Setting timing marks on a 1998 Ford Escort

You must change the belt and a chiltons book will give you the diagram and procedures for changing the belt its better to have the book there are marks that must be aligned otherwise valve train damage will occur

Arrows point to timing marks in correct position.

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

Ford does not provide camshaft gear timing marks, or information to perform timing belt service without the special tools. Special tools are required to set the timing

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.

Hello pamgolmon: My name is Roger and i will answer your question. The 2-0 dual cam engine is a interference engine. This means if the engine jumps time at the timing belt. It will bend the valves. As for the timing marks on the camshafts. Their are no marks to be located. To set the timing marks on this engine requires special tools. This makes it expensive for not only the do it yourself mechanic but also the repair shops also. If the valves were bent you must pull the head for the repairs also.
I know this is not the answer you were hoping for but it is the only answer to give. Please rate the quality of the answer as this way we know your answer was correct. Please just ask if you need further help. Thank You for using Fix Ya. Roger

i think you will need new valves if pulley come loose.timing marks on end of cams a slot on each cam ,the flats have to be level with the head,i use a piece of flat old ally bar for this.

Here is a diagram of you timing marks. contact if you need more help. Good Luck and thanks for using FIX YA. http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/tec_info/1991/ford/escort/1991_ford_escort_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

Stage 1 = 15Nm
Stage 2 = 40Nm
Stage 3 = Plus 90 degrees or quarter of a turn. Good tip is to mark all the bolts after initial torque setting with tip-ex , i.e. all to the front of the car. When you finish they should all point towards the timing belt.
This is also a good way to make sure you don't miss one or tighten one twice if you are distracted since it is not a torque setting. New bolts should be used by the way as they are stretch bolts. Timing of cams - remove cam cover and you will see a slot on the end of the cams. Opposite end from belt. You need to slip a piece of 5mm flat bar or a long 5mm allen key into then so that the bar rests on the face of the head. Engine should be a tdc.
cheers John

No it will NOT bend valves on this particular engine, if it goes out of time. I would replace BOTH the timing belt and the drive belt at the same time, since both are very inexpensive, even from the Ford dealer. Line up both timing marks on both the cam and crank sprockets in the 12 o'clock position. The marks are very easy to see, once you remove the timing belt cover. Hope this helps.