How to Put a Timing Belt in a 1996 Ford Escort 1.9

Ford makes the claim that the 1.9-liter engine in a 1996 Ford Escort is a close tolerance interference engine. This means that if the timing belt is not checked and replaced prior to it failing, extensive damage will occur to the internal components. Furthermore, Ford does not go on to give a service interval for the timing belt. Taking its service record into account it is suggested that to prevent any possibility of failure, the belt should be changed at 60,000-mile intervals.

Instructions

1

Install the memory saver in the cigarette lighter. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery using a wrench. Number the spark plug wires so you know where they go when you reinstall the plugs. Pull the wires off the plugs by twisting and pulling the boot. Remove the spark plugs using the spark plug socket and ratchet.

2

Check the radiator support or underside of the hood for a belt diagram. If none exists, draw a diagram of the accessory belt routing. Insert a 3/8-inch drive ratchet into the hole on the automatic tensioner for the serpentine belt. Rotate the tensioner toward the front of the Escort to loosen belt tension. Lift the serpentine belt off the pulleys.

3

Remove the right engine mount and insulator using a wrench. Remove the timing belt cover using a socket. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket lines up with the notch in the bracket above the sprocket at the 12 oclock position. The hole on the camshaft sprocket has an arrow that must be at the 6 oclock position and pointing to a dot on the cylinder head behind the sprocket at the 12 oclock position. If the mark on the crankshaft is lined up, but the mark on the camshaft is not, turn the engine one full revolution and both marks will line up.

4

Loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt using a socket. Push the tensioner away from the belt, then tighten the bolt enough to hold the tensioner in place. Raise the front of the vehicle with the floor jack. Support it with jack stands.

5

Remove the right fender splashguard using a socket. Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt using a socket. Pull the crankshaft pulley off the vehicle. Lift the timing belt off the sprockets. Check that the timing marks are still aligned.

6

Install the timing belt, starting on the crankshaft sprocket. Work your way in a counterclockwise direction, over the top of the camshaft sprocket. Hold tension on the side away from the tensioner with one hand. With the other hand, route the timing belt behind the tensioner and over the water pump pulley.

7

Loosen the tensioner bolt and allow the tensioner to put tension on the belt. Turn the crankshaft clockwise two turns until the timing marks are aligned again. Tighten the tensioner bolt to 17 to 22 foot-pounds of torque.

8

Reinstall the crankshaft pulley and bolt. Tighten the crankshaft bolt to 81 to 96 foot-pounds of torque. Reinstall the splash shield. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the floor jack. Reinstall the timing belt cover and the engine mount.

9

Rotate the accessory belt tensioner toward the front of the vehicle. Install the accessory drive belt using the diagram on the vehicle or the diagram you drew. Reinstall the spark plugs. Torque them 7 to 15 foot-pounds. Reinstall the spark plug wires. You should hear or feel them snap into place. Reattach the negative battery cable. Remove the memory saver.