Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual page 417

released. This must be done before the camshaft is turned.
15. Refill cooling system. Start engine and check for leaks. Roadtest the vehicle for proper operation.
2.9L Engines
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable from the battery.
2. Drain the oil from the crankcase.
The EPA warns that prolonged contact with used engine oil may cause a number of skin disorders, including
cancer! You should make every effort to minimize your exposure to used engine oil. Protective gloves should
be worn when changing the oil. Wash your hands and any other exposed skin areas as soon as possible after
exposure to used engine oil. Soap and water, or waterless hand cleaner should be used.
3. Remove the radiator, fan and spacer, drive belt and pulley.
4. Label and remove the spark plug wires from the spark plugs.
5. Remove the distributor cap with spark plug wires as an assembly.
6. Disconnect the distributor wiring harness and remove the distributor.
7. Remove the alternator.
8. Remove the intake manifold as described earlier.
9. Remove the rocker arm covers and rocker arm and shaft assemblies as described in this section. Label
and remove the push rods and the tappets, so they can be reinstalled in the same location.
10. Remove the oil pan as described in this section.
11. Remove the crankshaft damper.
12. Remove the engine front cover and water pump as an assembly.
13. Remove the camshaft gear attaching bolt and washer, and slide gear and chain off camshaft.
14. Remove the camshaft thrust plate.
15. Carefully remove the camshaft from the block, avoiding any damage to the camshaft bearings.
16. Remove the camshaft drive gear and spacer ring.
To install:
17. Oil the camshaft journals with a heavy SF grade (or better) engine oil and apply Lubriplate® or
equivalent lubricant to the cam lobes. Install the spacer ring with the chamfered side toward the
camshaft. Insert the camshaft key.
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HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
CAUTION
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION