Quick Parts Check

[QurazyQuisp]

I'm about due for a new timing belt, and this will be the first time I've ever replaced one. (However, my dad will be around when I do it and he has done it several times)

I have a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 (Zetec 2.0 DOHC Engine)

This is the parts list I have so far, am I missing anything?

- 1 Goodyear Gatorback Serpentine belt (Chosen as my car has a different UD pulley, therefore a different sized serpentine belt)
- 1 Bosch Water Pump
- 1 Water Pump Gasket
- 1 Gates Thermostat
- 1 Thermostat Seal
- 1 ACDelco Belt Kit ( 1 Timing Belt, 1 Tensioner, 2 Idler Pulleys)

With the thermostat, the normal is 195 degree, however, 180 are available. Are there any advantages to running at a lower temp? Also, There are both the Regular and Premium thermostats. What's the difference? (Besides cost which is about ~$2)

 

[bruceb]

Don't forget Front Cover and Valve Cover Gaskets

 

[T2urtle]

in some cases and climate a t-stat degree change can cause idle issues, MPG to go up or down, due to longer warm up time. they give you a lower t-stat to cool your car more, for hot climates. being in MI, i would say get the stock one. now if your in AZ, TX, FL i can see going 180, 175 maybe. but around our areas just stick with the 195. thats how it can and no reason to change it.

these cases of the t-stat overcool and getting low MPG are often rare but it has been stated a couple of times, i've heard people getting 175 when they have 210 OEM one and the car never reached normal operating temp at 185, i don't remember what exactly happen but the owner was a tard who thought because he goes to the drag strip once a year he needed to cool it more.

 

[QurazyQuisp]

Originally posted by: bruceb
Don't forget Front Cover and Valve Cover Gaskets

I just replaced the valve cover gasket this past winter, it's known to become brittle on the Zetec engine and leak a teaspoon of oil every 2 weeks or so. (Right on to the exhaust headers)

 

[bruceb]

It was suggested since you may need to remove the valve cover on some cars to do the timing belt.
Same with the engine front cover gasket ... that usually comes off to do the job.

 

[exdeath]

Depending on mileage (100k+) it would be a good idea to get a front seal kit (front main seal, oil pump seal, and cam seal) and think about any tensionor and idler pulleys under the timing cover. It's only a few $ more and all that stuff only takes a few seconds to replace once it's all opened up anyway.

You can generally get a "timing cover kit" that has all wear and tear parts (belt, seals, tensionor, sprockets and/or guides if they are plastic, idler bearings, cover gasket, etc); eg. everything under the front cover in one package.

Those extra pieces shouldn't be more than $75 or so, and last thing you want is to have to pull the front end of the car apart again for an oil leak or squealing tensionor 5k miles after a new timing belt.

No reason to go with a a lower temp thermostat unless you have a specific reason for it (eg. hot climate and over heating). You want the engine to run as hot as possible without overheating for maximum efficiency and optimal wear.

 

[Blunc]

I'm not seeing antifreeze in your parts list.

agree with exdeath about thermostat, stick with what you have.