1998 Ford Escort timing belt

featherfarm · Posted at Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:16 am

Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Ford Escort 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 98,000 miles

Hi! The timing belt broke on my daughters 989 ford escort ZX2. Can you give me a ball park figure on cost to fix it?

bluelightnin6 · Posted at Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:06 pm

is this the SOHC or DOHC engine?

there is possibility of internal damage to engine since the timing belt broke during operation. valves could have been bent along with other internal parts. if so, the repair cost will be much higher than simply replacing the timing belt.

Steve LV · Posted at Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:12 am

There are two types of engines that use timing belts. They are described as: "Interference Engines" and "Non-interference Engines" The difference lies in the proximity between the valves and the pistons. On an interference engine, if the timing belt slips even one notch, the piston can crash into an open valve causing serious engine damage by bending valves and breaking pistons. Non-interference engines will usually not self destruct, but in either case if the belt fails, the engine will immediately shut down leaving you stranded.

I personally changed my timing belt on my 98 Escort.. It was a pain but it saved me money!

Here's a list of engines that would be damaged by a timing belt failure while driving... Not sure if it's complete... But may be a good start...

1981-85 1.6L Escort, EXP

1981-83 1.6L LN7, Lynx

1984-85 2.0L Escort, Tempo

1993-95 2.0L Probe

1986-88 2.0L Ranger

1984-87 2.0L Lynx, Topaz Diesel

1985 2.2L Ranger

1989-92 2.2L Probe

1986-88 2.3L Ranger

1986-87 2.3L Diesel Ranger

1991-98 4.6L Crown Victoria