Timing Belt/ZX2

just bought my 1st ZX2 [2000] and was wondering whats the life span of the tming belt?

about 60k from what i have heared

Its in the owners manual.

But its 90k on the 2.0 Zetec DOHC engine. You may want to replace the accesory drive belt thats only good for about 60k.

Mine lasted approxamitely 65 K

Mine on my car, It's not a ZX2 but a contour, I've got 135k on the STOCK timing belt. But I'm gettin it replaced soon.

I saw my owner's manual says to inspect the belt at 60K, but did not mention a replacement as it does on other life-limited parts. I just bought the car with 60K miles so I will be looking soon.

I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FEEDBACK ON RECOMMENDED NAME BRANDS FOR BOTH TIMING AND ACCESSORY BELTS.

I am leaning toward gatorback for the accessory belt, but wondered if there is anything that looks hot out there -I'm no designer but I think it would be a valuable under-the-hood asthetics (sp?) item.

Mine on my car, It's not a ZX2 but a contour, I've got 135k on the STOCK timing belt. But I'm gettin it replaced soon.

Correction -owners manual says to inspect at 120K.

dosent matter, its a non-interferance motor lol

see this link, chart at bottom of page. -Engine designated as DOHC 2.0L 1999 & up. I believe this is intended for the VCT (Zetec?) ZX2.

Do have other documentation?

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2004/us70444.htm

Timing belt life seems to be directly related to frequency and duration of use. At least that's what I noticed when I still wrenched for a living. Old lady's cars that were 4 years old, but only had 12,000 miles on them, the belt would be cracking and starting to slap the cover. Some guy who drives his car 40 miles to work everyday on the highway ends up going over 100k on the factory belt. Just like anything else on a car, sitting unused is harder on it than being run hard.

A timing belt tries to assume the shape of the way it is run around the sprockets when stationary. after time sitting, it has "tight" spots in it that put unusual stress on the belt itself, and any tensioner/follower assembly, and lead to premature failure. A belt that is run daily stays soft and flexible, and doesn't try to take a "set".

Motorcycle drive chains have the same problem if not used much.

Correction -owners manual says to inspect at 120K.doesn't mean it needs changed at 120k now does it?

no... but the question is, do you want to get stranded somewhere cuz you didn't bother changing it when you should have? choice is up to you but id rather change it when i choose to rather than change it when i have to. hell ill probably change mine 30k early to avoid any inconveniences. you don't have to though... just don't bring up this conversation to the person that has to rescue your ass when it snaps.

no... but the question is, do you want to get stranded somewhere cuz you didn't bother changing it when you should have? choice is up to you but id rather change it when i choose to rather than change it when i have to. hell ill probably change mine 30k early to avoid any inconveniences. you don't have to though... just don't bring up this conversation to the person that has to rescue your ass when it snaps.

Nice post dude!

I also agree with the old wrench turner -I once sold a car that had sat a long time and we warmed it up while looking for screws for the new license plate -the camshaft belt snapped just when we finished bolting the plate on!

Any takers for the accessory replacement belt question?

gatorback for the serpentine belt is a good brand. im lookin for a shorter one cuz i made a UDP at my shop. ill be going w/ gatorback if they carry the right belt.

good luck!!!