Lord Stanley
Hard-core CEG'er
Ok, in Chilton's manual it talks about the dangers of putting off a timing belt change in a Zetec... What is the "severe engine damage" that could possibly happen? What exactly is an interference motor? This is just my curiosity here, not a problem...
The 2.0L engine is an interference motor. Extending the replacement interval could lead to the belt breaking and severe and costly engine damage. Although Ford does not publish a replacement interval for the 2.0L engine, most belt manufacturers recommend intervals anywhere from 45,000 miles (72,500 km) to 90,000 miles (145,000 km). You will have to decide for yourself if the peace of mind offered by a new belt is worth the effort and expense on higher mileage engines.