Timing problem?

[4freddie]

Hi Ihave a 93 escort with a 1.9L engine. The thermostat froze up while my wife was driving it and of course it cracked the aluminum head. I ordered a rebuilt head head and installed it. The problem is now I can't get it to stay in time. I turned the crank to make sure it was lined up TDC before I installed the head. Line up the timing mark on the cam shaft sprocket with the mark on the head. Installed the belt in a counterclockwise direction. Turned the engine over twice to make sure the marks lined up and they did. Did this several more times to be certain even gently put a screwdriver in the NO1 sparkplug hole to be certain it was TDC. Everything good I start it up and fires right off. Shut it off and the marks no longer line up. Irepeated this process several times and same result each time. Please Help!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GTP Dad]

Does the car start and continue to run? If it does and the belt is new then there shouldn't be a problem regardless of whether they line up or not.

[Jet-Lee]

Is your tensioner loose??

[4freddie]

weel that seems to be a concern of mine also. The torque is supposed to be between 17-22 ft-lbs. If it is torqued down how can it adjust to the stretching of the belt over time.

[4freddie]

thanks Jet-Lee I went out and tightened it up and sure enough no more trouble. I am by no means a mechanical person but with a book and help from people like you Iwas able to do it. Thanks again.