Hi All.

I recently purchased a 1994 Ranger XL 2.3L 5spd , 2WD ,127K,as a spare truck to run the pickup truck type errands with :)

We have been going thru it and getting it all "fixed up", so far looks like a great truck.

We put plugs, and wires in it yesterday (the old ones were just hanging by threads). Also replaced the IAC. I thought I was doing good when cleaning the throttle body, MAF, and air temp sensor. I sprayed cleaner into the passage w/i the throttle body to clean the IAC. Well, when we started it up it barely idled. Thought maybe it was a misplaced wire, but cked the firing order and it was fine.

Bought a new IAC this am and the idle is much better (must have did something to the old one w/ the cleaner?), BUT it still has a slight shake to it at idle.

I have been going nuts thinking it might have a vacuum leak, but have not found any yet.

Is it normal for the 2.3L with 127K on it to not idle as smooth as a new car??
Any input is appreciated.
Thanx

 

A worn or stretched timing belt will cause a rough idle.

 

Thanks. How do you know if a belt is worn or stretched?
Are there any specs? Or do you just take the cover off to look at it.

Does the belt give you any other symptoms to look for?

Thanx Again

 

The belt should be changed at 90K.
If in doubt , swap it out.
It may also need a new tensioner.
And no , you can't always tell by looking at it just how bad it is.
They generally break teeth off when the engine is shut off. The back pressure in the cylinders when the crank is just coming to a stop will jerk the crank backwards and snap some teeth off at the crank sprocket.
The engine could run fine when you turn it off , but not start again.

 

Thank You .

I will look into replacing the belt just in case. And how much time and work is involved in replacing it.

Thanx Again

 

Only takes a couple hours , longer if you've never done it.
Pick up a Haynes manual , it shows you step-by-step,along with pics to align the timing.