I am thinking about buying a 1999 Ford Escort. I don't know much about it. [brother-in-law of co-worker] He wants $2,000. Have not seen it yet. Has 120,000 mi. Should I ask if timing belt was changed? Are these motors non-interference? Any INPUT would be appreciated. I'll know more when I drive it and meet the seller.

2door or 4 door? (they have different motors)

either: yes ask if the belt was replaced, if not...replace it

2door: motor is NON-interferance
4door: motor IS interferance


Both are very good motors(will take 200k+ if taken care of)...I have a 2door now...and looking into a 4door or a v6 94-98 stang for a 2nd car.

Altec: Do you have a roundabout cost on a mechanic-replaced timing belt? With that entered into the picture , how does a $1,900.00 asking price sound?

Belt replacement shouldn't be much. (not sure what they run ive always done my own).

As long as the car drives fine and has no shifting/turning problems it seems like a nice deal.

I got to ask how do you figure about the differnt motors for the differnt body styles?

One thing I have heard is when you are having the t belt serviced its a good time to do the water pump for if you dont the pump fails right after and the t/belt has to come off for repllacement. So the thought is to do it while the belt is off the first time. BTW autozone.com has a good how to guide on doing the timing belt

If it goes to a shop they will convince you to change the water pump... pump + belt + labor, you should expect to spend a couple hundred dollars easy. If you do it yourself... pump + belt... maybe $75 and a few hours of your time.

I got to ask how do you figure about the differnt motors for the differnt body styles?

the 4door is a SOHC SPI motor (Escort)
the 2door is a DOHC Zetec motor (Escort ZX2)

It's a 4 door. That scares me.:eek:

why?

the 4door is a SHOC SPI motor (Escort)
the 2door is a DOHC Zetec motor (Escort ZX2)

I was told the shoc motor ( which I have and a 4 door) is non inter and the dohc is. Sure your not mixed up?

Yes, that is true. The 91 to 96 1.9 and the 97 to 2002 2.0 SPI are both noninterference engines. The 91 to 96 1.8 are interference engines. Also, the 2.0 Zetech is an interference Engine. My sources are Gates rubber and Dayco belts.

Yes, that is true. The 91 to 96 1.9 and the 97 to 2002 2.0 SPI are both noninterference engines. The 91 to 96 1.8 are interference engines. Also, the 2.0 Zetech is an interference Engine. My sources are Gates rubber and Dayco belts.

the Zetec is a NON-interferance engine...your sources are wrong..the Zetec is NOT interferance

Regarding the 1999 Escort 4-Door, you guys got me all balled up! Which is it; interference or non-interference??:disappoin :killbarne

Regarding the 1999 Escort 4-Door, you guys got me all balled up! Which is it; interference or non-interference??:disappoin :killbarne

without getting anyone upset, I think you should look on this board more. As I recalled the sohc is non interference. Untill I'm proven wrong I'm sticking with that.

The way I read this pdf...All 1997 - 2002 2.0L Escort engines are NON-Interference...both SOHC and DOHC are NON-Interference.

Take a look. You'll need Adobe Reader.

http://www.gates.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=TBR05.pdf&folder=brochure

The way I read this pdf...All 1997 - 2002 2.0L Escort engines are NON-Interference...both SOHC and DOHC are NON-Interference.

Take a look. You'll need Adobe Reader.

http://www.gates.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=TBR05.pdf&folder=brochure

You are right. lst generation scorts from 1981 to 1990 are interference engines. 1991 to 1996 1.9 SOHC are non-interference engines. 1997 to present 2.0 SOHC and DOHC engines are both non-interference engines. I stand corrected on this.

thank you!! :sadwavey: :thumbsup: