I have decided to start offering free advice to everybody. Just simply e-mail your question to me and I will answer it as quickly as I can and will post the question on this site. I will give the contact information later in the blog.
This is my first post and I have been asked this question about 100 times over the past 5 years so I am going to post it.
Q: What are the timing specs on an 88 Ford Mustang LX with 2.3 ltr engine? Also, how do I change my timing belt.
A: First of all, this will answer from 88-92 models. The timing specs are 17-18 degrees below top dead center.
Tools needed:
- A number 4 phillips screwdriver
- 8mm socket
- 10mm socket
- 13mm socket
- 15mm socket
- 5/8" socket or wrench
- Belt wrench (used for oil filters or pipe)
- Ratchet
- Harmonic Balance (engine damper) pulley
To change the timing belt, you must remove 1 of the plugs on the number 1 cylinder. (This engine has 8 plugs on 4 cylinders.) You will then have somebody bump the ignition until the number 1 cylinder is almost at full stroke. You can check this by simply placing a screwdriver in the hole where you pulled the number plug out after the ignition has been stopped. You will now want to take your 5/8" socket or wrench and place it on the fan-belt idler pulley to remove the belt. Be sure that you remember how the belt comes off. If not, there is a diagram that should be located right inside the hood on the left(driver's) side.
Once the cylinder is close, take a 10mm socket and place it on the crankshaft pulley located at the very bottom of the engine. You will then rotate the pulley until you reach top dead center which is where the piston is at the top of it's stroke in the cylinder.
Once you are top dead center, you will take the phillips screwdriver and remove the screw from the timing cover. At the bottom of the cover you will see a small bolt, 8mm. Remove it as well. Now take the belt wrench and tighten it on the main engine pulley. You are going to take the 10mm socket and place it on the bolts on the main pulley as well. Remove the pulley.
Now take the 13mm socket and belt wrench to remove the water pump pulley. Once it is removed, take the 15mm socket and remove the idler pulley.
Now take a flat head screwdriver and pop the timing cover loose from the engine. Once you have all the tabs disconnected, remove the timing cover by popping it downward. It should come straight off.
Now with a 22mm socket remove the engine damper bolt. You will then place your harmonic balance puller on it to remove the damper.
Place your new timing belt on the crank gear, and put the damper back on. Put the bolt back in and torque it down.
Now you need to set the timing before going any further. On the camshaft gear, you will see a small mark right on the inside lip. You will line it up with two marks that you will on the bottom left side of the gear on the engine itself.
Once you line it up, put your belt on. Put the timing cover back on and snap it into place. Go ahead and put the 8mm bolt in at the bottom and the phillips screw in the middle. Place your main pulley, your water pump pulley, and your idler pulley back on the engine.
Replace your belt and your number 1 spark plug. You are now ready to start your car.
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Until next time, take care.
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