In changing out the engine of my 95 2.3 ranger. One thing is that right there are 2 tensioners on the motor and should I go ahead and change them? I don't have the best of luck so I am trying to save myself as many as possible problems down the road. Is there anything else I should go ahead and change?

I am going to change the plugs, wires, fuel filter and was thinking about the timing belt since it will be easy to get to. If I do the timing belt can I just mark all three gears and put the new one on? Since I am not changing anything like the head or crank, my thought is that it should stay in place. also should I change the timing belt component kit also?


I was thinking about doing away with the ac unit, I don't think it works or will be worth the money to repair unless it is only low. But cant really tell until I have it running correct? Would it even be worth the trouble to measure a new belt and do away with the compressor than it would be to leave it on?


Sorry about being long winded just trying to cover all bases before I am going down the road. Thanks for any help

 

Since the motor is out I would change all the gaskets (you can get a gasket set for cheap, don't do the HG). Definitely do the timing belt, water pump, and thermostat. As for timing belt replacement, you only need to make sure the crank dowel key is at 12 o'clock, and the cam gear mark is lined up with the mark on the head. The oil pump gear doesn't matter, it doesn't effect the timing.

As for the A/C, depends how the A/C acted before. I installed A/C into my Ranger that didn't have it from factory, and I stayed under $250 for a whole system, including a charge. In your case, it could be something simple such as a clogged orifice tube (common Ford issue).

 

thanks for the reply and info, much appreciated