timing belt broke

1999 FORD CONTOUR
88,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KUMRAKI007
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Hi Folks,

My Ford contour 99 model timing belt broke when driving. Its engine is 2.0L L4 DOHC.

I took it to mechanic he says its an interference engine and it has damaged the cylinder. He did the compression test in front of me and 2 of the cylinders leak 30% of the air.

I google this information online and found this engine is not an interference engine. I called the dealership they also say its not an interference engine.

Now before the timing belt broke the exhaust was loud and I wanted to take the vehicle to mechanic a week before the timing belt broke. Does this imply anything. Does this mean the cylinders are damaged or could it be something else.

I appreciate any suggestion.

Regards.
Feb 18, 2011 at 6:52 AM
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KHLOW2008
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If it is not an interference engine, then the valves should not have been damaged by the bad timing belt. Was the compression test done after a new timing belt was installed?

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/ford/contour/1999

Valves sometimes leaks when carbon deposits fall onto their seats and with piston away from TDC, tapping the valves might cure the problem.

Can engine be started now?

Loud exhaust should have noting to do with the problem but if engine had poor performance and hesitation, there is a possibility the problem was there before the timing belt broke.
Feb 18, 2011 at 1:10 PM
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KUMRAKI007
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The timing belt is not yet installed and we can not start the engine. Waiting to know if it is worth spending any money on the this vehicle. First i need to know exactly if this is an interference engine. Is there any way to check if the engine is interference engine.
Feb 18, 2011 at 4:40 PM
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KHLOW2008
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This engine is NOT an interference engine and to test compression, you need to have the timing belt installed.

If the timing belt was not installed, how was the compression tested?

I believe you need another opinion. The mechanic does not seem to know what he is doing.
Feb 18, 2011 at 9:37 PM
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KUMRAKI007
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Thanks for your response. For the compression test, he aligned the shafts and through the spark plug hole he feed the air and with the compression gauge he measured the leak. But the timing belt was not installed. I am curious to know how did you find the engine is not an interference engine. I will probably take it to some other mechanic I guess.
Feb 18, 2011 at 11:13 PM
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KUMRAKI007
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Thanks for your response. For Compression test mechanic aligned the shafts first for every cylinder and then used the compression gauge with one side showing the pressure applied to the engine through the spark plug hole and the other side the return pressure from the engine. But the timing belt was not installed. Not sure if this is right. I am also curious to know how did you find the engine is not an interference engine. I will consider your recommendation and take it to an other mechanic.
Feb 18, 2011 at 11:34 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Our database ibndicates it is not an inteference engine. Technicians within the circle have encountered skipped tooth and broken belts and none have mentioned any problem with the valve trains.
Feb 19, 2011 at 2:48 PM
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COACH
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So does anyone Know if an accurate Compression test can be taken without replacing the timing belt? With VCT, would just aligning the shafts be adequate?
May 15, 2012 at 5:54 PM
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HOMER1967
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that was not a compression test that he performed,it was a leak down test right? a compression test won't tell you what percentage of loss you have.and this motor is not an interference motor.
May 30, 2012 at 2:07 AM
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HOMER1967
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that is not how a compression test is performed.it must have been a leak down test,in which case you still need the belt to be installed.i would seek another opinion if i wee you.
Nov 14, 2012 at 12:49 AM
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007TREV
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have changed the timing belt 3 times now, and they all keep shredding on the timing belt cover, I changed all the components the first time, I've gone through it thoroughly and can't see whats making the belt pull out and shred on the timing cover. I did take the crank shaft gear off for the timing belt and theres a washer, I can't remember is it suppose togo between the engine block and gear Or the gear first and then the washer? please help! thanks please tell me all possible causes
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I believe it goes second. If that is the case, the pulley may be forward too far causing the belt to walk off. Also, you may want to use a straight edge to make sure the pulleys are even.

