Scotts
Be Gentle I'm New Here
I have searched and researched until I am confused and overwhelmed with information. My girlfriend’s 1999 Contour had a CEL for a day three weeks ago. She said it ran fine with no problems and went away the next day. I found a stored DTC 1383 (VCT over-retarded) when I checked it a few days later. I cleared the code and it has not returned. She’s had no further problems with it. It is a 1999 2.0 (built 09/1998) with 220,000 miles on the original timing belt.
I will be changing the belt next weekend and have many questions:
DTC 1383 – Is this from the timing belt being old or could it be a problem with the VCT gear or solenoid? Do I need to change any of these parts?
Do I need to change the crank and intake gears?
Tensioner – Have seen articles that show tightening with a hex wrench and others that refer to special bolt and spring kit from Ford. Which one will this car have?
Idler – Kits from parts stores have a tensioner and two sizes of idlers. Ford Parts shows a choice of 48mm or 70mm idlers. Have seen a write-up that said use one and trash the other. Most photos seem to show only one idler but I have seen one that appeared to show the second idler located just above the crank. Should I use the Ford parts? If so, which idler do I need or do I need both?
Water pump – Have seen references to plastic and metal impellers. Which do I need and where can I get it?
Will change the A/C compressor due to a slow leak while my hands are dirty. Any tips or recommendations?
Also on the parts list: PCV valve, hoses, thermostat, valve cover gasket, plugs, and wires. Am I missing anything?
I don’t want to throw unnecessary parts at it but want to make certain it is reliable and safe. I want to make sure I have all parts on hand as the nearest parts stores are 30 miles away. I usually work on Powerstrokes, 4.6’s, tractors, and sawmills. It’s been a long time since I changed a timing belt and have never done one with VCT. Any advice and assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help!
Scott
I will be changing the belt next weekend and have many questions:
DTC 1383 – Is this from the timing belt being old or could it be a problem with the VCT gear or solenoid? Do I need to change any of these parts?
Do I need to change the crank and intake gears?
Tensioner – Have seen articles that show tightening with a hex wrench and others that refer to special bolt and spring kit from Ford. Which one will this car have?
Idler – Kits from parts stores have a tensioner and two sizes of idlers. Ford Parts shows a choice of 48mm or 70mm idlers. Have seen a write-up that said use one and trash the other. Most photos seem to show only one idler but I have seen one that appeared to show the second idler located just above the crank. Should I use the Ford parts? If so, which idler do I need or do I need both?
Water pump – Have seen references to plastic and metal impellers. Which do I need and where can I get it?
Will change the A/C compressor due to a slow leak while my hands are dirty. Any tips or recommendations?
Also on the parts list: PCV valve, hoses, thermostat, valve cover gasket, plugs, and wires. Am I missing anything?
I don’t want to throw unnecessary parts at it but want to make certain it is reliable and safe. I want to make sure I have all parts on hand as the nearest parts stores are 30 miles away. I usually work on Powerstrokes, 4.6’s, tractors, and sawmills. It’s been a long time since I changed a timing belt and have never done one with VCT. Any advice and assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help!
Scott