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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21 |
Hi guys- Was going to do some simple fixes this weekend on my new 95 GLX (2.0L Zetec with 54,000 original miles). But ... had not noticed until yesterday a very bad rattling noise coming from the pulley side of the engine (does not go away). A little probing around pretty much determined that the timing chain is hitting the timing chain cover. Pressing down on the top of the cover actually makes the rattling noise go away as the chain, I guess, is then in smooth contact with the cover.
Searched the sight but only timing chain issues found were for the Duratec engine. Any thoughts? Does the Zetec chain need to be replaced at some specified mileage? Can I take the cover off and adjust something (a tensioner, a cam, etc.). Noise is real bad and I'm afraid to drive the car again before fixing. Car drives fine otherwise, although I think I've discovered that the Zetec sucks in overdrive. Itâ??s much more pleasurable to drive with the O/D locked-out.
'95 Contour LX 54K miles
'00 Giant NRS XTC1
First new car 1964 GTO
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 32
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 32 |
I an tell you that is not a chain but a belt...
but I am new here so that's the best I can help.. sorry
97 "scort" LX MTX
95 Contour GL "Good luck" running soon (I hope)
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,459
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,459 |
Yep, it's a belt. The belt hitting the cover is a common ailment on the zetecs. The cheapest fix is to use a couple of washers to shim the cover a little higher.
95 Contour Zetec, ATX (wrecked, sitting in the barn)
95 Mystique Zetec, MTX
2000 Taurus SEL 3.0L Duratec
1994 Crown Victoria LX 4.6 V8
1993 Chevy Silverado 4.3 V6
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 328
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 328 |
The timing belt on my Zetec will usually hit the top cover when I first start the engine (cold). This I'm told is normal, but should go away once the engine has warmed up. I've read that rubber belts like this one actually shrink slightly when warm rather than expand so they tighten up after they've run awhile.
The belt on my daughter's Contour was replaced at around 88,000 along with the tensioner. It was making a considerable racket like what you describe. Taking off the top cover the belt had started to shred itself.
Ford dealers I've talked to recommend the belt be changed at 60,000 miles. The owner's and factory shop manual have no replacement interval listed at all. Someone here mentioned that 120,000 is a reasonable interval. Mine just turned 98,000 and seems fine. I'm going to put off the $250 expense as long as I can.
- Jim
Our yardbirds:
Belvedere, our '96 Jeep Cherokee, 4.0L ATX, 85,000 and going strong
Spencer, our '03 Chrysler PT Crusier, 2.4L ATX, 28,000 and just getting started
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 808
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 808 |
just take the cover off. It's two 8mm bolts and its cake to remove
95 Mystique GS Zetec ATX: Dead - Dec 5th, 2003
94 Accord LX 2.2L MTX Non-Vtec. Few bolt ons.
02 Escape XLT 3.0 V6 ATX. This thing has the CD4E in it?! What the hell was ford thinking?
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 393
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 393 |
yeah.. commmon problem.. tap tap tap on a cold start...
i took my cover off a few weeks ago. been silent ever since.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21 |
Thanks for all the timely replies. I did discover on my own (at the Autozone site) that I have a belt and not a chain. I'll try shimming the cover tonight; that seems a better way to go then leaving the cover off. I'll also check (first) if the noise goes away after warmup.
'95 Contour LX 54K miles
'00 Giant NRS XTC1
First new car 1964 GTO
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 288
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 288 |
Originally posted by Obsidian:
just take the cover off. It's two 8mm bolts and its cake to remove
Ive seen people do this and thought about it myself, but what about water getting on the cam gears. Ive had 2 thoughts about this. One, Slippage. Two, Its gears, so no slippage due to teeth. Which one would be right?
Hey will just changing this make the rattle stop or do you have to change the tensioner pulley like a mechanic told me. I think he's trying to screw me. 300 bucks to change my sparks, wires, and pack, then didn't reset the computer. Talk about lousy performance. Christian Mechanic my @rse!!
-Rob
White 95 GL ATX
56K Miles on it.
Optilux By Hella Fog lights (The Angel Eyes)
Driven hard, Just like I like it!
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360 |
its a belt. you can either make the cover higher or take it off altogether.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
I wouldn't worry about slippage, think about how open the serpetine belt is without real teeth. Tensioner will have to be replaced if the belt is really loose but if it's just a little don't worry bout it.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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