Timing belt question

crownvicguy

New Member
Jun 5, 2004
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Howdy, yall!
I just picked up a mint condition '92 mustang with a 2.3, but it doesn't run. i beleive the problem to be that the timing belt jumped a couple of cogs, thereby screwing it up. my question: how big of a job is it to change the timing belt??? what tools does it require? i have a manual, but it's 200 miles away right now, so here i am asking you!
thanks in advance!

-the n00b
 
Changing the timing belt is pretty easy. All you REALLY need to remove is the belt tensioner, water pump pulley, crank pulley, and of course the outer timing cover. From there you can work the timing belt off the tensioner and then off the sprockets. I can't remember exactly how the pullies are all supposed to line up offhand...also the procedure may be different on the DIS cars so I don't wanna give you the wrong info.
 
It isn't so bad, but, the cover can give you some trouble, if the screw is rusted.. and if the polleys are rusted they can give you some trouble too.. But it is easy..

Make it verify by a mechanical if possible after :)
 
you don't need to remove the serpentine tensioner. In fact I nearly got the cover off removing only the belt and crank pulley but it won't go without breaking it. Loosen the waterpump bolts before you take off the serpentine belt or that is going to be a nuisance.

I believe you also have to remove the t-stat housing, as it is in the way of the cover or something, which means draining coolant into a pan via the drain on the passenger side of the radiator.

The timing marks must be as nearly aligned as possible between the cam sprocket and pointer, and crank sprocket and notch, with the belt TIGHT on the driver side. While it is like that you release the timing belt tensioner and let the spring take up the slack on the other side WITHOUT tightening it any further, then secure the tensioner. The manual will explain the exact procedure.