Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance changing the timing belt

I was really embarassed the otherday. I made a appointment with my local ford garage to change my timing belt, I also asked them if they could put a spacer in it to keep it from rattelen all the time... Well the mechanic looked at me like I was speaking in a different language. No matter how I tried to explain it...well he didnt understand what I was talking about. I'm assuming the ford garage dosent have a clue what a spacer is all about... Can anyone explain it better to me so maybe the ford garage understands what I want? Thank you so much.

if you are talking about the belt slapping the cover you can do a few things. you can just remove the cover, use washers to raise the cover (you can do this yourself) or you can get a revised cover, I think there is a revised cover...

well I need to get my belt replaced, so was going to have them do it..besides I dont have any tools besides a screw driver But I will ask the tech about a revised cover. Thank you.

Hi Todd,

I had the same problem with my timing belt - slapping the cover. I think I might have fixed it by loosening the cam sprockets while I set the timing belt tension. I think I've seen a few other posts on the forum, though, that say the belt hitting the cover is a constant problem regardless of the belt tension. Who knows... Maybe you'll get lucky and the new belt won't be a problem. Replacing the top section of the cover, after the fact, shouldn't be too tough if the belt still slaps the cover.

Good luck,
Josh