Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums  

Dillon, here's what I have learned today:

Dan (of Dan's Foreign Car Repair) said that it is not unusual for a
crankshaft pulley to have a slight wobble. Apparently, the pulleys on most
of the new import and smaller domestic engines have an elastomer (rubber
ring) incorporated into the pulley making them look similar to a harmonic
damper;  my understanding is that this rubber ring may account for some
slight wobble.

He also said that any crankshaft pulley obtained from a salvage yard could
be expected to have the same wobble.  Part of the problem is that a puller
must be used to remove the pulley, and one must be extremely careful in
using the puller, as tightening too much one one side can slightly deform
the shape of the pulley.

I also talked with a mechanic friend of mine who said that (with rare
exception) it is not possible to bend a crankshaft--they will break.  That
is because most crankshafts today are not made of steel--they are cast (not
cast iron, but an alloy very similar).  The exceptions are volkswagons and
high-performance high-speed engines.  He also noted that one should not
hammer a pulley on to the crankshaft, because of the possibility of causing
a fracture in the crankshaft.  The pulley should be pulled onto the
crankshaft using the center bolt.

Both mechanics said that if the wobble is slight, it won't cause any
problem and is not something to worry about.  My mechanic friend raised the
hood of his own car to show me that his crankshaft pulley had about 1/16
movement (wobble).  He said that if the wobble is more than 1/8 inch, then
it should be replaced.  An OEM pulley is okay in most cases.

Also, the alternator should charge if the tension in the belt is adjusted
correctly.

I hope this helps, and am interested in what your mechanics have to say.

First off, what year is the little Mazda?

Second off, it's basically the same thing as a Ford Ranger, especially if it's from say, 89 or newer.

Does it have the 2.3/2.5 four, or is it the V6?

(BTW, no probe/626 engine will fit w/o mods...)

And I've never heard of the crank pulley being "allowed" a measurement of wobble...to my thinking, that'd cause some vibration.

oh yeah... www.ford-trucks.com has a Ranger/B2000 sub-forum, but beware, they're really fawking political over there, I havn't signed in in like a year now..:hick:

Good luck, and let me know whatya find man.