Timing belt marks and replacement?

Probably not. There are some engines that have valves that will hit the pistons if the timing belt is off by three teeth. That's not much. On those, the Engine Computer will turn on the Check Engine light when the belt jumps one tooth and it will shut the engine down when it's two teeth off. This guide will help you find the timing marks and how to install the timing belt

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/ford/escort/1997

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

The 2.0L is listed as an interference engine so it's going to have bent valves. That often won't show up on a compression test but it will with a cylinder leakage test. Many auto parts stores that rent or borrow tools will have that tester. You need compressed air to run it.

If the catalytic converter was running red hot, that's because to much unburned fuel was going into the exhaust. That could be related to the bent valves. With low power, the throttle has to be opened more, and that results in lower intake manifold vacuum and more intake air. Both the map sensor, when used, and your mass air flow sensor will tell the Engine Computer the engine is under load and more fuel is needed.

In addition, you're going to have to replace the catalytic converter. It is monitored for efficiency, and with no catalyst inside, no change will take place in the exhaust gas. That will set a fault code and turn on the Check Engine light. Besides blocking some fault codes from setting, with the light on, you'll never know when a different problem occurs. Many of those problems are very minor but can turn expensive when ignored or you don't know about them.

Also consider the engine won't run perfectly once the valves are replaced until you drive it a little. By replacing the Engine Computer, you lost the fuel trim values that were stored in it. Those numbers will be re-established during the first drive cycle.

Put the engine on its no.1 compression stroke and redo the sprockets alignment

Put your index finger in the no.1 hole-Crank the engine in burst till you feel pressure-STOP-then turn crank till no.1 piston is all the way up.

Timing belt is under the timing cover (plastic cover )

timing marks

REMOVAL:
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the accessory drive belt automatic tensioner and the accessory drive belt.
Remove the timing belt cover.
Align the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the cylinder head.
Confirm that the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket is aligned with the timing mark on the oil pump housing.
Loosen the belt tensioner attaching bolt, pry the tensioner away from the timing belt and retighten the bolt.
Remove the spark plugs.
Remove the right-hand engine mount.
Raise and safely support the vehicle.
Remove the right side splash shield.
Remove the crankshaft pulley.
Remove the timing belt.

With the timing belt removed and the No. 1 piston at TDC, do not rotate the camshaft.

INSTALLATION:
Do not mix1/2round and trapezoidal belt tooth profiles, this would cause premature belt wear. Also no belt dressing or oil should be used on the belt.

Install the timing belt over the sprockets in a counterclockwise direction starting at the crankshaft. Keep the belt span from the crankshaft to the camshaft tight while positioning the belt over the remaining sprockets.
Loosen the belt tensioner attaching bolt, then allow the tensioner to snap against the belt.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise two complete revolutions (720 degrees) stopping at TDC. This will allow the tensioner spring to properly load the timing belt.

Do not turn the engine counterclockwise to align the timing marks.

Tighten the tensioner attaching bolt to 17-22 ft. lbs. (23-30 Nm).
Install the crankshaft dampener and the bolt and washer. Tighten the bolt to 81-96 ft. lbs. (110-130 Nm).
Install the right-hand engine mount.
Install the splash shield and lower the vehicle.
Install the spark plugs.
Install the timing belt cover.
Install the accessory drive belt automatic tensioner and the accessory drive belt.
Connect the negative battery cable.

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Hi because of the miles I would say no. But the age means the car has sat a lot so to be sure you won, t break the belt I would replace it billymac

Hi
Engine is an interference that means valves maybe bent when belt brakes while moving. So rods are not a concern replace belt if it has compression and runs your good if not need to pull head and have valves replaced.
Hope this helps

Installation
Install camshaft sprocket if removed. Tighten retaining bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Install crankshaft sprocket if removed. Install timing belt over sprockets in counterclockwise direction, starting at crankshaft.
CAUTION:Maintain tension on timing belt between crankshaft and camshaft sprockets when installing belt over remaining sprockets.

Loosen belt tensioner retaining bolt. Allow belt tensioner to apply tension on timing belt.
Rotate crankshaft 2 full revolutions clockwise and realign timing marks. DO NOT rotate crankshaft counterclockwise. Tighten belt tensioner retaining bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification.

Set marks ON
when installing belt maintain tension on timing belt between crankshaft and camshaft sprockets
allow belt tensioner to apply tension on timing belt

rotate crankshaft 2 full revolutions clock wise and realign timing marks
DO NOT ROTATE CRANKSHAFT COUNTERCLOCKWISE