JohnMitchell 16 #1 September 10, 2013 How many miles does it take to wear out the timing belt on a Ford Escort? Appears the answer is 230,935. On the way home from the DZ tonight my little econo car just quit and refused to run anymore. I'm pretty sure it's the timing belt but I could be wrong. Luckily Vskydiver was about 15 minutes away and came to get me. I'll return with a tow truck tomorrow and get it home. Too busy to fix it now so I'll just park it and drive the van for awhile. Can't complain too much. It was a beautiful evening after making some jumps with friends. That car has saved me so much $$$ over the years I could junk it tomorrow and still have gotten my money's worth. First world problems, right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airtwardo 7 #2 September 10, 2013 Fix Or Repair Daily! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Heatmiser 0 #3 September 10, 2013 F*@ked over rebuilt dodge... What you say is reflective of your knowledge...HOW ya say it is reflective of your experience. Airtwardo Someone's going to be spanked! Hopefully, it will be me. Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NewGuy2005 53 #4 September 10, 2013 I had a '91 Escort. One of the best cars ever made. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites normiss 871 #5 September 10, 2013 First On Race Day. Is this the Mazda 323 version? Or a real Ford? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nataly 38 #6 September 10, 2013 I was always told it was Fucking Owner Real Dumb "There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtiflyer 0 #7 September 10, 2013 why scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites normiss 871 #8 September 10, 2013 Wonder how Fiat is doing in their negotiations to manufacture the Jeep line in China.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Squeak 17 #9 September 10, 2013 jtiflyerwhy scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. He made no mention of scraping thr carYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnMitchell 16 #10 September 10, 2013 Squeak ***why scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. He made no mention of scraping thr car I did say I "could" junk it, but not likely. Think I'll tow it home and fix it next month when I have some more time. Or sell it as a mechanic's special. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites normiss 871 #11 September 10, 2013 Unless the valve train jumped, shouldn't be a big repair. I admire folks that drive the wheels off! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airdvr 210 #12 September 10, 2013 jtiflyerwhy scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. Those might be interference motors, which means without the timing belt the valves made contact with the tops of the pistons. Still, 233K on a timing belt is amazing. I think the service interval is like 80K. 168K on my Trailblazer. Plan is to drive it until the wheels fall off.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnMitchell 16 #13 September 10, 2013 normiss Unless the valve train jumped, shouldn't be a big repair. I admire folks that drive the wheels off! I'm pretty sure that engine was designed with adequate valve relief. I cranked it several times and and heard no thunking or clattering. I agree about getting your money's worth out of 'em. I call my little Escort "a car only an accountant could love." My cost basis per mile is squat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Rick 67 #14 September 10, 2013 airdvr ***why scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. Those might be interference motors, which means without the timing belt the valves made contact with the tops of the pistons. Still, 233K on a timing belt is amazing. I think the service interval is like 80K. 168K on my Trailblazer. Plan is to drive it until the wheels fall off. I put almost 300k on the escort we had years ago and I think my timing belt went out at 85k without trashing any valves. After that I replaced it every 85k. Mitsubishi Diamonte lost the timing belt trashed several You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skypuppy 1 #15 September 10, 2013 *** JohnMitchell How many miles does it take to wear out the timing belt on a Ford Escort? Appears the answer is 230,935. On the way home from the DZ tonight my little econo car just quit and refused to run anymore. I'm pretty sure it's the timing belt but I could be wrong. Luckily Vskydiver was about 15 minutes away and came to get me. I'll return with a tow truck tomorrow and get it home. Too busy to fix it now so I'll just park it and drive the van for awhile. Can't complain too much. It was a beautiful evening after making some jumps with friends. That car has saved me so much $$$ over the years I could junk it tomorrow and still have gotten my money's worth. First world problems, right? We just replaced the wife's honda civic at 450,000 km (the whole car, not the timing belt). Her brother's a mechanic, so