98 Contour VCT engine won't start, has spark.

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

I know where I can pick up a 98 VCT 2.0L Zetec Tour - cheap.
The owner says it won't start. It is supposed to have spark.
I'm figuring the timing belt is broken. I haven't seen it yet. If it is just a broken timing belt, is this an interference engine?
I replaced a belt on a 95 Zetec without VCT recently. Is there anything different about replacing a timing belt on a VCT engine?

Danford1

Im not sure but check the crank shaft position censor. Sometimes if that censor is bad it causes the car not to start.

Post pics if you can!

Originally posted by danford1:
... is this an interference engine?...

ZETEC = non-interference engine.

OK, this is good info.
Now, is there ANY difference in timing belt change procedures from a non VCT engine to a VCT engine?

Also where is this VCT device located? What does it look like? Is it adjustable? Does it need to be aligned or adjusted in any way when the timing belt is changed?

More info on this car:
The PO says it HAS SPARK which would indicate the crank position sensor is working. He also claims he changed the timing belt. My hunch is he didn't loosen the cam sprockets and get everything lined up correctly. I haven't seen or heard the car try to start yet. I hope I can see it today.
I'll ask if he used a cam alignment bar when he replaced the belt. I hope he didn't . That would be the problem :-)

Please answer the questions in the top 2 paragraphs.

Cheers.

Danford1

Originally posted by danford1:
... Also where is this VCT device located? What does it look like? ...

This thread has a picture and location of the VCT. Others will have to answer your other questions.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=zetecmaint&Number=670094&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1