How does the timing tensioner work on a 1996 ford escort

note the fuse. voltage to and from stop lamp switch.

Arrows point to timing marks in correct position.

Maybe this forum will help. It has photos too.
http://www.carforum.net/general-automotive-discussion/2120-how-change-timing-1997-1998-ford-escort.html

hi Paul.
see if this link helps to find out why.
1998 ford escort zx2 serpentine belt keeps slipping off Google Search

Click on the following free, direct LinkS. It has all the Timing Belt Diagrams you will need, complete with Instructional and Directional Diagrams to set your Timing.
To my knowledge the 1997 Ford Escort only had a 2.0L not a 1.8L.
The 1996 had available the 1.8L and 1.9L. I could be mistaken - my apology.
In any case:
The 1st Link is for the 1996 Ford Escort 1.8L
The 2nd Link is for the 1997 Ford Escort 2.0L
Compare/use.

Let me know if this helped or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1996/make/ford/model/escort/1996_ford_escort_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1997/make/ford/model/escort/1997_ford_escort_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

Only thing to know really is when you're retensioning the new belt is adjust the tensioner so you have about an inch of movement on the longest run between pulleys. Any tighter and you put too much strain on the bearings any looser it will squeal. If it does squeal just tension it a little more til it stops. Might need tensioning again after a few miles because it will stretch a bit.

This can be caused by not tensioning the belt corectly.When fitting a new belt you should allways replace the tensioner,and make sure the water pump pulley is in good working order.Its always wise to get your timming belt from the dealer.as others are nown to be faulty.Fit new belt follow manuel when doing so.good luck

If your replacing the timing belt you should also be replacing the water pump. Just easier to replace both at the same time. The timing belt tensioner is part of the water pump case. Go to the auto parts store and ask to see a water pump for your engine. New ones come with the tensioner installed. Rebuilt pumps usually have to have one installed. Check out ebay item 220332480595. Nice photo of what you need to know. Good luck.

Take the plug out of #1 and bring the piston to top dead center,then you can look at the cam to see if it on the power storoke all valves should be closed and the cam lobes off of the lifters,once you get it to this point you should be able to see the timing marks to do the fine tuning. Make sure when you put the belt back on you do not over tension it, as well install the belt on the cam first and work your way clockwise so that ALL of the slack is at your tensioner, this will prevent the timing marks from being a half tooth off.With a socket on the crank pulley bolt roll the crank two full revolutions and check your timing marks and belt tension again.

replace tensioner as recommended when timing belt is changed