he had changed the timing belt at the recommended interval - he said it WOULD trash the motor if it went. The Honda Civics are made in alliston, about 40 minutes drive from here. The new one, essentially the same car but a 2013 instead of a 2006, was actually a few grand cheaper than the old one. Unfortunately they've tightened up the rules on who can buy parts at the plant - I used to have some buddies who could get me parts real cheap, but now they require them to show the serial numbers and ownerships of the cars to buy parts. My other vehicle is a Ford Ranger. I don't consider myself dumb, natalie. But others have wondered...If some old guy can do it then obviously it can't be very extreme. Otherwise he'd already be dead. Bruce McConkey 'I thought we were gonna die, and I couldn't think of anyone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites normiss 871 #16 September 10, 2013 Your Ranger is a Mazda. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites NewGuy2005 53 #17 September 10, 2013 normiss Your Ranger is a Mazda. That's true, and my '91 Escort was also made by Mazda. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnMitchell 16 #18 September 11, 2013 airdvr Those might be interference motors, which means without the timing belt the valves made contact with the tops of the pistons. Still, 233K on a timing belt is amazing. I think the service interval is like 80K. I bought the Escort brand new in '97. When I hit 100K, I searched the manual in vain trying to find the replacement interval for the timing belt. When I called the dealer they said there WAS no recommended interval, but I could come in and have it done if I wanted to. Quote 168K on my Trailblazer. Plan is to drive it until the wheels fall off. What, you like to have money left over for skydiving? Me too. I figure my cheap little Escort has saved me gazilliions of $$$$. It could always carry two rigs and my favorite blonde skydiver to the DZ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mx757 4 #19 September 12, 2013 John, when you look in mirrow as Val picked you up... it says DROF Driver Returns On Foot... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnMitchell 16 #20 September 12, 2013 mx757 John, when you look in mirrow as Val picked you up... it says DROF Driver Returns On Foot... yeah, pretty much. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites councilman24 37 #21 September 13, 2013 Not so rare. At least one of may three mazda's over the last 29 years had one. Luckily the one that broke didn't. But one family had two that ate the engines. Can't think of the make/model but was a fairly common/popular car.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites funjumper101 15 #22 September 13, 2013 The timing belt on that car is a scheduled replacement item. The interval for scheduled replacement is 90,000 miles. The motor is a non-interference, IE, the valves won't hit the pistons if the timing belt breaks. There are two ways to handle vehicle maintenance. One is to do all of the maintenance on schedule. The other is to runs it until it breaks, then fix it. PM is always cheaper that unscheduled breakdowns/repairs. I am happy to hear that you did not put yourself or anyone else at risk when the car stopped running unexpectedly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites BillyVance 35 #23 September 15, 2013 I had a '93 Ford Mustang hatchback that I sold to a friend at about 85K miles. He and his wife ran that sucker up to 298K miles before the engine gave out. We had a '96 Mazda Protege that we ran up to 221K miles before giving it to a needy young single mom, who then wrecked it at 229K. My 2001 Toyota Tundra is sitting now at 203K miles and I've had it since it was brand new. I hope to run it up to 300K. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airtwardo 7 #24 September 15, 2013 We bought a 2000 Explorer new...it went 7200 miles before throwing a rod through the block. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JohnMitchell 16 #25 September 16, 2013 funjumper101 The timing belt on that car is a scheduled replacement item. The interval for scheduled replacement is 90,000 miles. Funny the service writer didn't tell me that when I called years ago. Thanks for the info and I'll watch that in the future. Quote There are two ways to handle vehicle maintenance. One is to do all of the maintenance on schedule. The other is to runs it until it breaks, then fix it. PM is always cheaper that unscheduled breakdowns/repairs. Dunno, I got 2.5 times as far on one belt, and I have free towing!Actually you're correct. If I could have done it myself on my own time, I'd be $$ ahead. Quote I am happy to hear that you did not put yourself or anyone else at risk when the car stopped running unexpectedly. Good point. Years of driving British sports cars made me expert at getting off the road when things go to $hit. Kind of like being good at your emergency procedures. BTW, I picked the car up Friday, new timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, radiator cap and coolant "topped off." Saturday, driving on the highway to the DZ to teach the FJC, it pegged the heat gauge. I pulled over, called the Dzo to come get me. The engine appeared fairly hot, the top of the radiator, warm to the touch. Sounds like a bad pump or blockage? I had it towed back to the shop. I'll see what's going on tomorrow. 