Need a picture of 1997 ford escort timing belt position and tensioner will not allow belt to slip on cam

Maybe this forum will help. It has photos too.
http://www.carforum.net/general-automotive-discussion/2120-how-change-timing-1997-1998-ford-escort.html

hi Paul.
see if this link helps to find out why.
1998 ford escort zx2 serpentine belt keeps slipping off Google Search

If the engine cranks, but doesn't start, and you've determined that the timing belt and cam gear aren't turning, then several things may have happened.

If the driving sprocket (on the crankshaft) is keyed, check for a sheared key. Make sure the timing belt is properly tensioned (too little tension will allow the crank to turn, but not drive the belt and cam).

Even though you say the belt is good....make sure there isn't a series of teeth ripped of at the crankshaft sprocket (again, this would allow the belt to slip and not turn when the engine is cranked over.

As to there being compression....yes, when the cam isn't turning one or more cylinders will have all valves closed for the top of the compression stroke. This would give a reading of compression, since the valves aren't being activated by a rotating camshaft.

Good luck!

yes! there are timing marks that must be lined up! autozone.com has a complete tutorial. just log on and search timing belt repair guide.

REPLACE timing belt. Line up timing marks on cam pulley and crank gear to marks on engine. Get a good manual from autozone it gives a goo picture of where to find these marks.

Fig. 1: Timing marks are located on the camshaft pulleys as shown-1.8L engines



Fig. 2: Make sure that the crankshaft sprocket (timing belt pulley) and oil pump timing marks are aligned-1.8L engines



Fig. 3: Align the timing belt pulley mark with the tension set mark, at approximately the 10 o'clock position-1.8L engines



I hope helps with this (reemmber rated this help) Good luck.

Ford Escort/Tracer 1991-1999 Repair Guide

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1.8L Engine
(see Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the timing belt covers.
3. Rotate the crankshaft and align the timing marks located on the camshaft pulleys and the seal plate.
4. Remove the crankshaft pulley and hub.
5. If the timing belt is to be reused, mark an arrow on the belt to indicate its rotational direction to enable correct re-installation.
6. Loosen the timing belt tensioner lockbolt and remove the timing belt.

To install:

1. Temporarily secure the timing belt tensioner in the far left position with the spring fully extended, then tighten the lockbolt.
2. Make sure the timing marks on the timing belt pulley (crankshaft sprocket) and the engine block (oil pump housing) are aligned.
3. Make sure the timing marks on the camshaft pulleys and the seal plate are aligned.
4. Install the timing belt.
5. Loosen the tensioner lockbolt. Using a suitable prying tool, position the timing belt tensioner so the timing belt is taut, then tighten the tensioner lockbolt.
6. Turn the crankshaft two turns clockwise and align the timing belt pulley mark with the mark on the engine block.

Fig. 1: Timing marks are located on the camshaft pulleys as shown-1.8L engines



Fig. 2: Make sure that the crankshaft sprocket (timing belt pulley) and oil pump timing marks are aligned-1.8L engines



Fig. 3: Align the timing belt pulley mark with the tension set mark, at approximately the 10 o'clock position-1.8L engines


Fig. 4: Check the timing belt deflection at the location shown-1.8L engines

1. Make sure the camshaft pulley marks are aligned with the seal plate marks.

If the timing marks are not aligned, remove the belt and repeat the procedure.


I hope help you with this; remember rated this help. Good luck.

not fun. Have to take off all the belt driven stuff, Alternator ps pump etc. undo the bolts holding the cover in place, remove the cover and the belt will be under that. Put something in place to release the tensioner and remove the belt carefully so you dont move the cam or crank. slide on the new belt release the tensioners and put the cover and belt driven stuff back. I would recommend a new water pump while you are in there. they arent that expensive and might as well do it now than do the whole works again if it fails. new tensioners now a bad idea either.

There is no timing adjustment "at all" for a 1999 escort. If your timing is out, your timing belt has slipped and needs to be replaced.

To change the timing belt first disconnect your negative battery cable, then place the right side of the vehicle on a jack stand and remove the right front tire. Remove the plastic cover inside the wheel well to expose the harmonic balancer. Remove the serpentine belt (standard 3/8" rachet will set in the belt tensioner to relieve tension). Remove the harmonic balancer (19mm). Place a jack under the engine on the right side of the vehicle, then remove the engine mount from the top of the fender well, (17mm deep well socket and 17mm wrench required) it is not necessary to remove the mount from the side of the engine. Remove the timing cover, (10mm) it has 6 bolts and nuts. Loosen the timing belt tensioner, (10mm) then use a 3/8" rachet in the belt tensioner to relieve the tension. While relieving the tension slide the timing belt off of the cam gear.

To position the new belt, the cam gear has a arrow on it, and the cylinder head has a small dot. Align the arrow with dot, and make sure it is aligned (the arrow must point up). The crank gear has a notch and the engine has a groove to align the notch. Again, make sure the notch and groove are aligned (they again will be up). Place the new timing belt in position around the crank gear, the water pump and belt tensioner and leave the slack at the top. Again use a 3/8" ratchet to relieve any tension from the belt tensioner, and slide the belt on to the cam gear. Place a slight bit of tension on the belt and tighten the belt tensioner. Use the 19mm bolt from the harmonic balancer and turn the engine 2 complete turns and verify that the cam gear and crank gear are in their proper position and aligned with the dots and notches. After 2 complete turns of the engine, and verifying everything is still aligned, re-assemble in reverse. No further adjustment is necessary.

Note:There is no timing adjustment for this vehicle, and if you are not properly aligned on the cam gear and crank gear it will not run properly.

I need the firing order for a 98 ford escort