Hi,
I just changed the front seal and timing belt. I was extremely careful with the timing marks. When I started it up, I heard ticking and immediately shut it off. I have looked everywhere, including the ford site, and called them and the dealers, but I can't find any definitive answer.

Is my engine an interference type or not?

I can think of equally plausible reasons for the ticking. The inner timing cover seemed to touch the back of the auxiliary sprocket and I also broke a sensor (coolant temp) and scarred the wire on another, which might be sparking. The cover issue seems the most plausible, but I don't know for sure. I'm too afraid to start it again.

Other than the tick, it started fine, but I only let it run for seconds. No backfire or scary grinding, banging, etc. Just an audible, but not crazy loud tick. Thanks!

 

The Lima(or Pinto) OHC engines are non-interference.
2.0l, 2.3l, and 2.5l in Rangers from 1983 to 2001, all non-interference, at no time can a fully opened valve touch a piston at TDC.
Many have broken a timing belt while engine is running, never a bent valve, even on one.

2.3l DOHC Duratec(Mazda L) engine is no relation, it uses a timing chain and IS an interference engine.
These replaced the Lima engines, Rangers got these in late 2001 up to end of production in 2012

 

Thank you for your reply. Is there an official source for this kind of information? I called and messaged Ford directly and a couple dealerships, but they weren't very helpful. It did say "Lima, OH" on the timing cover.

Does that mean I won't likely break anything if the timing was off slightly? I cranked it up for 3-4 secs and it sounded fine, aside from the ticking. I actually lined the camshaft closer to its mark than before the old belt came off. This weekend, I'm going to check on the timing cover and replace the two sensors that got broken.
Also, is it safe to assume having a belt instead of a chain means no interference. Sounds like it would be sturdier with a chain to keep from interfering.

 

These engines were built at Ford's Lima, Ohio plant, hence the name, and were made popular when used in the Ford Pinto, which is engines other nick name.

No, you didn't, couldn't, hurt the valves or pistons by mistiming crank and cam.

 

Thank you again

 

New to this forum new toy 1995 Ranger 2.3 broke the timing belt. Glad to hear it’s a non interference engine!