Questions and Answers
Ranger Out Of Time?
Q. Hi Vincent, great site. I have an 1987 Ford Ranger XLT, 4x4, Extended Cab, Fuel Injected 2.9L V-6 engine, Manual transmission, A/C, P/S, 150,000 miles.
The symptoms started as: The engine was running pretty smoothly, then started running rough, and then just stalled out completely. After many attempts to start the engine the battery was shot, so the battery was replaced (old anyway). Engine spun over faster than normal, making me believe the timing was off. After checking the timing it appeared to have "jumped" time. I could turn the distributor from original setting as far as it would go in one direction and the engine would start and run, but running rough. Decided to replace timing chain set. Did so. And still have the same problem. The timing marks on the gears were lined up (tore down again to verify this). I put the piston to TDC, timing mark on crankshaft pulley being lined up with the timing mark, rotor on distributor lined up with #1 post on distributor cap. Still have same problem. Distributor needs to be turned 90 degrees in order to make the engine start. Tried pulling distributor and turning rotor one or two teeth in either direction, but can only turn rotor 90 degrees, not one tooth at a time. Won't line up. Timing appears to be off 1 or 2 teeth, engine runs rough. When I do get it to run, and turn it off, it won't start again unless I turn the distributor again. Any ideas?? Could it be electronic? Sensors? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. By using your FAQ we were able to identify and fix a problem in my daughters Contour.
Look forward to hearing from you.
DavidA. This is a tough one to advise without seeing the vehicle Dave. I don't know how much I can help you.
It sure does sound like the engine is out of time. I guess the best I can offer is to set the basic engine timing. Take out the #1 spark plug and remove the valve cover. Then turn the engine until the piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC). You can stick a screwdriver into the cylinder and feel the piston. Make sure the lobes for #1 valves are pointing up, actually they will look like a V pointing up and away from the valves. Now look at the timing marks. The timing mark on the crankshaft pulley should be at 0 degrees and the rotor should be at the #1 tower on the distributor cap.
The marks on the crank gear and the cam gear should line up. If they do, then the only other suggestion I can offer is to make sure the firing order is correct.
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