1998 Ford Contour

I am trying to set the timing belt. But what special tools do i need?

Bob wrote:
>What are you trying to do? Replace the timing belt or set the ignition
>timing? The ignition timing isn't adjustable and special tools are used to
>lock the crank and camshafts in place to do a timing belt.
> Bob
>> How do i set the timing on a 1998 Ford Contour SE 2.0L if the aren't any
>> markings?
 >> Stay informed about: 1998 Ford Contour 

Akiliz via CarKB.com wrote:
> Berkshire Bill wrote:
>
>>>>[top posting fixed]
>>>>
>>
>>[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>>
>>>The service manual doesn't say anything about having to do this. Does it
>>>apply only to certain Ford models?
>>
>>On the Contour L4 2.0 there's a tensioner and two idler pulleys that are
>>usually replaced at the same time (there's also a hydraulic tensioner that's
>>often not included in the kit). I suppose the belt can be installed if you
>>are very patient and don't mind re-assembling several times but why spend
>>all that extra time when there is a tool that makes it easy and correct the
>>first time ?

> So if i just lock the coms how do i line up the pulleys? Theres no markings...

By fixing the crankshaft at TDC and putting the bar through the slots
in the cams, the pulleys are aligned properly with the crank, because
the slots in the ends of the cams are cut offcenter. In other words,
when you use the tools, there's only one way for the cams to be phased
with respect to the crank and to each other.

As Berkshire Bill pointed out, you *can* do it without the tools but
for an investment of only $20, vs a lot of time coming up with an
alternative and less secure way, why not?
 >> Stay informed about: 1998 Ford Contour 

"Fordfan" <Fordfan.DeleteThis@connifer.net> wrote in message
news:QZQtf.2307$tJ1.2123@trndny01...
>
> Why is it necessary to use these special locking tools? I've changed the
> timing belt on my 95' Escort without having to lock the shafts in place.
> The service manual doesn't say anything about having to do this. Does it
> apply only to certain Ford models?

DOHC or SOHC

SOHC you can do without tools
DOHC you have to line up the 2 camgears by installing a metal strip on the
other side of the cams and lock the cranck
 >> Stay informed about: 1998 Ford Contour 

Mark Olson wrote:> markings...
>
> By fixing the crankshaft at TDC and putting the bar through the slots
> in the cams, the pulleys are aligned properly with the crank, because
> the slots in the ends of the cams are cut offcenter. In other words,
> when you use the tools, there's only one way for the cams to be phased
> with respect to the crank and to each other.
>
> As Berkshire Bill pointed out, you *can* do it without the tools but
> for an investment of only $20, vs a lot of time coming up with an
> alternative and less secure way, why not?

Without the tools you also risk valve damage. The 2.0 is not supposed to be an
interference motor, but in the real world it certainly is. If a piston is at TDC and
one of the cams is turned for alignment, having a valve on that cylinder(usually
exhaust?) open fully can tweak the valve enough that it won't seal.I found this out
the hard way, and have seen it numerous times.
Because of the valve train design, the cams won't stay in the proper alignment to
install the belt, they turn a few degrees due to valve spring tension.
It is possible to fashion a timing pin to hold the crank at TDC, then make cam
retainers out of flat plate steel of the proper thickness. Buy or rent the proper tools.
 >> Stay informed about: 1998 Ford Contour 

On Sun, 01 Jan 2006 14:27:31 GMT, "Akiliz via CarKB.com" <u17160@uwe>
wrote:

>So if i just lock the coms how do i line up the pulleys? Theres no markings...
>
>
>Berkshire Bill wrote:
>>>> [top posting fixed]
>>>>
>>[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>>> The service manual doesn't say anything about having to do this. Does it
>>> apply only to certain Ford models?
>>
>>On the Contour L4 2.0 there's a tensioner and two idler pulleys that are
>>usually replaced at the same time (there's also a hydraulic tensioner that's
>>often not included in the kit). I suppose the belt can be installed if you
>>are very patient and don't mind re-assembling several times but why spend
>>all that extra time when there is a tool that makes it easy and correct the
>>first time ?
>>
>>Happy modeming,
>>Bill K.
That's what the locks are for. The pin in the flywheel locates the
crank, and the crossbar between the camshafts locates the cams.
IMPOSSIBLE to get them out of time when locked with the service tool.
Very difficult to get right the first time without it.
 >> Stay informed about: 1998 Ford Contour