99 2.0 Ford Contour

On my '99 Ford Contour I just replaced the timing belt and I'll be damned it broke again 2 weeks later. Does anyone know why this has happened? I have heard something about an idler kit and to try changing the water pump out? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

Thanks for posting. If the idler pulley, tensioner pulley or water pump drive has too much friction due to a bad bearing the timing belt will fail before it's time. I'd suggest checking those things by hand while you have it torn down. If there are no issues with the idler, tension and waterpump pullies, then the problem is probably due to the tensioner pulley being to tight or too loose.

Well, I got the upper timing cover off this morning, I have found that the timing belt is still intact but the outside (away from the engine) Has shredded. Figured I would mention this in case someone might know what caused that to happen. Thanks again.

Ok well, i found my drive belt diagram under the hood and it is telling me that the drive belt does the water pump pulley?? So then what would the timing belt have to do with the water pump??? I know next to nothing about this stuff and I am doing it out of a Haynes manual. I know I need to remove the water pump pulley to get to the timing belt, but that is all the book is telling me to do with the water pump.

The water pump is not related to the problem you are having. Check the timing belt guides for damage. Turn all the pullies it drives to determine if any have a problem. Go by the Haynes manual for info on how to properly tension the timing belt.

What kind of belt or whos belt are you using ?

I think it is a Duralast belt and it looks like maybe the tension wasn't right cause the belt had shifted toward the timing covers and shredded it. Still need to take covers off to see whats going on. Thanks again