I have a 98 ranger with the 2.5 engine (200K), and it recently jumped timing (belt broke) I replaced the belt and it started right up, ran as good as before, with a slight miss and a light tapping noise. I suspect it may have a bent valve, but I hate to tear it apart and see. It runs well , has as much power as before, but is tapping and driving me nuts. I was wondering if anyone else has had this happen and what the affects this will have overtime if not repaired.
Thanks in advance for any help!

 

it is a non-interference engine so it shouldnt have a bent valve unless something else went wrong. is the timing set perfectly between all 3 pulleys? all 3 need to be set correctly. does the belt have neough tension on it?

 

Exactly.

The tapping noise may be cause from preignition if the timing is misaligned.

A quick way to check this is to take a flashlight under the hood and inspect the timing indicators through the inspections holes of the timing belt cover.

You'll see a triangle on the pulley that lines up with another triangle on the timing back plate. If the indicators on the oil pump pulley are not aligned with camshaft gear indicators, you need to loosen tension in the timing belt and re-adjust appropriately.

If you can't see the indicators when you're looking through the inspections holes, turn the crankshaft with a 22mm socket wrench until it is visible.
Make sure the key is off, and the battery is disconnected before doing this. I would also recommend relieving the fuel system pressure or pulling the plugs before turning the motor by hand, but that's up to you and your "level of safety".

Here you can see the camshaft gear and the oil pump gear connected with the timing belt to the crankshaft (not visible).

 

I believe I have it right, but i'll check when I get a chance. I remember there is a triangle on the cam pulley and the cover, a diamond on the oil pump and cover, and a dot on the crank pulley lined up with a slot on the housing. Good to know that it should not be a bent valve, might save me some dough. Thanks for the info!

 

Please post your findings when you get a chance to take a look at those indicators.

 

YEah, that was dead on. My timing was off by two teeth. Reset it and it runs like a top! Thanks for the help, I did not think that would cause that noise, but it did.

 

Awesome! I'm glad to help you out! Stick around and keep learning on these forums!