07-2008, 02:05 PM

Fuel cut off switch located inside on the passenger side floor board at the edge of the carpet.It is black with 2 or 3 wires and a red button on top.Make sure the button is pushed down.
You can stick an old spark plug in the sparkplug wire and ground it to the block and have someone try to start the vehicle to check for spark(a screw driver will work in a pinch just set it close to the block and look and see if you have any spark)

ChiefDLane · 04-08-2008, 12:08 PM

I reset the inertia switch as directed and then checked for spark.

NO SPARK, any ideas?

phantom_smack · 04-08-2008, 02:20 PM

Could the crank shaft sensor be unplugged or damaged?It reads a trigger whel on the back of the crank pulley.You arent trying to start it without the pulley on?

ChiefDLane · 04-08-2008, 03:51 PM

Of course I tried starting without the pulley on... I told you I am no mechanic.

Would that prevent spark? If not any other ideas?

I did check the ohm readings on both coil packs and any thing else I could think of and could find nothing out of the ordinary. Is the pulley the only thing that needs to be re-installed to see if it will start?