1997 escort timing belt cover - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

VanVlack123 · 02-04-2010, 15:26

Hey guys. I have a 1997 ford escort (2.0L sohc) that the timing belt broke on. I am trying to get the cover off for the belt but the space between the cover and the engine mounting bracket is not enough to get it off. Am I doing something wrong? The chilton book says that on a 2.0L SOHC you just take the 3 nuts and bolts off and it will come out. Also I cant take the belt tensioner for the drive belt off because there is not enough room between the engine block and the frame to back the bolt all the way out. Any help appreciated. Thanks

VanVlack123 · 02-04-2010, 17:21

Just found out from the girl friend that the engine in the car has been replaced. Is it possible that they replaced it with a different engine. How do I find out what engine is in it.

mechdb · 02-26-2010, 14:14

Take some pictures. Sometimes the covers are a real PITA to get to, and you have to remove the studs that hold it on as well. I usually don't even reinstall them. I doubt they swapped in a different engine, the only other one that will fit in there is either the Mazda BP or the Zetec, both of which would be quite large projects.