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  #16  
Old 01-05-2013, 03:04 PM
awwphooey awwphooey is offline
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Default Re: How often does the timing belt need to be changed?

Helo everyone-

My first one went out at ~180K. I'm at about 320K now and it just went last week. This time around, I'm going to give it a go at replacing myself instead of shelling out 300.00, 'cause I am just... that... broke (2 boys and a wife- Christmas was expensive!!!) I've done water pumps, fuel pumps and alternators, this will be the most "involved" work I've done on my own.

That being said, I found a couple of nicely done You Tube vids on changing out a '96 2.3L. The only part that seemed to be concerning to me was the tensioner. I may just need to re-watch it, but it seemed that loosening it to remove and then tightening it can be tricky. Am I overconcerned with that part of the job? I'd like to change the tensioner out also since I have a new one and always want to do the right thing. Is there anything you folks can offer as far as specific things to be really careful with (outside of the obvious like making sure the all the marks and notches line up, etc). Believe it or not, I think the spark plugs have been in since 100K, and I still get ~ 21mpg and no hitches- but I bet taking them out is going to be a bidch. How do I avoid plug removal problems like frozen threads, etc?

Thanks in advance for your time,

Phoo

PS- Model A, I know everyone has heard it ad nauseum, but can't agree with you more. That good ol' basic maintenance has kept my engine strong and healthy for over 300K. I have to admit there is a little luck thrown in also- first belt lasted almost 200K, original clutch lasted a little over 200K, I just changed the original water pump last month at 320K along with the original radiator. AC Compressor lasted until about 280K... U-joints lasted until last month. A lot of regular maintenance and a little bit of luck have paid off with dividends.


'96 Ranger XLT, Blue out, Grey in, 2.3L, 5 spd, 2WD, short bed, 320,xxx miles.
--
"Do not spoil what you have, by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things only hoped for"
(¯`'•.¸ Epicurus (c. 341-271 BCE)¸.•'´¯)

Last edited by awwphooey; 01-05-2013 at 03:08 PM.
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  #17  
Old 01-09-2013, 12:44 PM
awwphooey awwphooey is offline
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Default Re: How often does the timing belt need to be changed?

bump

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  #18  
Old 01-09-2013, 01:17 PM
RoberticusMaximus RoberticusMaximus is offline
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Default Re: How often does the timing belt need to be changed?

hey bud!

i don't know any more than you on the belt tensioner, except for the vids, but the plugs...just give them some pb blaster a day or two ahead of time & if they are still stuck, give them some heat with a torch...lots of people have done that for sure

----------

just don't melt them lol
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