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Joined: Apr 2006
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Hello to all, Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong spot, I'm new to this particular forum and this is my first post. I have been given what I consider to be a good opportunity. A woman in my area has a '97 contour with a 4 cyl. and 105,000 miles on the clock. Unfortunately for her, she broke a belt, and ruined the head. She's offering the vehicle for $400 clean and clear. This vehicle is immaculate!  Total repair cost for the head, in my area exceeds $1500!(before labor/install costs) This to me is unacceptable. Thus, I have the following questions: Which is the better option? A-Buy a used head at a salvage yard and rebuild the original motor(yes I have rebuilt motors before). B-Buy a brand new head, and use the motor as is. C-Buy a brand new motor. D-Pass entirely on the deal. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
"I may disagree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."-Voltaire
"Baaa or Freedom!" - Ted Nugent
"Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth." - Ghandi
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,345
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2005
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Welcome . Zetecs are non-interference engines. A broken belt should not cause engine problems. Not sure how it would ruin the head. I am sure the Zetec gurus will chime in with more advice.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Originally posted by Tony2005:
Welcome . Zetecs are non-interference engines. A broken belt should not cause engine problems. Not sure how it would ruin the head. I am sure the Zetec gurus will chime in with more advice.
Though the engine is a non-interference engine, there has been cases when the valves bent with the snapping of the timing belt, its usualy when people try to crank the engine after the belt breaks. I think money wise, your best bet is to get a used head with lower miles from a junk yard and rebuild it.
98 Corolla LE 1.8L DOHC 1ZZFE
TEIN H.Tech Springs
Tokico HP series Struts
Short ram air intake
Tsudo Axel Back Exhaust
... if a jelly fish stung me.. would you pee on the wound?
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 979
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Originally posted by AliasJerkââ??¢:
Originally posted by Tony2005:
Welcome . Zetecs are non-interference engines. A broken belt should not cause engine problems. Not sure how it would ruin the head. I am sure the Zetec gurus will chime in with more advice.
Though the engine is a non-interference engine, there has been cases when the valves bent with the snapping of the timing belt, its usualy when people try to crank the engine after the belt breaks. I think money wise, your best bet is to get a used head with lower miles from a junk yard and rebuild it.
I agree with AliasJerkââ??¢, but if don't want to spend to much time rebuilding, you might want to find a newer zetec motor with low miles and plug it into the exsiting motors place and rebuild the old motor for a better cause, like a turbo setup.  just kidding, but that would be good and all if the Contour's body structure wasn't crap, but hey its a Contour.
My ride(Cardomain link) :
'95 Contour 16V Zetec DOHC, Teal , ATX
Born on Sep. 4, 1995
86+ miles
*LEDs mods are on their way!*
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Joined: Dec 2004
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You can interchange zetecs? I was told that it is a direct fit only.  I want a newer motor for my '96
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Yes and no. I meant newer by barely used, not year wise.
My ride(Cardomain link) :
'95 Contour 16V Zetec DOHC, Teal , ATX
Born on Sep. 4, 1995
86+ miles
*LEDs mods are on their way!*
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117
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Originally posted by Kerry2Kool4U:
Yes and no. I meant newer by barely used, not year wise.
'Fresher' is the word you were looking for... 
I'd take a look at the wiring before buying.
Once I had it in my garage, pull the head & check to see what kind of damage on the pistons & cylinder walls, then pull the crank down & check all the bearings for both the crank mains & the lower rods for scoring & such. If they look to be in good shape, I'd consider buying a new or re-man head for about $300 and add a fresh set of bearings for good measure. If there are obvious signs of wear, just replace the engine.
If a replacement is in your future, research what engines will fit into the '97 without fuss - Contour, Escort, etc. Find a CRASH donor at the bone yard, fresh bearings, rings, water pump, belt, and go to town.
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 179
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I would go get a belt and put it on and run it. I haven't seen one smack any valves yet. I have rebuilt two zetecs(not including the several times I rebuilt my drag engine due to melted pistons), did timing belts on about 30(8 out of 10 of them were tossed belts) and Continuously are playing with my own. I am currently running a 95' block with a 00' focus head. It's a bit hard to do, but juggle the right timing belt parts and it works fine. (A little info on how much time I have in timing belts with the ZETEC). Most shops are going to get the most that they can from thier customers. Been selling parts to shops for about 5 years. Don't listen to what they say, go check it yourself. You'll be suprised.
HENRY
95 Contour, Custom EVO bodykit, 2.0l, PNP Focus head, Stage 2 cams, Je pistons, Eagle rods, 4in1header, 2.5" header back exhaust(complete stainless), D P nitrous, ram air intake, 10mm wires, flamethrower.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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Originally posted by AliasJerkââ??¢:
Originally posted by Tony2005:
Welcome . Zetecs are non-interference engines. A broken belt should not cause engine problems. Not sure how it would ruin the head. I am sure the Zetec gurus will chime in with more advice.
Though the engine is a non-interference engine, there has been cases when the valves bent with the snapping of the timing belt, its usualy when people try to crank the engine after the belt breaks. I think money wise, your best bet is to get a used head with lower miles from a junk yard and rebuild it.
or, in my case when the cam timing is not correctly set...you can snap a cam and bend valves 
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