[BroncoJack]

I need your advise, 2nd Gen owners/operators/mechanics.. I own a 94 LX w/130K and I think the timing belt busted over the weekend. (running down the highway, engine died.. would not restart...turns over very fast, no water in the oil, power everywhere...). I have it at a shop so will get an estimate tomorrow. Here are my questions: There use to be a valve issue with Escorts when timing belts blew. Still true? Assuming that the timing belt is the issue, what can I expect from the mechanic? I am figuring $300-$500. Any other damage that the blown belt can cause? Any help/guidance appreciated! Thanks,

 

[racerboy]

Motors are non interferance. They will not have any problems if the belt goes. ( the pistons cannot hit the valves)

 

[Jeffescortlx]

Fix it your self, it's not that hard. Really.

 

[racerboy]

Fix it your self, it's not that hard. Really.

I was thinking the exact same thing.

 

[Jeffescortlx]

There has been times I've had to pack up my tools and do a timing belt in a parking lot for buddy's.
Just need some basic tools, you need to remove the wheel, crank pulley, spash sheild, support motor and remove motor mount, then timing belt cover.

 

[BroncoJack]

Assuming it's just the timing belt, while "we" are in there, is there anything else I should replace? Water pump, idler arm, serpentine belt....? This car has been great so I want to put another 130K on her...

 

[FordMan59]

Most people change the water pump while they are at it, especially if they are having to pay a mechanic to do the work for them. Lots of people also change the tensioner. My '88 Pony has almost 506K miles on it and I've never replaced the tensioner, so it's just a matter of deciding which you want to do. If you have any mechanical skills you can buy a repair manual like Haynes for about $20. at Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts that will give you step by step instructions with some picture illustrations. (for dummies like ME!) I think the first time I changed a timing belt on my '88 Escort it took me about 4 hours. The last one I changed I think took me about an hour or hour and a half. If you take the car to a mechanic I'd guess you'll be looking at $200. minimum just for the timing belt and $350 minimum for timing belt and water pump. It could very likely be more just depending on your mechanic.

 

[Intuit]

130k and original waterpump, definitely replace it. T-Belt tensioner is part of the waterpump. 240k+ and have never needed to replace the serpentine belt tensioner. '94 LX 5-speed

 

[Jeffescortlx]

I'd like to add that: Use loc-tite on the crank pulley bolt and make sure you put it on tight enough so it cant loosen it's self off. If the bolt comes loose, the pulley will wreck the crank shaft then you'll really be in trouble.

 

[BroncoJack]

mechanic says $610 for belt, water pump, bearing(?), TTL. About $100 over my guestimate but I'm in a time crunch with work and all so will have to do it.

 

[Jeffescortlx]

This is not a 5 hour job, more like 20-40 minuets. How much labor is he charging you?

Where do you live? I'll do it for half that.

 

[93lx4door]

20-40 mins for a t-belt and water pump have you feel and bumped your head will take atleast 2 hours without air tools

 

[BroncoJack]

I live in the North 40 patch of Dallas (a.k.a. Metromess)

 

[Jeffescortlx]

20-40 mins for a t-belt and water pump have you feel and bumped your head will take atleast 2 hours without air tools

Let me correct my self, 20-40 min's for replacing just the belt.
If your doing the water pump at the same time add in another 20-30 min's...and most of that time is spent scrapping the old damn gasket off. lol.
And yes, I guess that's with air tools. As a shop should have.

 

[FordMan59]

130k and original waterpump, definitely replace it. T-Belt tensioner is part of the waterpump. 240k+ and have never needed to replace the serpentine belt tensioner. '94 LX 5-speed

The timing belt tensioner and the water pump are all part of the water pump????? That's not the case with my '88's.

BroncoJack, you need to try to find a forum member who lives close by that could do the work for you for $100. and a case of beer. lol I really though my estimates in the prevoius post would be on the low side that's why I said minimum. Of course different locations of the country also affect labor rates. I live about 35 miles from Charlotte, NC and most of the independent mechanics where I live are about $$60-$80 an hour I think, but if you went into Charlotte you'd probably be looking at $100. an hour or more. That is a lot of money for the amount of work involved in changing the belt/water pump. Both can be done easily in half a day.

 

[juggalo]

The timing belt tensioner and the water pump are all part of the water pump?????

yup, it's spring loaded, rotate the belt a little and tighten the tensioner

 

[BroncoJack]

Thanks for all of your help and insight, guys. I'll give you an update on the final bill when I pick it up tomorrow...

 

[BroncoJack]

Final Bill Summary:

Timing Belt Kit (Includes Belt/Pulleys) 87.40
Water Pump 89.40
Alternator Belt 10.95
Surpentine Belt 38.40
SHOP Fee 38.37
Labor 323.00
Tax 21.82

Total $609.34

The shop charge was for the diagnostic and a few other little things they did (fixed the brake dash light and checked the AC)

This post is FYI only and not to complain about pricing. I realize that I could have done the job cheaper myself but it was not possible to take a sick/vacation day to get it done. Thanks again to those who replied to my post. Great forum, solid info from the participating members and I appreciate the timeliness of all replies. Since this car is going to my 15yr old, we will be doing many more upgrades and changes in the future and look forward to using FEOA as our main resource.

 

[juggalo]

no need for an alternator belt if u have power steering and a/c cuz they run off of a serpentine belt

 

[Macgyver4]

yeah, I'd ask for a refund on the alternator belt since our cars don't have one... as stated above, serpentine belt drives the alternator.