Escort, 1999 SOHC Timing Belt Replacement

[Lost Yankee]

Having been years since I’ve wrenched on an engine (past small blocks, true sports cars, Harleys …from pan to pan), I would like some advice on timing belt replacement. Searching the archives yielded some tips, but the question of interference motor still exists. My local (usually up to date) parts store insists this is an interference engine!
Anyhow with the labor pushing $350 for the serpent belt, water pump, fuel filter and timing belt, I’m tempted to tackle this and drink the savings. (Beer wrench).
So the questions are: 1. Should I knock off the motor mount corner with a grinder? 2. Where is a good source for the Ford fuel filter wrench? 3. Is this an interference engine?
This is a maintenance project not repair. The car has 116K miles and is loosing gas mileage, which will be tackled after the above issues are resolved.
Just for trivia: This escort was made in Mexico and came with two different styles (not just #’s) platinum plugs. The inner two where a completely different physical design than the outers. All the parts stores said, “That can’t be possible”, well …
Thanks and may the gals on the posters clean all your wrenches.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by Lost Yankee

Having been years since I’ve wrenched on an engine (past small blocks, true sports cars, Harleys …from pan to pan), I would like some advice on timing belt replacement. Searching the archives yielded some tips, but the question of interference motor still exists. My local (usually up to date) parts store insists this is an interference engine!
Anyhow with the labor pushing $350 for the serpent belt, water pump, fuel filter and timing belt, I’m tempted to tackle this and drink the savings. (Beer wrench).
So the questions are: 1. Should I knock off the motor mount corner with a grinder? 2. Where is a good source for the Ford fuel filter wrench? 3. Is this an interference engine?
This is a maintenance project not repair. The car has 116K miles and is loosing gas mileage, which will be tackled after the above issues are resolved.
Just for trivia: This escort was made in Mexico and came with two different styles (not just #’s) platinum plugs. The inner two where a completely different physical design than the outers. All the parts stores said, “That can’t be possible”, well …
Thanks and may the gals on the posters clean all your wrenches.

autozone.com has alot of step by step how too. as far as fuel filter wrench these cars have the plastic clips to hold the fuel filter in place. The story goes the car is ok after a t belt breaks. and i havent heard anything about the conner of the mount.