Timing belt jumped... why?

Hi.
Rotate the engine until the Timing mark on the Crankshaft pulley, is in line with the Timing mark on the Bottom casing.
Rotate the camshaft pulley until that Timing mark is in line with the Mark on the Camshaft bearing casting.
Install the timing Belt from the RH side, with no looseness in the Straight line tension, depress the Tensioner pulley, and feed the belt around the Water pump drive, and then the tensioner.
As you release the tension on the Tensioner pulley, ENSURE that neither of the Timing Pulleys MOVE.
Rotate the engine 2 times and check that the Timing marks at Top Dead Center are still ALIGNED.
If all is in good order, reinstall the Motor Mount and Belt covers and ancillaries.
Regards, DT

TAKE OFF MOTOR MOUNT AND PLASTIC COVER OVER TIMING BELT, AND IT IS MOUNTED ON BLOCK BEHIND TIMING BELT. RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE TIMING BELT WHEN DOING WATER PEMP. IN A SHOP THIS IS ABOUT A $350 JOB

Timing belt problems are common with the Ford Escort, mine went, without warning, at 50,000 mi. When your ready to replace it, have the water pump replaced at the same time, it'll save you $$$ in the long run.

the piston is probably hitting an open valve. go the other way. if that does not work move the camshaft to clear

Check compression. This car is fuel injected right? Check for fuel at injectors.
Timing belt good not loose (supposed to be changed approx every 60,000 mi.)

You need to check the belt tensioner. There are markings on it that indicate when it is worn out, and I believe you'll find it's shot. It should keep the belt tight, and it obviously is not capable of doing it.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4744187_change-timing-belt-ford-escort.html

Look at the link above. Do more research online. Consider buying the kit with the water pump and tensioner. Both should be changed the same time. You will need an electric or air impact wrench to remove the crankshaft pully bolt. Give yourself a full day to do it. It is alot of work but it can save you hundreds of dollars in labor.
Good Luck !

look at the belt tensioner while the car is running and see if it is jumping up and down and if it is replace the tensioner

open the oil fill cap look inside (the hole in the valve cover ), is the camshaft turning? if not the cogs are stripped off the timing belt belt
note:i believe this engine is an interfearence engine. meaning when the cogs strip off the belt or it breaks, the valves can and usually do

Water Pump 2.0L Zetec

Drain the cooling system.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

1. Raise the vehicle; and SAFELY SUPPORT!

1. Remove the splash shield.
   • Remove the bolts.
   • Remove the splash shield.

1. Loosen the bolts retaining the water pump pulley.

1. Remove the drive belt.

1. Position the A/C compressor (if equipped) out of the way.
   • Remove the bolts.
   • Position the compressor out of the way.

1. Remove the water pump from the middle timing belt cover.