Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT PROBLEMS!!! HELP!!!!!

Hi all,

My timing belt broke recently an I am now trying to replace it . I have a 98 Contour GL with the 2.0 Ztec. I have everything apart, but I can't get the cam sproket bolts to loosen so I can get the teeth to align properly for the belt to fit. I am also concerned that the exhaust cam in in the retarded position as it has VCT. I must get that bolt off to reset it. I need HELP on how to get those sprocket bolts off . I would extremelt appreciate any help from anyone who can or will.

Thanks,

Ray

Brute force. The bolt on the exhaust cam (t-55) is actually just a plug. Once you get that off, there's a funky star-patterned bolt below that. Luckily though, a normal socket will work on it (5/8, I think).

Not only did i get it off but I FINALLY got the thing to run right. I'm estatic.

Thanks a ton

Ray

What did you use to hold the cog while wrenching the bolt? You're supposed to use a special gear grabbing tool. I faked up my own:

paul, can you please further explain that. I'm doing mine soon and need to have all tools/parts ready. And now I know I need to go buy a t-55 torx socket. where can I get just a single one and do they make t-55 sockets that will fit a 3/8" ratchet? thanks.

Where can i get one of these cam alignment tools and estimate on price? Im doing mine soon too. I need to change the tensioners also. Anyone done that themselves yet?

-Rob

Haven't done the tensioners - that was under warranty.

I made my alignment tool. Got an L bracket from Home Depot and shaved it down a little. Works great. They had a thinner one, but I didn't want any play.

About how thick are the slots on the cams. I want to make my own too for when i change the gears and belt and i don't want to have to make the repeat trips to the store.

The idea of that funky tool I made is to grab the cam sprocket by the spokes, to keep it from turning whilst the bolt is being wrenched. Ford sells a (no doubt expensive) special tool for the purpose. You need something of the sort, because if you try to wrench the bolt off while holding the camshaft -- like, by sticking a plate in the timing slot -- you risk breaking the shaft.

About the torx bit, I got a set of six for 3/8 drive, of apparently pretty decent quality, for like $20 at Kragen (= Checker/Schuck). With this car, the full set is worth having.