In reviewing other posts I am suspecting that my timing belt has lost some teeth as my 93 Escort LX Wagon won't start but is getting fuel and spark. My question is if I pull off my valve cover and crank the engine, if the values aren't moving does that indeed mean a timing belt issue? Thanks in advance for your input.

First thing I'd check in ur case. Hope you don't have an interference motor.

Yes, if the valves aren't moving then the timing belt is shot. You didn't say what size your engine is but most of the newer Ford 4 cylinders are interference engines so you probably bent a number of valves if you were running the engine when the belt broke. If so you will need a new head (used one will be OK and cheaper too.)

Yes, if the valves aren't moving then the timing belt is shot. You didn't say what size your engine is but most of the newer Ford 4 cylinders are interference engines so you probably bent a number of valves if you were running the engine when the belt broke. If so you will need a new head (used one will be OK and cheaper too.)


It is a 94. Nope, not an interference engine. Sure enough, it was the timing belt. About 8 ribs were broken off. Put on a new belt and she started right up !! Yahooooo.

With all these timing belt breaks I keep reading about, may I remind you that the belt SHOULD be changed EVERY 60,000 miles. This is something you should NOT ever let slide.