93 escort 1.9 quit/timing belt intact

[chcowboy]

I have a 93 escort LX 1.9 wagon .. seen similar problems in forum Got off the highway, and it stopped running. would crank over but no start. Had it towed. Checked fuel line rail and it spurted out fuel. Opened timing belt cover as much as I could without removing totally. Belt seems tight and on ,but noticed something between teeth and belt possibly belt debris. If it is timing belt how do I remove cover (take off motor mounts?) and what is procedure for replacement?

[meanandgreen]

to check out the timing belt fully you need to remove the serp. accessory belt first. Then there are two small bolts that hold the timing belt cover on, then you have access to the belt.

Your timing belt slipped a bit and took some teeth with it. It's not broken but your car's timing is way out of whack. Remove the tensioner and the water pump too. I would replace them both while you're at it, you dont want to have to do this again. Also, I would get some help if you've never adjusted the timing on a car before.

The Escort 1.9 is non-interference so if you mess up you won't bend a valve.

good luck

[ebritt]

Taking the cover off without breaking it is near impossible without removeing the front motor mount bracket from the motor. (support the engine with a jack from underneath and use a piece of 1x6 between the jack and the oil pan or you can crack the aluminum).Also as suggested above replace the waterpump and make sure the tensioner comes with it some places sell the tensioner seperately.When the bearing on the tensioner wears out it will eat belts left and right. I know this from experience, replaced 4 belts on my 93 with a 91 motor in it within a years time. I replaced the tensioner with the fifth belt and its been on for 2 years with no probs. It might be tempting to leave the cover off when done, but put it back on as it keeps trash from getting in the belt and chewing it up.