My 92 Ranger began running rough, hard to start, very little torque,
and getting worse as I drove it.  I checked the fuel filter and put in
new plugs and wires, but this didn't help.  I over-heated the clutch
getting it to the repair shop, where they told me that the timing belt
slipped a couple of teeth, and said that they would charge $450 to
replace it.

I replaced it and the tensioner pulley myself.  It did look like it
had slipped a couple of teeth, but I didn't know why, which worried me
a little.  I checked for Top Dead Center with a screwdriver in the #1
sparkplug whole (advancing a little at a time several times from both
forward and reverse), and it seemed to be about 10 degrees before TDC
as marked on the crankshaft pulley.  However, I went by the marks as
on the crankshaft pulley and camshaft gear, as close as I could get
them to line up.

It ran fine for a couple of days, although engine torque still seemed
to be lacking.  Then it started missing bad and has little torque like
before I "fixed" it.  When I re-checked the timing, it's only about
half a tooth off by the marks, and that's where I had it, I think.
The belt tension seems good.  I'm hoping that I can move the belt a
tooth or two without too much trouble, and tension the belt extra-
good, and that this would fix it.

I've replaced a half-dozen timing belts on various four-bangers
without any trouble.  I got this one as tight (tensioned) as the
others.  I'm at a bit of a loss as to why the belt's slipping.  My
shop didn't indicate that this engine has a problem with this.  Any
assist would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,
John
jfcarpent1@exci+e.com  (change "+" to a "t")