I have a 1999 Ford Escort ZX2 with the DOHC motor. The car developed a severe lead around the front of the motor. I replaced the water pump and that fixed part of the problem. Now there is a constant leak somewhere above the AC compressor. I was thinking the lower radiator hose, but it is dry at the connection and no sign of a hole in it. The dripping of the anti-freeze is across the AC compressor.

Remove radiator, fan and hoses undo the bolts holding pump to the block ,tap with a hammer to break seal clean all the old gasket off with a scraper fit new pump.

ford escort/ focus engine 2.0 l spi sohc 1997-2004 has been identified as an intereference engine and that means very likely valve to piston damage
( auto data timing belt information )
note-- up to 2002 year Ford has not recommended a timing belt interval for changing
Ford has however recommended a replacement every 120.000 miles using the service history as a guide
however good professional trade practice recommends every 60.000 miles ( 100.00klms) and the replacement work should include replacement of the crank and cam shaft seals and idler pulleys involved ( the biggest destroyer of belts is oil)
recommended labor time is 2 hours
if the belt has broken then head removal and valve work will add up to 5 hours to that time

no there is no washer.

Click on the following free direct Link. It has the correct Serpentine/Drive Belt Diagrams for your 1999 Ford Escort ZX2, 2.0L DOHC In-Line 4-Cylinder Engine.
The Link says 2000 for the Year, however this is the same as the 1999 Year Model.

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/2000/make/ford/model/zx2/2000_ford_zx2_drive_belt_routing_diagram.htm

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

The tensioner is between the a/c compressor and crank pulley, below the power steering pump. Use a 13 mm wrench to 'tighten' the bolt in the center of the pulley and it'll move to release tension off the belt.

A p1383 code stands for (Variable cam timing over retarded Bank 1) Hope this helps.

All of Ford's belt driven engines are non-interference with the exception of the 3.0L villager which was really a nissan.

Call a Ford parts dept and ask them if you can get a routing diagram they can fax or pick it up thats the best way label take weeks to get in so do that and keep the copy in your car file Please rate my response thank you very much

I am sure the leak is the water pump based on years of Escort work, The ZX2 is equipped with a 2.0L DOHC V-Tech engine. The water pump is on the front (rt side of car) of the engine block, visible with the hood up. NAPA autoparts replacement instructions are to loosen the belt drive pulley from the pump BEFORE removing the serpentine belt. Once the four bolts are loose, take the belt off (good time to replace?) remove bolts and old water pump (four more bolts)- it will be tight, but it comes out- clean gasket area and install new gasket and pump in reverse order. That includes putting the pulley on and hand tightening the bolts, put on the belt, finish tightening the bolts to the pulley.