[MIAjeff]

My '03 ZTS just passed the 200k mark. It isn't acting strange in any way, but my mechanic mentioned I should be thinking about replacing the timing belt... is there any reason why? Is this a good idea?

Thanks,

[SL8RZZX3]

yeah take the cover off and cheack it for cracks!!

has it ever been changed before? usually it's every 100K to change it

and it won't show signs by "acting up" it will just break and your motor will be done for

[Focus man. Focus.]

Not true Gord. The ZETEC is a non-interference engine. The belt can break, leave you stranded but still be ok for a new belt. While you are replacing the timing belt replace the water pump at the same time. It runs off the timing belt.

[MIAjeff]

I'll have a look at it tonight.

I bought the car with 145k on it about 3 yrs ago and they didn't mention anything about getting it replaced. Sounds like it might be a good idea then...

[SL8RZZX3]

D'oh i was thinking it was an SPI

[MIAjeff]

Funny story there... I had it in at the Ford dealer last summer for a new water pump, after they replaced it and put everything back together they decided I should replace the timing belt... and they were going to charge me $500 on top of what they just charged for the water pump/labour.... Gotta love the dealers....

So do you think I should get it replaced still?

[Frost__2001]

funny thing is at Colony Ford in Brampton they only charged me $320 for a water pump replacement, and mine was really really bad when I finally took it in for it. but yeah I did my timing belt last year at 220,000kms the thing about the Zetec motors is they can go a while before needing maintance, and when they need it trust me it can get up there...