I've got 73,000 miles on my 95 Escort LX 1.9L. I was thinking of replacing the timing belt in advance before it snaps. Seems like most of them last somewhere in the 70k to 100k mile range. Or should I just wait?

Anyway, I've heard suggestions about replacing other parts at the same time as the timing belt. Such as the timing belt tensioner, water pump, fan clutch.

Also how big a job (time/degree of difficulty) is this for the weekend mechanic?

Comments/suggestions?
TIA

My 93 1.9L timing belt broke at 140k miles. No damage is done in this engine when it breaks, so I didn't worry about it.

Thanks for the reply. 140k is the highest I've heard for the timing belt, thats encouraging.

I was pretty certain this was not an interference design, and it wouldn't cause any damage when it breaks. But being stranded out on the road, and having to get it towed can be a hassle and expense as well. Maybe I'll see if I can squeeze a few more miles out of it.

replace the water pump while your in there, my pump started
leaking 6 months after i put the new timing belt on it. Also check
the hoses as well, if there in poor condition now is the time to
change them too.

replace the water pump while your in there, my pump started
leaking 6 months after i put the new timing belt on it. Also check
the hoses as well, if there in poor condition now is the time to
change them too.

Thanks for your opinion. I'm going to try and hold out a few more miles. But when I do the belt I'll probably do the water pump at the same time. Saves having to rip the whole thing apart again.

My timing belt went out at 100k, on my 96 Escort LX 1.9L.

It took me most of a day to replace it, since it was my first time, and I wasn't sure what I was doing.

The black cover is not easy to get off, but it is possible.

I regret not doing the water pump. I'm thinking about replacing it now. I'm guessing it will take half the time to get to the timing belt as last time.

My timing belt broke on the freeway going to work. It would be a good idea to replace it in advance.

I also replace the accessory/drive belt at the same time. It is not difficult.

I would'nt replace the water pump just change the gasket if you really want to. If it isent broken dont replace it. Spend your monney on something else.

it's wise to change the pump with the belt...it's not an expensive part...mine was 26.00 bucks at autozone (lifetime warranty)...if ya' tear it down to replace the gasket and ya' don't replace the pump, you'll most certainly regret it in the future...i'm not saying this because ford recomends it, i'm saying it because twice in the past, i've replaced a timing belt just to have the pump fail within a couple of months.

My 96 LX broke at 70K. Tow to nearest repair shop $60, $400 to replace belt, water pump and antifreeze. It took 1 man 1.5 hrs.
WUZ I ripped off or WOT?

If you opt for the water pump, a new tensioner pulley is part of it.

Anyhoo, it's good that I observed the procedure. That made it much easier to understand my Haynes manual when I did my wife's 93 before it broke. The only extra part I opted for was the serpentine belt, because it didn't look great.

Oh yeah, there are two types of belts, rounded cogs and square cogs.
If the belt doesn't match the crank and cam pulleys, it will get chewed up.

If you do the water pump get a new lower hose while your at it because you may have to cut the old one off the water pump. There's not much room and they are a bear to get off. Also, ditch the spring and get clamp.