Engine maintenance - Ranger 2.5L 5 speed



2.5L New Timing belt and tensioner

What needs to be done on a 250,000 mile 2.5L Ford? Well... either nothing, or a lot... 

OK who's kidding who... a lot.

Time for a change
Since I want this to keep going reliably for the next 3 to 5 years I'll be taking care of as much as I can. I have no maintenance history and I don't want to just wait till something breaks to fix it. 

Unfortunately, I have a stumble after coming off the throttle and I'm afraid it's a recessed valve issue which would require a head refresh at a machine shop. I'm hoping to avoid that. 

I'm going to stop throwing parts at it till I see how bad this engine feels once it's running. I'm hoping this list  takes care of most problem areas but then again new parts these days have poor quality and could fail me vs an older non-broken part.

The list:

Timing belt and tensioner pulley. Drive belt, tensioner, and idler pulley. Water pump, flush block and heater core. Thermostat and housing. New radiator hoses and heater hoses. Overall it is very easy to work on and no real issues so far, just takes a bit of time and some basic tools.

Update: Got around to changing all 8 plugs, wires, IAC, PCV, and some more hoses. 

Alternator bearings are screaming so I replaced it with a new one. I'm keeping the old one and will try just a bearing job and new regulator kit they sell for $30.

Update, darn thing still stumbles when revved and needs to be babied as its warming up. Recessed valve will still have to wait. Aaaand... clutch pedal is inconsistent despite bleeding. 
All it needs is everything.

Correct TDC setup for 2.5L

Crank dot and notch

Cam Triangles 2.5L

Oil pump diamonds and crank dot and notch 2.5L

All buttoned up, new hoses belts, timing etc.








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