Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance 4 cyl timing belt

I have been quoted a price of $192, plus belt to install a new timing belt. Is this a fair price.. Can not do it myself, 99 tour, with 59000 miles, back and forth to hospital, still a great car. thank you.

Yup, I paid $199 for labor and I provided the new belt.

Definitely, I had a friend that was a lot more than that (I think he was $250 plus belt), and that was the lowest he could get.

why are you changing it in the first place? heck, ive got around 87K on my '97 mystique, and it is still going strong. i dont plan on replacing it until i hit 100K. it has been rubbing the cover since around 70K, but i checked it and it is in good shape, just stretched a little. i highly doubt yours needs replaced. if it does, it was a very weak one to begin with. do not waste your money if you don't have to. :rolleyes:

Tbunder,

I really hope that one of these days Mr Piston doesn't meet Mr Valve at high speed.

Regards

Shawn

I guess one could say I am pushing my luck. 94,000 on a `96. To my knowledge it has never been done.

Having extensively re-built and ported my Zetec, I'm pretty sure that the valves and pistons will not meet if the cam belt goes south, but do you really want the engine to die on you just when you've probably florred the peddle for more acceleration (like overtaking a 18 wheeler)

Fords service interval on the Belt was originally 60K then was extended to 80K as few were breaking. I change mine at 50k intervals or whenever I have the engine apart.

As cam belt swaps go, the Zetec is not bad. You need to know what you are doing and it helps if you have the cam locking tool (or have made a substitute)

However I think I know of someone who is going to be testimg my theory of valves meet piston very soon. Lets see, the belt is visible stretched, is rubbing on the cover and is well overdue on milage range.
Ever hear of false econmy mate

Just change the damm thing! I changed mine at 82K it was doing the rubbing deal. Now on cold start up its so much quieter, plus it just runs better with a new belt. Its only 200 bucks to replace.

Get it changed. Don't wait because if it does break, it will be when Murphy dictates.

Plus, you will have to add the cost of a tow to the bill.

TB

sounds like all you guys are kind of wimpy or paranoid to me. lets get this straight- ford put out a tsb on the timing belt cover cuz it rubbed prematurely am i not correct? and just because its stretched, does not mean it is going to break, am i not correct? if this was true, all harleys would be in trouble going down the road as they are all now belt driven and have been for several years. if my belt goes before 100K, i will personally give you all $100 myself and admit i was an idiot. also, since its hot now, the belt does not rub at all when starting up. still gets close to 29 mpg every tank, and its still got the stock fuel filter on it. i will change this soon, but that's no big deal to do. the 100K mark will see a new timing belt change, new plugs, wires, coil, and egr valve. until then, i will not mess with something that is not 'broken', as you all obviously think is going to happen quickly. ive been hearing that for the last 10K miles since i told you the first time i hadn't changed it. all i have to say is, have some faith in your cars' parts and its manufacturer, those recommendations to change at certain mileage intervals are usually preventive and in my experiences these parts are overbuilt and the parts suppliers make money on people like you guys who give in to these warnings. oh yeah, i have towing insurance and a 2001 Supercab Ranger 4x4 Off-Road if i need a second vehicle. dont anyone be offended, these are just my thoughts and opinions.