YACT: 98 Ford Contour

[amdskip]

98 Ford Contour, 98k miles

Problem: driving the car in town today at about 20 mph it just dies, didn't seem to stutter and I don't believe it made any noise (gf had the radio turned up, her car btw).

I pulled a plug and it is getting spark. I think the timing belt broke but I didn't have the time/garage to rip into it today. It turns over but its a constant sound and I think it is turning over easier but I am not certain. I stuck a broom handle down in the head to see if I could get any air out of the cylinder while turning it over and I couldn't get any that I could detect which leads me to believe the belt is broken.

Does a Ford bend the valves when a belt breaks? How much would you ballpark labor at?

 

[Kaieye]

zetec 4 cyl?

 

[thomsbrain]

is it getting fuel?

 

[amdskip]

I'm not sure what motor, it is a 4 cyl. 3 of the plugs were coated in excess amounts of oil when they were pulled and 1 was normal looking. I don't think this is a good sign either.

I'm not sure on the fuel delivery, there is supposedly a pressure release valve for the fuel somewhere near the fuel rail but I could not find it today.

 

[amdskip]

bump for day crew

 

[iamwiz82]

The I4 is a non-interference engine, though I have heard stories of people bending valves. Seems like there are quite a few mentions on Google Groups.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Quick search shows that the 2.0ltr is a non-interference motor. Replace the belt and re-time it and it should be ok.