[joemag7]

I own a 1997, 2.3L Ranger w/130k miles
I changed the timing belt over the weekend with little problem(thanks to great sites online), except when removing the crankshaft bolt I happened to break the plastic rear half of the timing belt cover.

To get the truck back on the road I ditched the cover and transferred the timing marks from the rear cover to the engine block, and I've put everything back together w/o the rear or front timing belt cover.

I turned the engine last night and it started right up, but with a very distinct "ticking" sound. I shut it off again right away and of course assume I have one of the pulleys a notch or two in the wrong direction.

The question now is; which direction should I first start adjusting/shifting the pulleys one belt notch at a time?

I assume the oil pump pulley position is not as critical as the orientation between the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys; so should I only adjust the SOHCamshaft a notch at a time in either direction?

Also, did that "ticking" sound while I ran my engine mean I completely ruined my valves? I sure hope not, I really can't afford it.

Thanks, Joe

 

[Cuda_jim]

Yep, the oil pump is not timed.
Does it run OK besides the tick?
If so, the timing may be OK, the tick may be valve lash.

Here's a picture of the timing mark (#1)
Notice it's almost (one tooth) directly inline with the centers of the crank and cam
You should be able to check it with a straight edge.

 

[Canuck623]

I own a 1997, 2.3L Ranger w/130k miles
I changed the timing belt over the weekend with little problem(thanks to great sites online), except when removing the crankshaft bolt I happened to break the plastic rear half of the timing belt cover.

To get the truck back on the road I ditched the cover and transferred the timing marks from the rear cover to the engine block, and I've put everything back together w/o the rear or front timing belt cover.

I turned the engine last night and it started right up, but with a very distinct "ticking" sound. I shut it off again right away and of course assume I have one of the pulleys a notch or two in the wrong direction.

The question now is; which direction should I first start adjusting/shifting the pulleys one belt notch at a time?

I assume the oil pump pulley position is not as critical as the orientation between the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys; so should I only adjust the SOHCamshaft a notch at a time in either direction?

Also, did that "ticking" sound while I ran my engine mean I completely ruined my valves? I sure hope not, I really can't afford it.

Thanks, Joe

There should also be a mark on the crank gear itself so you can do it without the crank pully.

 

[Jonzo77]

since it's a hydraulic system, the lash should just reset itself... is it possible the tick is coming from the outside of the engine?