MARK M.

Im trying to replace the timming belt on my 90 escort 1.9L is there anythiny i need to do before removing the top pulley that controls the lifters etc. I dont see a mark on it so do i have to turn it with something till i see one then pull it off .My book starts out talking having everthing at t.d.c. Just not sure on the steps on getting it there the pistons r easy just turn it over till i see the timming mark [correct] then what turn the top pulley with a bar or something with plugs out till i see the mark align them, then take the pulley off.Also do i have to do anything with the distrib?Whom ever answers this correct me if im wrong,and if possible tell me the steps to take getting everthing alined.Also is this year a non-interfearance motor and any way to find out. Thanks Mark M. P.S. MERRY X-MAS

Davescort97

You don't need to pull the top pulley to replace your timing belt. As far as getting everything aligned you need to line up the mark on your camshaft gear to the mark on the case and line up the crankshaft gear to the mark on the case. This will keep everything in time. If you have a distributor make sure the rotor points to the no. 1 cylinder. You can manually check the no. 1 cylinder for top dead center by putting a long screwdriver through the spark plug hole. As far as Escorts go it is my understanding that 1980 through 1986 engines were interference engines and that Ford corrected their mistake on all engines after that. So I wouldn't be concerned about that. If you pull the harmonic balancer (bottom pulley) off first it will make the bottom timing cover screws more accessible. Again, you shouldn't take any of the gears off that turn the timing belt.