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Timing belt broke

Tiny
KUMRAKI007
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
Hi Folks,

My Ford contour 99 model timing belt broke when driving. Its engine is 2.0L L4 DOHC.

I took it to mechanic he says its an interference engine and it has damaged the cylinder. He did the compression test in front of me and 2 of the cylinders leak 30% of the air.

I google this information online and found this engine is not an interference engine. I called the dealership they also say its not an interference engine.

Now before the timing belt broke the exhaust was loud and I wanted to take the vehicle to mechanic a week before the timing belt broke. Does this imply anything. Does this mean the cylinders are damaged or could it be something else.

I appreciate any suggestion.

Regards.
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Friday, February 18th, 2011 AT 6:52 AM

42 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
If it is not an interference engine, then the valves should not have been damaged by the bad timing belt. Was the compression test done after a new timing belt was installed?

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/ford/contour/1999

Valves sometimes leaks when carbon deposits fall onto their seats and with piston away from TDC, tapping the valves might cure the problem.

Can engine be started now?

Loud exhaust should have noting to do with the problem but if engine had poor performance and hesitation, there is a possibility the problem was there before the timing belt broke.
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Friday, February 18th, 2011 AT 1:10 PM
Tiny
KUMRAKI007
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The timing belt is not yet installed and we can not start the engine. Waiting to know if it is worth spending any money on the this vehicle. First I need to know exactly if this is an interference engine. Is there any way to check if the engine is interference engine.
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Friday, February 18th, 2011 AT 4:40 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
This engine is NOT an interference engine and to test compression, you need to have the timing belt installed.

If the timing belt was not installed, how was the compression tested?

I believe you need another opinion. The mechanic does not seem to know what he is doing.
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Friday, February 18th, 2011 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
KUMRAKI007
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for your response. For the compression test, he aligned the shafts and through the spark plug hole he feed the air and with the compression gauge he measured the leak. But the timing belt was not installed. I am curious to know how did you find the engine is not an interference engine. I will probably take it to some other mechanic I guess.
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Friday, February 18th, 2011 AT 11:13 PM
Tiny
KUMRAKI007
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for your response. For Compression test mechanic aligned the shafts first for every cylinder and then used the compression gauge with one side showing the pressure applied to the engine through the spark plug hole and the other side the return pressure from the engine. But the timing belt was not installed. Not sure if this is right. I am also curious to know how did you find the engine is not an interference engine. I will consider your recommendation and take it to an other mechanic.
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Friday, February 18th, 2011 AT 11:34 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Our database ibndicates it is not an inteference engine. Technicians within the circle have encountered skipped tooth and broken belts and none have mentioned any problem with the valve trains.
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Saturday, February 19th, 2011 AT 2:48 PM
Tiny
COACH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
So does anyone Know if an accurate Compression test can be taken without replacing the timing belt? With VCT, would just aligning the shafts be adequate?
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Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
HOMER1967
  • MECHANIC
  • 875 POSTS
That was not a compression test that he performed, it was a leak down test right? A compression test won't tell you what percentage of loss you have. And this motor is not an interference motor.
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Wednesday, May 30th, 2012 AT 2:07 AM
Tiny
HOMER1967
  • MECHANIC
  • 875 POSTS
That is not how a compression test is performed. It must have been a leak down test, in which case you still need the belt to be installed.I would seek another opinion if I wee you.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2012 AT 12:49 AM
Tiny
007TREV
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have changed the timing belt 3 times now, and they all keep shredding on the timing belt cover, I changed all the components the first time, I've gone through it thoroughly and can't see whats making the belt pull out and shred on the timing cover. I did take the crank shaft gear off for the timing belt and theres a washer, I can't remember is it suppose togo between the engine block and gear Or the gear first and then the washer? Please help! Thanks please tell me all possible causes
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
I believe it goes second. If that is the case, the pulley may be forward too far causing the belt to walk off. Also, you may want to use a straight edge to make sure the pulleys are even.

Let me know what you find.
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PAUL BYRNZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,453 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 72453 miles

Hi, I recently changed the timing belt. About six weeks later the belt needed changing again.I replaced it again, I decided to check belt condition. After removing the coverI found the belt had been wearing on the cover. The belt was drifting off the gears. What needs to be replaced?
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
May not have tensioner adjusted start at 4 o'clock see diagram


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_328.jpg


Then rotae counterclockwise till is aligns with index.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Grafic_3_88.jpg

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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CLBRIESE56
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
If timing belt broke while trying to start car will the valves bend?
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Not likely, no.
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STOLTZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,625 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 90,625 miles

Hi, at what milage should I replace the timing belt on my daughters car. Thank you.
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PIMPINROBBY1015
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

What dose the timing belt diagram?
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
What are attempting to do? If replace timing belt on that engine is a major job
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PATMAC128
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,000 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 139000 miles

is the engine in my car an interference engine, my timing belt broke, can it be changed/fixed.
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
No, if that is the original engine, it is NOT an interference engine.
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Thursday, March 1st, 2018 AT 5:05 PM (Merged)

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