I did a Fiesta ST Timing Belt, Here are my observations (and problems)

[rallyrabbit]

Parts Needed:

• Timing Tool Kit with all pins and flywheel lockout via starter
• Right Axle Bear Clamp (YS4Z-3N324-AA)
• Crankshaft Bolt (BE8Z-6A340-A)
• Timing Belt (BE8Z-6268-C)
• Timing Belt Tensioner (BM5Z-6K254-A)
• Water Pump (7S7Z-8501-C) and gasket

Recommended to change while in there:

• Right Motor Mount
• Serpentine Belt
• Serpentine Idler Pulley

Parts I thought I needed but did not:

• Thermostat (it's on the other side of the engine)
• Valve cover gasket

First observations. I have 6 hours in:

1. Getting the starter out was NOT easy or by the book. It is cramped, there are nuts that come off and could fall into the bell housing. TERRIBLE DESIGN
2. Getting everything off was lengthy but not hard.
3. Be prepared to break clips and clamps at 125,000+ miles
4. The toolset sucks to use. A pin in the block? And a flywheel hold? And a vibration dampener alignment all because you didn't want to key the crank pulley and vibration dampener. TERRIBLE DESIGN

Now the bad.

• I got the timing belt on. Tightened a brand new pulley bolt (90nm + 90 degrees +15 degrees) OMG
• Pulled the tools, rotated and it lined up. Rotated again and it lined up. Rotated again and it lined up.
• Put it all back together

Start the car. Idles high and throws a P0016 (Cam/Crank alignment is off). Which means, either the timing belt is off a tooth (which rotation by hand didn't show) OR the vibration dampener moved while installing. I look at the tool that holds it in place and.... IT'S BENT. It bent while torqueing this thing down. So I have a valid installed belt and a dampener I can't align.

This is the least serviceable design I have ever seen.

 

[ShakenCoffee]

Thanks for the info. If you had the funds to do so, would you rather take it to a shop to do it? I'll need to do mine next year (10 years old), and I've been debating. I've done a few timing belts before (on non-Ford cars), so I know I can do it, but it is the one job I absolutely despise doing on cars. On the other hand, I always feel wary of having someone else work on my car.

 

[Downsy]

I've done timing belts before on easier cars, like a 1st gen Miata. If what I'm finding for pricing to have the dealer do the job I'm probably just going to farm it out to them when my car turn 10 next year.

 

[rallytaff]

That's one of the reasons I took mine to the dealership. The mechanic there has over 20yrs experience building engines and mine runs perfectly. I'd rather pay to have it done correctly by a qualified mechanic. It was costly, but being retired I'd rather spend the money and have it done properly.

 

[rallyrabbit]

I don't know, I was so disgusted this morning that I was about to take it to a shop. The dealership wanted $2000 for it and local shops were just below that (and I trust them less than I trust myself).

I have halfway through the teardown and re-time it and put it back together. Either way, I have to wait til next week to get a new stretch bolt and c-clamp for the half shaft since they are one time use after stretched. Thing is, turning by hand is showing the timing belt is lined up, so, IMO, this has to be the harmonic balancer pulley that's not lined up with the crank sensor properly.

My gosh y'all, this is a JOB. I've done this on numerous VWs and Honda since the mid-90s and this is by far the most complicated, risky, and time consuming a timing belt job that I've ever seen.

BUT, I can say this, taking the timing belt off. I'm at 9 years/125k miles; and the original belt did not look great but it wasn't compromised yet. And the water pump was developing some play in it. 150k miles for this job in the cars feels way too much given what I saw.

 

[Downsy]

BUT, I can say this, taking the timing belt off. I'm at 9 years/125k miles; and the original belt did not look great but it wasn't compromised yet. And the water pump was developing some play in it. 150k miles for this job in the cars feels way too much given what I saw.

This makes me feel better about having it done next year.