1998 2.0 Timming belt

Last night the belt snapped just wandering if the cars are notorious for engine damage when belt breaks....

I would talk to your local machine shop. I've read it can happen but its not certain. If short on cash put on a belt then check compression. A call to your local machine shop is free. You can always buy a used head at a scrap yard.

No. The zetec is a non interference motor.

zetec engine?? Looks like from what i read and can see it is a interference engine and wouldnt the only way to tell if the engine was damaged is to put the belt on and find out or is there a way to test that?

zetec engine?? Looks like from what i read and can see it is a interference engine and wouldnt the only way to tell if the engine was damaged is to put the belt on and find out or is there a way to test that?

Yes, zetec engine. The 2.0L I4 motor thats in the Contour/Mystique/Cougar/Focus that uses a timing belt. The 2.5L V6 duratec engine uses timing chains.

Chilton, Haynes, etc are all wrong. Its a non interference motor.

I've ready first hand experiences from numerous members on the contour.org forums about their timing belts breaking and no damage occuring. I read one guy has replaced his belt 6 times. 3 of which it broke. No damage. If you still want verification that it's a non interference motor, post over on contour.org. :)

If you really want to test it, put a belt back on and do a compression test.

The forum I was reading some of the people couldn't locate the timing marks.
I think this was most of the problem. Just put on the belt if it runs good you have nothing to worry about.

I need a picture of how the idler and tensioner pulleys go on. The idler pulley came off while driving and we don't know if any parts were lost, cannot see how it goes back on, if there is a bracket, spacer or ???

Look at a picture of a replacement.
http://www.racepages.com/parts/timing_belt/ford/contour.html

Thanks for the link and the pics of the parts, but this does not show *how* they go on the car !!!! The idler came off the engine while the car was moving and we do not know if anything was lost (bracket, etc.)..

You need a manual to show you the timing marks. They normally have a picture. The one with a bracket should have two bolts. A single one should have a bolt their should be a hole it screws into. They have to rotate freely
look closely at the manual. The belt has to be installed properly or it won't run. It shows the tensioner and how to set it install the bolt and remove the pin.
I never worked on a Contour.
Note the belt pulleys have to be in alignment or the belt will jump off.