Let me know what you find.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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PAUL BYRNZ
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 72453 miles

Hi, I recently changed the timing belt.About six weeks later the belt needed changing again.I replaced it again,I decided to check belt condition.After removing the coverI found the belt had been wearing on the cover.The belt was drifting off the gears.What needs to be replaced?
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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May not have tensioner adjusted start at 4 o'clock see diagram


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_328.jpg

Then rotae counterclockwise till is aligns with index.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Grafic_3_88.jpg

Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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CLBRIESE56
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if timing belt broke while trying to start car will the valves bend?
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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FIXITMR
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not likely, no.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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STOLTZ
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 90,625 miles

Hi, at what milage should i replace the timing belt on my daughters car. Thank you.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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PIMPINROBBY1015
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

What dose the timing belt diagram?
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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What are attempting to do? if replace timing belt on that engine is a major job
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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PATMAC128
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 139000 miles

is the engine in my car an interference engine, my timing belt broke, can it be changed/fixed.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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WRENCHTECH
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No, if that is the original engine, it is NOT an interference engine.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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GREASEMONKEYMOBILE
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Replaced broken belt broken again within 3 hrs! Fair to good mechanic perplexed!
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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TY ANDERSON
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You need to check the pullies that they all match. Meaning the pullies all have the same number of ribs. Next that all pullies spin freely and smoothly (besides the crankshaft pulley). Next the alignment of all pullies should all be straight or in alignment with each other. I use a laser pointer to check that each pully rib is straight with the other pullies.
Once everything checks out good. Install new belt and see how the engine reacts when the a/c is switched on.
Let me know what you find.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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GBURGER
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 105000 miles

alignment marks crankshaft pulley tdc cyl 1&4
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Refer to the belt routing diagrams on this page. Let me know if you have other questions.
Joe
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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DINIQUA
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my car was running and then i started driving and it was making a noise like something was draging underneath it and then the car stoped.we got it fixed and the repair man said he fixed the timing belt,sprak plugs,and did a tune up.so not even a month later my car does the same thing and stops and we take it back to the same repair man and he says it the fuel pump so he fixs that and that night it stops again and we take it to the repair again and say he fixing something that tells the car want to do so is he right or is he just getting us for some money?
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Have the car repaired somewhere else-He should have fixed the problem the 1st instead of going back and forth-stay far from him-he's a partmans
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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first take it to another repair shop. this should be scanned for codes, fuel pressure checked, checked for vacuum at idle if 15" or below check for a clogged convverter. those three things should tell you something
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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DINIQUA
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and long would it take to fix all that?
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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about an hour maybe alittle longer
of course that is apro doing it.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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i meant to check it if there is something else wrong thenit depends on time due to placement/availability of parts.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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SWTCWGRL
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Make/Model/Year- 99 Ford Contour LX
Milage-149,592
engine 2.0 I think

We was driving down the road going about 75 when we lost power..lucky enough we got to the side of the road..but the car would not turn over.. we had power ..and now the car is seating in our driveway after having it towed.. we was told it could be a electracl compound..or the timing belt.. this happen all of a sudden..no sounds of a thump nothing.. would really like someones help and opinion..for this car is my baby.. and yes i cried till she was home with me..thanks in advance.. Betty
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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COSMO
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Well the first thing to check for is if the timing belt has broken before you try turning it over.

IF it is not broken, then you should check the basics...fuel or spark.

Another thing you might want to check is if the fuel shut off switch has activated (Its should have a location in your owners manual)

Cosmo...Mazda TEch
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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SWTCWGRL
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thank you we are waiting for husbands brother to come down..since neither of us has a clue about vehicles.. and we did check the fuel thing it was not popped we found that once his brother told us LOL
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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SERVICE WRITER
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So she put on her tangerine lipstick and answered the door.
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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ARGELIO01
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Engine Mechanical problem
1999 Ford Contour 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 192200 miles

Hello, i have a 99 contour and i want to replace the timing belt. Where are located the timing marks, Thank you
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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Check the link below it has all the marks you need https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/tec_info/1999/ford/contour/1999_ford_contour_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm also required to have a special tool


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_Untitled1_4.jpg

Mar 1, 2018 at 5:05 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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I have a 2.0 motor and I think the timing belt has jumped. Where are the timing marks so I check to see. Thanks Ed
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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go to ur site and look under timing belt it's on the left
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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does a 1999 ford contour has a timing belt or timing chain?
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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we need a motor

roy
Mar 1, 2018 at 5:06 PM (Merged)