Ford Escort Problems (uk)?

Question

Hello I own a P Reg 1.6 i 16v escort with a zetec engine and I have a couple of queries. First of all the car is at 117000 miles and is running sweet. I had the timing belt and the fan belt changed when I first bought the vehicle and at the time the car had done 65000 miles I was told at the time that the timing belt does not need changing for another 80,000 miles however I have looked in a Haynes Manual and according to Haynes it will need changing after 60,000 miles. My question is which one is right 60,000 or 80,000? Also my next question is how often should I change my spark plug leads? I have been told every time I change my plugs is this right? As I change my plugs twice a year. Any help or advice that anyone can give me will me much appreciated

Answer 1

I think the coorrect interval is 60,000. Also best to be sure, changing early might save the £1000 bill of repairs if the belt snaps.

I usually change my spark leads annually, but others change them everytime they do the plugs. More of a personal preference thing I guess.

Answer 2

Hi the correct interval for the cam belt is 60000 mile or 5 years interval but if the engine as done 117000 mile you are advice to put a cam belt kit on which includes the jockey and adjuster pulley because the pulley are liable to go causing the same damage as if the belt went and for the extra £40 it is not worth the risk
As for the plug leads if you do not damage them when you take them of the plugs and there is no cracks etc why replace them they do not wear out and the first sign of any thing wrong with the leads would be a miss on starting up on a damp/wet morning and with all the rain we have had if that does not happen its safe to say yours are in a serviceable condition

Answer 3

That timing belt some where between 60 and 80 K should be just fine. Is gas that bad in the UK? Or do you Drive that Much? I would think that you could go 40-50 k till you need to change those plugs...

Or how about checking the Ford Motor Co. Website there maybe a on line manual or other recommendations

Answer 4

I would change the cam belt at 60,000 to be sure. It is very expensive if it does go. I can't think of any cam belt that is good for 80,000. As for spark plugs and leads. why buy a set of plugs when all you have to do is to reset the spark plug gap if it has worn. as for the ht leads, don't change them as long as the car is running okay. I have had 120,000 out of the same Ht. leads.

Answer 5

Hi Tommy here ..I worked for Ford for 9 years.At 60,000 miles is the suggested belt replacement interval.It depends on how the vehicle is driven?If driven hard or easy .Spark plug leads should be replaced with plugs ,but not at twice a year. Try platinum plugs , you will love them ,they should last you an easy 50,000 miles,when changing your leads use dialectic gel at the end it should increase the life of your leads.

Answer 6

If you want to keep your car running sweet, if would be ideal to change your HT leads along with spark plug's (you don't really need to but it's better for the vehicle) and between 60 and 80,000 is fine but remember if it snaps your car wont run sweet for a long time!!! closer to 60,000 is better!!

have fun!!

Answer 7

60K is generally considered correct for changing the timing belt, and the expense of the damage caused if it doesn't get changed far outweighs the cost of not getting it done.

Plug leads nowadays are a fit and forget item and shouldn't normally need changing.

If they havn't been done in the time you've had the car it might be worthwhile having them done at the same time as the timing belt and then they should outlast the car.

Answer 8

Timing belt should be changed every 60 thousand . leads about every 20000 miles , never put of a timing belt change if it goes it normally means the cars a write of

Answer 9

from 03.1994 ford recomends 80.000 miles
and the tensioner should be replased as well.
normaly you bye a complete kit?
as far as the leads are conserned no you only replace if you have a problem with on or all of them.
but you will know that when the car starts to play up

Answer 10

It could still be a linkage problem. I had a 1977 VW Rabbit that was getting increasingly difficult to shift into 4th gear. Visions of bad synchros danced in my head but I decided to adjust the linkage instead. 10 minutes later, it shifted perfectly and never gave me another problem.