I am somewhat mechanically inclined... I know I need to support the motor and remove the motor mount which I think all I need to do is remove 2 bolts attached to back of motor and the long bolt that runs through the rubber bushing attached to the frame... (hope that is correct).. My biggest concern is if I am working on it by myself, when I line up the timing sprockets, how do I determine top dead center for the number one cylinder? I know how to line up the crankshaft pulley according to the teeth and the vr sensor, after that I am a bit lost on finding top dead center for the number one cylinder. I have changed timing belts before but not if they had broke while running, I would would just make sure I didn't move any of the pulleys when replacing... This belt broke while running and I am concerned that I may not be able to line it all up...any advice will be helpful-Thanks-LeeDo I have the ability to fix broken timing belt on a 1994 escort (1.9 motor)?As far as telling if you are at TDC on the end of the compression stroke/beginning of the power stroke, besides lining up the timing marks, you have to make sure that both valves for the #1 cylinder are completely closed. If it were on the end of the exhaust stroke/beginning of the intake stroke, at least one if not both of the valves would be slightly open.
Here's a diagram to help with locating the marks;
http://repairguide.autozone.com/znetrgs/
And I would recommend a new water pump, unless you are sure it has been replaced recently. Also a new tensioner.
As far as the interference fit issue, you're in luck there. The 1.9L is not an interference fit engine. That was the 1.6L SOHC in earlier Escorts that were a big shock to their owners wallets, back in the day.Do I have the ability to fix broken timing belt on a 1994 escort (1.9 motor)?Go to your favorite home depot type store, and buy a very long, thin wooden dowel. Take out the spark plug from the #1 cyl (all of them if you don't want to fight the engine compression). Put the dowel in there. Now when you're rotating the engine you can see the position of the piston by the motion of the dowel.
Now, some engines have matchmarks for TDC. Not having done a timing belt on your particular engine I'm not sure what the matchmarks look like. And they also may be covered in grime and general engine crap. If you can find them (usually small dimples on the pulleys), line them up with the %26quot;zero%26quot; (or another dimple) on the block. This is a lot easier than the dowel method, but finding the matchmarks can be a real PITA on a dirty engine.Do I have the ability to fix broken timing belt on a 1994 escort (1.9 motor)?Well, I would not bother to repair broken timing belt.Sad to tell you but when your timing belt break while running the car the inside motor has broken down meaning a new motor. SorryDo I have the ability to fix broken timing belt on a 1994 escort (1.9 motor)?You need to find out if you have an interference motor before you do anything. Call the dealer. If it is an interference motor you will have bent valves and need a valve job which requires removing the cylinder head.
If you don't have an interference motor, just set the crankshaft pulley to the TDC mark. Then align the camshaft timing mark. Check all the pulleys to see if they feel dry by spinning them by hand. Replace them if they make noise or don't feel smooth when spun. Check for leakage at the water pump, you might consider replacing it if you have over 80,000 miles on the motor.Do I have the ability to fix broken timing belt on a 1994 escort (1.9 motor)?Why did you wait so long???? These are an interference fit engine. Ordinarily, a few hand tools and a Haynes manual would have gotten you through this cheaply. Or ALLDATA data base found in many libraries. If you are lucky, you didn't bend a valve. If you are UN-lucky, you will have to remove the head and have a new valve or two installed.
