2000 Escort ZX2 Timing Belt

[rather_b_boatin]

Can anyone tell me what the recomeded mileage is for timing belt replacement on this vehicle? Also are there other goodies that I should replace while I'm in there? I've heard rumors of plastic gears and water pumps that should be replaced while the belt is off. The car has 94K miles and runs very well.

[denisond3]

On my 92 Escort the timing belt is supposed to be replaced at 100k miles. Usually its also a good time to replace the water pump if its original - since the same procedure to replace the timing belt has to be done to replace the water pump. Its also a good idea to replace the tensioner pulley when you replace the timing belt, and the idler pulley if your engine has one. My 92 doesnt have a plastic gear in it.
At 160k miles I also replaced the tensioner pulley and the idler pulley that are used with the serpentine belt on my 1.9L engine.
And ... I replaced the timing belt/water pump/etc. again, when the car had 193k on it.