1996 Ford Escort manual timing belt problem

DCARDMAN

MEMBER
1996 FORD ESCORT

Hello,
This site is way cool. I have a 1996 ford escort, manual transmision. I was driving and the car died and would not start. I had it towed to a shop and they determined it was the timing belt. I had the timing belt and water pump replaced for $450. I was driving it home and about 5-10 min after I left the shop it did the same thing. So I called them because I was broke down. They had it towed back to the shop and said that the teeth on the belt were broke off. And that they now want $35 for the tow and $65 to look at it and find out why the teeth broke off. So basically I spent $450 and am no better off then before and they want more to tell me whats wrong. 2 questions
1) what would cause the teeth to brake off of the new timing belt they just put on
2) Is this normal or should they in somewhat or way be takingt care of this with no charge?

4 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

I will tell u if that car was at my shop every one will do what ever possible to make make it right

some one missed something
new belt new pump that left u with cam or crank
if they are turning all should be good and its their problem
if not u have a bigger problem ceased engine

good luck
we are here to help
let us know

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Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 5:04 PM

CRAIGFL

MEMBER
89 POSTS

It could have been an old timing belt in-stock for a long period of time and deteriorated on the shelf. Could have been a waterpump/idler pulley failure. More likely could have been installed improperly because the tension was not set properly. Hopefully they will check it out and do the right thing. If they say it's not their fault, be sure to get the broken belt and have another shop look at it -- second opinion.

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Friday, November 16th, 2007 AT 6:38 AM

DCARDMAN

MEMBER
5 POSTS

They suspect the oil pump. They were checking a few thing and everything was turning fine. The oil light was flickering be4 the belt broke the 2nd time. So they think it was lacking oil pressure. They said the dropped the pan and check one of the crankshaft bearings to see if it was maybe lacking pressure do to a old wornout engine. When they looked at the bearing it only had normal wear. So the they put another timing belt on so they could start the car to do an oil pressure check. And there was no oil pressure. So they said it is almost definitly the oil pump. They also removed rocker arms to spin cam freely. They said it turn and then they could feel it catch a little, but once oil gets up there it should help that. They said this car the cam doesn't have any bearings. And they did all of this minus the oil pump free. Butr they want $475 to replace the oil pump. Any comment or cocerns or info would be appreciatted

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Saturday, December 1st, 2007 AT 12:13 PM

BMRFIXIT