changing the timing belt

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

can i change the timing belt at home? is it simply removing the cover and changing the belt or will i screw up the timing somehow. i have to replace the valve cover and figured i might do the belt at the same time since it kinda needs it

you need to support the engine, remove the engine mount, ge the water pump pulley off, take the front cover off, time the engine to TDC, and change the belt out, as a quick over view. search zetec maintenence and I posted the instructions out of the 95 shop manual

got it. brian, have u done it yourself? maybe i'll hold off til after winter but its doable right?

Originally posted by hmouta:
got it. brian, have u done it yourself? maybe i'll hold off til after winter but its doable right?

yes I did it with my fathers help a few years ago, around 104k and I now have 162k

make sure you replace all the pullies as my tensioner was about to split in half

cool. good to know

While you have the front of the engine torn down, I would also recommend changing the water pump.

is the water pump an issue with the zetec too? the car has always had the water temp needle very high since day one up around "r". it would be nice if a new water pump would bring the needle down a bit. but the car has never overheated to date.

the water pump in my zetec didnt work for a month untill i found out, it still never overheated..

just cause it never overheats doesn't mean the water pumps working, get what im sayin?

it's best to get everything changed in one job, that why you will be set for another 100,000 miles or so

Originally posted by ZetecGL:
it's best to get everything changed in one job, that why you will be set for another 100,000 miles or so

For the amount of added cost & time, it would be a good idea to replace a wear item like the water pump while you have access. You will NOT happy to tear the side of the engine down again 4 months later because you didn't take the opportunity to change out the WP.

It's just cheap insurance.

Is the timing belt on the top, passenger side underneath a black cover?

Originally posted by 69Boss302:
Is the timing belt on the top, passenger side underneath a black cover?

yes

Actually, it's not just at the top - it drives the camshafts (which are in the cylinder head on top of the engine) and goes down to the crankshaft which is towards the bottom of the engine.

it's under the black cover though,, isn't it?

If you want to take the drive to RI I will help ya