I have a 2.3L in a 1992 Ford Ranger. I am currently in the process of replacing a blown head gasket and replacing the valve stem seals while at it. I've come into an issue with taking the springs off. There is a 'sleeve' around the bottom half of the springs keeping me from using a spring compressor. They don't go completely around the springs, they have a vertical 'slit' where it flairs out a bit. I can't find anything on them. I don't know the name of the part, nor do I see it in any spring replacement kits. I'm not sure how to remove them so I can get the springs off. If anyone has come across this issue and can tell me where to go from here I'd appreciate it.

 

You can use the KD 3087 tool for that

Video of how it works , Google: KD Tools 3087 - Valve Spring Compressor
Watch the 1:49 video

That will give you an idea of how to do it, maybe make something up with what you have on hand, with head off put something under the head to hold the valve closed while you press down on the top of the spring to release the keepers
A wadded up rag will usually work

 

I put the whole engine back together. I ended up using this tool for the valve springs: https://www.harborfreight.com/large-...UaAojxEALw_wcB

I torqued down the head bolts to 51lb+90degrees in the spiral pattern. I made sure the number one cylinder was at TDC (all pullies were still on so I couldn't see the marks) and lined up the Cam to its mark and the oil pump straight up (I don't have the one with the diamond and triangle marks). I did coat the head and exhaust gaskets with the copper spray also. However, the truck will not start.

I don't know if I'm missing something, but I have 120 psi in cylinder #1 but in all other cylinders I have around 70 or less. This is after pulling the fuel pump relay for the tests. Could all but one cylinder have very low compression if the timing is 180 degrees off?

Either the head gasket did not seal properly for cylinders 2, 3, and 4. Or it's a timing issue. I really need some help with what could be causing this low compression.

 

As far as timing marks go:
Here are a few videos. You might have already watched them but I'll post links just in case.
The first one is from "Every Day I Race", I used this one to replace my 2.5L timing belt. Since yours is a 1992 I don't know which videos would help you more. You'll have to watch them and decide that yourself.
I also have the original Ford shop manuals for the 2000 Ranger but oddly enough, they don't list the 2.3L just the 2.5L, 3.0L, and 4.0L engines. A lot of the specs and procedures are the same for the 2.3-2.5 engines, I'm just not sure which ones aren't the same.
Maybe someone else has the Manuals for the older 2.3s, but in the meantime I'll gladly take pics of any section you want and post them if you can verify the info is the same for both engines.
Here are the video links-






I didn't watch them all, I just did a quick search so apologies in advance if one or more aren't helpful.