How often should you get engine belts replaced and what belts need to be replaced?

* V-Belts (older cars) are cheap $3-10. Even cheaper if you buy more from on-line sites like Amazon.com or WalMart
* Timing belts a lot more $25-40. But the problem is not the belt but the labor needed to replace the belt. Like a Head gasket for $5 but +150 labor to replace (remove engine components and remove, clean head)
* Chain timing belts and internal timing bells are more along with the added precision labor (it's inside the engine block)
* What caused the belt to snap? Worn belts can probably be replaced as simple wear and tear. New broken belt is cause to check for engine lock up, broken parts, Heavy part (from road) damaged under carrage. Need to have a mechanic check.
* Be safe. Have a qualified Auto Mechanic check and service your car.
* Check your warranty. Call for service.
Aloha, ukeboy57

For California models recommended at 105,000 miles.Belt needs to be inspected at 60,000 and 90,000, miles and replace at 105,000 miles.
Except California replace at 60,000 miles. Note 1.8L engine is a interference engine, if timing belt goes bad will cause major internal engine damage.

Timing belt maintenance is extremely important! All Neon models utilize an interference-type, non-free-wheeling engine. If the timing belt breaks, the valves in the cylinder head may strike the pistons, causing potentially serious (also time-consuming and expensive) engine damage. The recommended replacement interval for the timing belt is 102,000 miles (163,000km), or sooner.

The interval for replacement is 60,000 miles on that model.
If you do not know the last time it was changed, it would be a good idea to do it so you do not risk getting stranded.

The engine is NOT an interference engine, so the engine will not be damaged if the belt breaks; you will just need a tow truck to get it somewhere to install a new belt.

Zero tolerance means the valves may have hit the piston when the timing belt broke. I would suggest doing a cylinder leakage test to see if the valves are bent or not. If the valves are not bent then you can replace the belt and everything will be ok. If there are bent valves then the cylinder heads will need to be removed and repaired.

How to replace engine belt 1999 ford escort

2.0L Engines
See Figures 11, 12 and 13
The accessory drive belt for 2.0L engines has no provision for manual belt adjustment, since these engines use an automatic belt tensioner. Drive belt slack is taken up by the automatic tensioner.
Movement of the automatic tensioner assembly during engine operation is not a sign of a malfunctioning tensioner. This movement is the tensioner self-adjusting and is required to maintain constant belt tension.
The belt tensioner has a belt length indicator. If the indicator marks are not between the MIN and MAX marks, the belt must be replaced.
Fig. 11: Drive belt routing-2.0L SOHC engine with A/C Fig. 12: Drive belt routing-2.0L SOHC engine without A/C Fig. 13: Drive belt routing-2.0L DOHC engine

2.0L Engines
See Figures 11, 12 and 13
The accessory drive belt for 2.0L engines has no provision for manual belt adjustment, since these engines use an automatic belt tensioner. Drive belt slack is taken up by the automatic tensioner.
Movement of the automatic tensioner assembly during engine operation is not a sign of a malfunctioning tensioner. This movement is the tensioner self-adjusting and is required to maintain constant belt tension.
The belt tensioner has a belt length indicator. If the indicator marks are not between the MIN and MAX marks, the belt must be replaced.
Fig. 11: Drive belt routing-2.0L SOHC engine with A/C Fig. 12: Drive belt routing-2.0L SOHC engine without A/C Fig. 13: Drive belt routing-2.0L DOHC engine