Hi,

My inlaws 2001 Focus has just snapped the timing belt. Its a 2.0l zetec. I have not had a chance to look yet but was wondering if this is an interference engine or not. I am wondering basically what the chances of bent valves are.
Is it a new head job or will I get away with just a belt?

Cheers

Steve

As far as i know the zetec is not valve safe, then again some people can get lucky.

My 2001 1.8 engine has no timing belt on and rotates 360 with no valve contact, but there's 3 or 4 mm more lift on the 2.0 cams.
The way you set the timing on Zetec's, is to loosen the pulleys, lock the cams, and rotate the crank, when on time lock the crank and tighten the pulleys, so you might be lucky, unless of course the cams are locked with non fully open.
Rgds.
Pete.

Suspect you may be unlucky but fit a belt and try it.

My 1800 Zetec (51 plate, 77k miles) had cam belt issues Jan before last. Actaully, it wasnt the belt but the idler/tensioning pulley that disintergrated. Ford told me no need to look at the belt till at least 80k, bloke in the local garage agreed, but said " the bits around it will always go first and get it checked every 30k " Luckily i was sat at traffic lights when it went so little damage done.

I had to have 2 valves replaced, 3 valve guides, the works. Cost about £1300 Personally I would get it looked at properly before just putting a new belt on it.

My 2p deposited

Usually somwhere between 4 to 8 damaged valves -- possible guide damage. Pistons and combustion chamber usually undamaged.

As per British trident above.

Get another engine - much easier and just change the belt on that before fitting.

You could probably get one from a scrapyard for £200ish + £250ish to fit and then £200ish for full service and belt change.

Unless you do the job yourself - then a whole lot cheaper!

Make sure they replace the stem seals as well - they do get smokey

If you are doing it yourself - just remember to squeeze up the tappets and get every bit of oil out of them...

M

Thanks for all the replies guys.


Going to do the work myself, hopefully


Thanks

Steve