[wargle]

I have an '89 2.3 LX with 174K miles. The timing belt was changed at about 110K. What is the recommended mileage for replacing the belt? Also, if the timing belt was one tooth off and the timing was set a 10*, would there be any adverse affects? Thanks.

[heavy metal]

I suggest to change it every 60k miles.

[NavySVO]

Just some comments......

1. There is no "set" mileage for replacing the belt
2. It is a lot more convenient to put a belt and new tensioner and replace it before it breaks rather than be stuck on the side of the road.
3. Being off one tooth won't really matter at all.

[heavy metal]

Ford says they suggest to change the belt and tensioner every 60k miles.If you advance or retard the timing gear,you will have early or late timing.I suggest to put the timing dead on.And while you are in there,check that cam seal.

[wargle]

Thanks for the input. I guess I'll be replacing the belt and tensioner.

[davido30093]

And install it correctly. It DOES matter if it is one tooth off.

[Blade10]

"3. Being off one tooth won't really matter at all."

Sorry, but this is plain wrong. One tooth will effect idle, and it will effect performance. And while a 2.3 is OK 1 tooth off (as in it wont damage anything), some other engines from other manufactures will be DESTROYED by being 1 tooth off!!! For example, the Mitsu V6 will bend valves and sometime will even break pistons if one tooth off!. (!)

Bottom line: Unless you have a VERY specific reason to advance or retard cam timing, you should always set it as intended from the manufacturer.


Kieth

[wargle]

Thanks for the comments on the timing belt one tooth off. My son-in-law replaced the belt several years ago and I think he may have gotten it one tooth off because the distributor had to be rotated a lot from it original position to get the timing set.

[NavySVO]

Originally Posted by Blade10

"3. Being off one tooth won't really matter at all."

Sorry, but this is plain wrong. One tooth will effect idle, and it will effect performance. And while a 2.3 is OK 1 tooth off (as in it wont damage anything), some other engines from other manufactures will be DESTROYED by being 1 tooth off!!! For example, the Mitsu V6 will bend valves and sometime will even break pistons if one tooth off!. (!)

Bottom line: Unless you have a VERY specific reason to advance or retard cam timing, you should always set it as intended from the manufacturer.


Kieth

First of all, the question was will it have any adverse effects. The answer is NO, plain and simple. Will it affect perfomance, YES. So please read before you bilge me Kieth....or is it Keith?
If you shave the head or block to true up the surface(s) you will never get the cam back to 0 unless you use an adjustable cam sprocket.

Second, we aren't talking about a Mitzubishi V6, this is All Ford Mustangs forum.