1998 Ford Escort, ZX2, timing belt replacement question:?

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Homeless Snot

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Backyard mechanic replaced all parts including water pump and little things that go round holding the belt, etc. However, when he looked for the timing marks, he could not find anything. Checking with the dealer, they told him that the valve cover needed to come off and special tool, a lever and dowel set up was needed to adjust the timing. So two questions: 1. When the pully froze and the timeing belt stripped, is it likely that the zx2 valves were damaged and what should be done? 2. Is there another way to set the timing, such as bringing the number 1 cylinder to top dead center, etc? If so exactly what must I do? (sorry, that was three questions.) Please tell me your qualifications to answer these questions. Thanks, a mechanically challenged neighbor that you are always helping and making your wife mad.
 
You need the tool for the camshaft. Sorry. You might be able to get away with using some kind of metal straight edge though. There are slots on the rear of the camshafts. Make sure the dimple on the ends of the cam are facing up and try to stick something in there that will hold them in a straight line. The valves might be bent as well. The crankshaft marks are on the pulley. It is the second mark. There is a mark on the oil pan. Align that second mark with the mark on the oil pan. That is TDC for the number 1 cylinder. The keyway should be at 12 oclock too. Loosen the camshaft pulley bolts. The tool will hold the cams in place while you put your tension on the belt. The pulleys will freewheel on the camshafts. Once you get the belt installed with tension on it, move it back and forth to get the load spread evenly. Line up the timing mark on the crank and then once that is lined up, your cams will be in time with the crank. Torque down your camshaft bolts.
 
how do you set the timing on a98 ford zx2 after the belt has broken
 
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