97 Ford Escort Timing Belt Confusion

[rvandaele]

I just bought a 97 ford escort with 115k miles on it. I was planning to replace the timing belt. Everything I read tells me that the engine (2.0L SOHC) is a non interference engine. The problem is that most of the parts listed at Rock or Autozone or wherever say that the belts are for interference applications. What gives? Which belt do I need?

[snshddog]

There are some belt manufacturers that call everything an interfierance engine. I figure this is to either scare everyone into replacing belts early or to not be liable if they say it wont hit and it does for someone.

[AzTumbleweed]

This is a darn good question. The interference engine web sites say it is not an intereference engine but AutoZone, NAPA and Gates all say it is an interference engine. I always thought this was about the same as the 1.9L which is not intereference. It appears the 2.0L DOHC 'Zetec' engine is interference but I can't figure out if this was available in a '97 Escort. Got me stumped!

[rvandaele]

It looked to me like gates said it was a non-interference. Did I misread the info?

[denisond3]

I figured that if the engine snapped its belt at 2000 rpm, it wouldnt be an interference 'event'. But if the head or block had been milled, and the belt snapped at 5500 rpm - it might be a different story.

I dont want to find out, but would be glad to hear from anyone who did find out - probably the hard way.

[AzTumbleweed]

At GATES I came up with belt T283 and it's interference. I just double checked. But that doesn't mean they are right. Something is wrong here somewhere.