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airtwardo 7 #2 September 10, 2013 Fix Or Repair Daily! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heatmiser 0 #3 September 10, 2013 F*@ked over rebuilt dodge... What you say is reflective of your knowledge...HOW ya say it is reflective of your experience. Airtwardo Someone's going to be spanked! Hopefully, it will be me. Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewGuy2005 53 #4 September 10, 2013 I had a '91 Escort. One of the best cars ever made. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 871 #5 September 10, 2013 First On Race Day. Is this the Mazda 323 version? Or a real Ford? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nataly 38 #6 September 10, 2013 I was always told it was Fucking Owner Real Dumb "There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtiflyer 0 #7 September 10, 2013 why scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 871 #8 September 10, 2013 Wonder how Fiat is doing in their negotiations to manufacture the Jeep line in China.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #9 September 10, 2013 jtiflyerwhy scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. He made no mention of scraping thr carYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #10 September 10, 2013 Squeak ***why scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. He made no mention of scraping thr car I did say I "could" junk it, but not likely. Think I'll tow it home and fix it next month when I have some more time. Or sell it as a mechanic's special. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 871 #11 September 10, 2013 Unless the valve train jumped, shouldn't be a big repair. I admire folks that drive the wheels off! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #12 September 10, 2013 jtiflyerwhy scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. Those might be interference motors, which means without the timing belt the valves made contact with the tops of the pistons. Still, 233K on a timing belt is amazing. I think the service interval is like 80K. 168K on my Trailblazer. Plan is to drive it until the wheels fall off.Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #13 September 10, 2013 normiss Unless the valve train jumped, shouldn't be a big repair. I admire folks that drive the wheels off! I'm pretty sure that engine was designed with adequate valve relief. I cranked it several times and and heard no thunking or clattering. I agree about getting your money's worth out of 'em. I call my little Escort "a car only an accountant could love." My cost basis per mile is squat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick 67 #14 September 10, 2013 airdvr ***why scrap the car if you love it so much? Timing belts do have a service interval so they are replaceable. Those might be interference motors, which means without the timing belt the valves made contact with the tops of the pistons. Still, 233K on a timing belt is amazing. I think the service interval is like 80K. 168K on my Trailblazer. Plan is to drive it until the wheels fall off. I put almost 300k on the escort we had years ago and I think my timing belt went out at 85k without trashing any valves. After that I replaced it every 85k. Mitsubishi Diamonte lost the timing belt trashed several You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skypuppy 1 #15 September 10, 2013 *** JohnMitchell How many miles does it take to wear out the timing belt on a Ford Escort? Appears the answer is 230,935. On the way home from the DZ tonight my little econo car just quit and refused to run anymore. I'm pretty sure it's the timing belt but I could be wrong. Luckily Vskydiver was about 15 minutes away and came to get me. I'll return with a tow truck tomorrow and get it home. Too busy to fix it now so I'll just park it and drive the van for awhile. Can't complain too much. It was a beautiful evening after making some jumps with friends. That car has saved me so much $$$ over the years I could junk it tomorrow and still have gotten my money's worth. First world problems, right? We just replaced the wife's honda civic at 450,000 km (the whole car, not the timing belt). Her brother's a mechanic, so he had changed the timing belt at the recommended interval - he said it WOULD trash the motor if it went. The Honda Civics are made in alliston, about 40 minutes drive from here. The new one, essentially the same car but a 2013 instead of a 2006, was actually a few grand cheaper than the old one. Unfortunately they've tightened up the rules on who can buy parts at the plant - I used to have some buddies who could get me parts real cheap, but now they require them to show the serial numbers and ownerships of the cars to buy parts. My other vehicle is a Ford Ranger. I don't consider myself dumb, natalie. But others have wondered...If some old guy can do it then obviously it can't be very extreme. Otherwise he'd already be dead. Bruce McConkey 'I thought we were gonna die, and I couldn't think of anyone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 871 #16 September 10, 2013 Your Ranger is a Mazda. