timing question, if the timing belt breaks..?

Turn it to where the 0 is at the timing mark...that's TDC>

Don't listen to the bonerheads who say your Ford 2.3 has engine damage due to the timing belt breaking. The engine is what is called a "clearance motor" which means there is plenty of clearance between the pistons and the valves if the belt breaks. You don't even need to be at top dead center. What you need to do is get a manual and read about lining up the timing marks on the camshaft and the crankshaft. You can probably photocopy the pages from the library. It's kind of a pain in the butt to get the belt on the crankshaft sprocket without removing the pulley, but because this year of engine doesn't have a distributor to line up, it's much easier to put on the belt and get it timed.

Years ago TDC was at the top of the stroke in the # 1 cylinder. To determine this you have to remove the plug and using a pencil or something like that turn the engine over by HAND and feel for the piston to come to the top and return on the down ward stroke. When turning it by hand you can go in the reverse to catch it coming back up. One other problem is it depends on how the valves are opened and closed. I have heard that when timing belt or chain broke the valve stems could be bent. The timing from there will be the firing order.

i went to gates rubber .

the pdf cat. said 95 range 2.3 , only diesel has interference engine. so you are ok.

belt snaps , car dies, but its easy to fix.

just like my sidekick 8v and miatas. 16 dohc

not all engines have problem, not even all high performance engines.

now TDC, the crank turns 2 times for every 1 turn of cam.

there are 2 TDC, on for Power stroke and one at the top of the exhaust stroke.

how to tell, well , 2 ways , if you have a distributure look at the rotor TDC is the one where the rotor points to #1 spark were. no DIZZY then you must look at valves both open at #1 or connect a compression gauge to #1 spark ,

max compress and TDC on pulley = JOY.

If it was running when the timing belt broke, you probably have damage to the engine. Sorry. As for TDC, consult with a qualified mechanic. Don't go with could be, maybe or might be. Worst case, buy a Chilton's manual. It will lead you through the step by step of the timing belt problem.

Do you have a timing light or access to one ? You will need one to set the time after you put the new belt on . Also a Chilton's repair Manuel, as one said, is good to have although they leave a lot out . Look at it this way, a belt is a lot easier than if it was a trimming chain and you needed to remove a lot of junk including the radiator to get to it .

Theres 3 places to line up for timeing. I want confuse you, but buy a manual like other person suggested.

Jim

make sure the timing marks on the crank and cam line up were the are supposed to.

both gears have marks .

He is right, this is a non interference engine.

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