2001 Ford Escort ZX2 Timing Belt Service and Repair

Timing Drive Components-Timing Belt
NOTE: Ford does not provide camshaft gear timing marks, or information to perform timing belt service without the special tools shown in this procedure.
Removal
1. Grasp the spark plug boot firmly and with a twisting pulling motion, disconnect the spark plug wires from the spark plugs.
2. NOTE: If an original spark plug is reused, install it in the cylinder from which it was removed. New spark plugs can be used in any cylinder. NOTE: Use compressed air to remove any foreign material from the spark plug well before removing the spark plugs. Remove the spark plugs.
3. Remove the valve cover.
4. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
5. Remove the timing belt covers.
6. Remove the catalytic converter.
7. NOTE: Cylinder No. 1 is at top dead center (TDC) when the keyway is in the 12 o'clock position. Position cylinder No. 1 just prior to TDC.
8. Remove the stud bolt.
9. Install the timing peg.
10. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise against the timing peg.
11. CAUTION: If the crankshaft timing belt is to be reused, mark the direction of the camshaft timing belt to the rotation of the camshaft prior to removal, or premature wear or failure may occur. Relieve the tension on the timing belt tensioner pulley. Loosen the tensioner pulley bolt. Release the tension on the timing belt by disconnecting the tensioner tab from the timing cover back plate.
12. Remove and discard the timing belt. Slide the timing belt off the camshaft sprockets and the crankshaft sprocket.

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