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Timing Belt #1358875 08/12/05 12:01 AM
Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1 S saburrof OP Newbie
OP saburrof Newbie S Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1	I have a 1996 Ford Contour GL. It has a 2.0L 16 valve Zetec engine with 60k. When is the timing belt (if it has one) due to be changed? Thank you.

Re: Timing Belt #1358876 08/12/05 12:25 AM
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 5,345 Virginia, USA T Tony2005 Addicted CEG\'er
Tony2005 Addicted CEG\'er T Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 5,345 Virginia, USA	Welcome. The Zetec I-4 does have a timing belt. While Ford does not have a recommendaton, (as you are aware, if you have already read the Maintenance Schedule Booklet for the 1996 model), Gates, a belt manufacturer, recommends a 60K interval. http://www.gates.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=TBR05.pdf&folder=brochure Note that the Zetec I-4 has a non-interference engine and as such, if the timing belt were to break, it is not supposed to bend the valves (although some have said that their mechanics told them otherwise). If it breaks, it would be a great inconvenience but the PCM (computer) should show a code and turn on the Check Engine Light when the timing belt is not performing as it should. If you do decide to change the timing belt as a preventative measure, you may want to consider changing the water pump also. And should you send the Contour to a dealer, don't forget to have them change the PCV valve (free at 60K). In the future, you may want to post Zetec Maintenance items in that forum. "Always do the cheap and easy ones first." 1996 V6 ATX 96K miles

Re: Timing Belt #1358877 08/12/05 01:40 AM
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 5,345 Virginia, USA T Tony2005 Addicted CEG\'er
Tony2005 Addicted CEG\'er T Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 5,345 Virginia, USA	Originally posted by Tony2005: And should you send the Contour to a dealer, don't forget to have them change the PCV valve (free at 60K). Correction: The free PCV valve and change is only for Duratecs V-6. "Always do the cheap and easy ones first." 1996 V6 ATX 96K miles

Re: Timing Belt #1358878 08/28/05 10:01 AM
Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 288 Southern California R Robert S CEG\'er
Robert S CEG\'er R Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 288 Southern California	Sorry to "jack" the thread but I thought it's better to post here then start a new thread. Is the tensioner pulley something that is replaced with the timing belt? I was told by one mechanic that the tensioner pulley (spring?) needed to be replaced on my tour. It makes a tapping sound when the engine is cold and then quiets down after the engine warms up (the normal complaint on here). Also does $500 sound about right or was this guy just overcharging like I thought he did replacing my spark plugs and wires. White 95 GL ATX 56K Miles on it. Optilux By Hella Fog lights (The Angel Eyes) Driven hard, Just like I like it!

Re: Timing Belt #1358879 08/28/05 12:15 PM
Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 453 ohio 9 98Ford2L CEG\'er
98Ford2L CEG\'er 9 Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 453 ohio	Originally posted by Robert S: Sorry to "jack" the thread but I thought it's better to post here then start a new thread. Is the tensioner pulley something that is replaced with the timing belt? I was told by one mechanic that the tensioner pulley (spring?) needed to be replaced on my tour. It makes a tapping sound when the engine is cold and then quiets down after the engine warms up (the normal complaint on here). Also does $500 sound about right or was this guy just overcharging like I thought he did replacing my spark plugs and wires. Generally speaking if you're gonna replace the timing belt, then you also replace the tensioner and all the idler pulleys as well. They have bearings in them that can eventually go bad and cause problems. As for $500 for replacing the timing belt... People have probably had it done for less, but usually it's not cheap to have it done. If you are mechanically inclined you could study up on how it's done and save yourself some money. But $500 doesn't sound horrible, but it's still expensive. -Peter

Re: Timing Belt #1358880 08/28/05 10:12 PM
Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,085 Northern B.C. Canada W WestCoastAjax Hard-core CEG\'er
WestCoastAjax Hard-core CEG\'er W Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,085 Northern B.C. Canada	Ford Scheduled Maintenance Service Guide Revised 05/00 #IW7J-19T200-AA States;"Replace cam shaft belt every 200,00 kms/120,000 miles" 2012 Lotus Evora --------- 95 Mystique MTX - GONE 395,000 Kms --------- Both Zetecs '97 Contour Mtx - stock - GONE

Re: Timing Belt #1358881 09/02/05 01:26 PM
Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 83 new jersey J jtmccann81 CEG\'er
jtmccann81 CEG\'er J Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 83 new jersey	If your the mechanicaly inclined type then go for it. The job should only take about 3 hours to do if you have the tools and a jack. Do get the serpentine tool for this project. Replace the serpentine to if you have any questions about how new it is and replace the timeing tensioner and idler as well just for good measure. 99 Ford Contour SE T Red XM Radio CD/MP3 Player Aftermarket Wheel covers debadged

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