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewGuy2005 53 #17 September 10, 2013 normiss Your Ranger is a Mazda. That's true, and my '91 Escort was also made by Mazda. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #18 September 11, 2013 airdvr Those might be interference motors, which means without the timing belt the valves made contact with the tops of the pistons. Still, 233K on a timing belt is amazing. I think the service interval is like 80K. I bought the Escort brand new in '97. When I hit 100K, I searched the manual in vain trying to find the replacement interval for the timing belt. When I called the dealer they said there WAS no recommended interval, but I could come in and have it done if I wanted to. Quote 168K on my Trailblazer. Plan is to drive it until the wheels fall off. What, you like to have money left over for skydiving? Me too. I figure my cheap little Escort has saved me gazilliions of $$$$. It could always carry two rigs and my favorite blonde skydiver to the DZ. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mx757 4 #19 September 12, 2013 John, when you look in mirrow as Val picked you up... it says DROF Driver Returns On Foot... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #20 September 12, 2013 mx757 John, when you look in mirrow as Val picked you up... it says DROF Driver Returns On Foot... yeah, pretty much. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #21 September 13, 2013 Not so rare. At least one of may three mazda's over the last 29 years had one. Luckily the one that broke didn't. But one family had two that ate the engines. Can't think of the make/model but was a fairly common/popular car.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
funjumper101 15 #22 September 13, 2013 The timing belt on that car is a scheduled replacement item. The interval for scheduled replacement is 90,000 miles. The motor is a non-interference, IE, the valves won't hit the pistons if the timing belt breaks. There are two ways to handle vehicle maintenance. One is to do all of the maintenance on schedule. The other is to runs it until it breaks, then fix it. PM is always cheaper that unscheduled breakdowns/repairs. I am happy to hear that you did not put yourself or anyone else at risk when the car stopped running unexpectedly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #23 September 15, 2013 I had a '93 Ford Mustang hatchback that I sold to a friend at about 85K miles. He and his wife ran that sucker up to 298K miles before the engine gave out. We had a '96 Mazda Protege that we ran up to 221K miles before giving it to a needy young single mom, who then wrecked it at 229K. My 2001 Toyota Tundra is sitting now at 203K miles and I've had it since it was brand new. I hope to run it up to 300K. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #24 September 15, 2013 We bought a 2000 Explorer new...it went 7200 miles before throwing a rod through the block. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #25 September 16, 2013 funjumper101 The timing belt on that car is a scheduled replacement item. The interval for scheduled replacement is 90,000 miles. Funny the service writer didn't tell me that when I called years ago. Thanks for the info and I'll watch that in the future. Quote There are two ways to handle vehicle maintenance. One is to do all of the maintenance on schedule. The other is to runs it until it breaks, then fix it. PM is always cheaper that unscheduled breakdowns/repairs. Dunno, I got 2.5 times as far on one belt, and I have free towing!Actually you're correct. If I could have done it myself on my own time, I'd be $$ ahead. Quote I am happy to hear that you did not put yourself or anyone else at risk when the car stopped running unexpectedly. Good point. Years of driving British sports cars made me expert at getting off the road when things go to $hit. Kind of like being good at your emergency procedures. BTW, I picked the car up Friday, new timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, radiator cap and coolant "topped off." Saturday, driving on the highway to the DZ to teach the FJC, it pegged the heat gauge. I pulled over, called the Dzo to come get me. The engine appeared fairly hot, the top of the radiator, warm to the touch. Sounds like a bad pump or blockage? I had it towed back to the shop. I'll see what's going on tomorrow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
