Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

[newbie4life]

Hi guys,

I'm struggling to find a timing belt from our two local marinas for this boat/engine. It doesn't appear to be in too bad of shape, however, it's been a few years, and I would rather be proactive than try to find an engine when it breaks.

Since I've struggled so much, a guy said to just get one for an 88 Ranger pickup with a 2.3L in it.

Would this be okay? I had a guy at a local car-repair joint tell me not to -- usually with a boat, you're running higher rpms for a sustained period of time, and therefore the boat timing belts are 'heavier duty'... It makes sense, but what to do if you can't find it???

Thanks so much for the advice/help. I love coming to you guys with my boating issues. So many are so willing to help -- I've been on other boards before and many people let their egos and personalities get in the way of their remarks.

Jason

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

What's more -- why the three timing marks?

 

[Big Gee]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

I get some parts from MarineEngine.com for my 2.3L Ford.
Check my work, but I think you're looking for OMC part no 912761 ? BELT, TIMING (1 per engine)
MarineEngine.com lists 6 in stock.
I don't know about the three marks, but I've seen it addressed elsewhere in these forums.

How's your exhaust manifold? They can be fun to locate.

 

[STORMY2ALLEN]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

Hey I have owned many 2.3 ford engines and there are high performance belts. But I have run stock mustang 2.3 belts and have never broke one they will handle all the R.P.M.s you can throw at it. you will throw a rod before break that belt it will last three or four years.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

Not familair with the 2.3 specicially, but I can't imagine why you can't use NAPA or autozone. As Stormy pointed out nothing marine about them.

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

Thanks guys. I will pick one up today. I think as long as I replace it every couple of years, we should be safe.

I did a search with the three timing marks on the engine, and can't see anything.

We're GUESSING the middle one is the one to use????

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

Somewhere around here Don and others have collected links to many OEM manuals. If you don;t have one pick one up or find it here. It'll likely answer all your questions

 

[STORMY2ALLEN]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

Use the middle mark on the cam

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

stormy2Allen - thank you. We kind of figured that's what was going on, but weren't entirely sure.

Mcleaves - found the manual earlier, downloaded it,and it shows one pointer. There was some useful info - but one thing I've learned, I will take personal experience anyday over the vague, and general written manual (one size fits none.) there's a ton of people on here that could write their own manual. I do searches if at all possible before posting a question - but if I'm 4 pages in and can't find anything remotely similar to what I'm experiencing, then I post.

once again - thanks for all the help. With the help from the folks on these pages, I FINALLY got my boat in the water. And I couldn't be happier.

 

[STORMY2ALLEN]

Re: Trouble finding a timing belt for '88 2.3L Ford Marine

You are welcome