Any recommendations for a 2.3T timing belt?

[somethingclever]

Going to do some preventative maintenance on my 2.3T in the 88TC.

Gates?
Dayco?
Someone else?

Doesn't matter?

[97LaserRed]

Going to do some preventative maintenance on my 2.3T in the 88TC.

A.Gates?
B.Dayco?
3.Someone else?

D.Doesn't matter?
F.All of the Above

IMO both are good belts so I would say

answer is D??

[Martin0660]

some preventative maintenance

If it's really PM, try the Goodyear Gatorback belts. If you are going any further, the tensioner is as important as the belt IMO.

[lib88stang]

x2 on the tensioner

[somethingclever]

If it's really PM, try the Goodyear Gatorback belts. If you are going any further, the tensioner is as important as the belt IMO.

Well...by looking at the belt it has seen better days as far as condition goes...it's most likely the original with 130kish miles on it.

I will be sure to pick up a tensioner as well.

Thanks Bob and Shaun.

[Martin0660]

BTW - That car has a square tooth timing belt. Be sure the one they give you is square (not round). Seems like the part store systems now list the round tooth for a number of applications that had square tooth. I always look up my parts based on 88 TC and saw the option for either belt on rock auto (mine is converted to round tooth).

[somethingclever]

BTW - That car has a square tooth timing belt. Be sure the one they give you is square (not round). Seems like the part store systems now list the round tooth for a number of applications that had square tooth. I always look up my parts based on 88 TC and saw the option for either belt on rock auto (mine is converted to round tooth).

Ahh...thanks Bob...i remember back in the day having to request one with square teeth....it's been about 8 yrs since I last played with a 2.3T...thanks for the reminder.

[somethingclever]

OH ya...

So the tensioner is bolted in place, right? What about the spring....is it just used to set the initial preload and then tighten the lockdown bolt?

The tensioners at Napa and Advance Auto do NOT come with a new spring...I haven't tried autozone yet...I hate that place. :)

Man..I'm rusty on these little buggers....

[Martin0660]

Tensioners do not come with the spring as I've ever seen.

Three bolts involved. One that locks the tensioner in place, a long "shoulder type bolt that carries the springs and acts as the pivot for the tensioner, then the "pin" that the spring rides against (other end of spring on roll pin on tensioner). The spring "pretensions" the belt, but final torque is applied with a bar against the tensioner and tighten the lock bolt. There is a Ford tool for this bit I have a specific screwdriver I use :D

Tougher to type out than to do ;) I've done it in the dark by feel before :D

Oh, be sure to turn the engine over a couple of times after setting tension and then line all the marks back up to check. Sometimes getting the tension and rotating will sink the belt teeth and get you one off. BTDT.

[somethingclever]

NO wonder they dont' come with springs.

They're not needed/used. :)

Thanks Bob.

Edit:

That also seems like a pretty crappy setup...setting tension manually...I think after 500 or so miles I'll re-set the tension to remove any initial belt stretch.

[Martin0660]

They're not needed/used. :)

Technically correct ;) Once installed / tightened the spring does nothing unless the lock bolt comes loose. One other tip (really tough to type)...

The hex head bolt that holds the spring is drilled tapped for a cover bolt (the one for philips screw). Put that bolt back in and snug. You can then use it as the pivot point to put the tension on the belt. I think you will see what I mean when you go to do it. If you don't ut that bolt in, you don;t have anything to pry against.

[Martin0660]

To your edit - actually the Ford spec allows for that initial stretch, but since none of us have the real tool, yeah, check it again later :D

not bad for a 60's designed OHC engine ;)

[somethingclever]

Thanks for the tips Bob!