so timing belt broke today

[merlin]

Live in Scotland UK, 9 months ago replaced cam belt on my 2.0 litre Zetec MTX @ 100,000 miles, replaced previously at 57,0000 miles both by dealer.

Handbook says 80,000 miles or 5 years, for change, but UK Cougar Forum says 60,000 miles, (but better do it at 40,000 miles) and my Ford dealer says the one they have just fitted for me includes new kit with belt and tensioner all modified and good for 100,000 miles which should now outlast the car.

Now already at 110,000 miles

Don't know what to believe !

Any suggestions ?

[GTownCougar]

I know you have 20K less miles on your car than I do, you've replaced the belt twice, and I have yet to do it.

[merlin]

I have my doubts about the Ford dealers in UK hyping this up, for more work/money (gouging).

Maybe in the past (10 years ago) it was considered desirable to do this, but with better (quality control) manufacturing of belts and modified idler/tensioners, I reckon 100k SHOULD be fine.

Again I keep hearing conflicting stories that if a 2.0 litre Zetec engine snaps a belt, the engine is a write-off, as it is an iterference-fit engine....other folks say "baloney" it will survive OK.

Any truth to any of these urban legends ?!

[GTownCougar]

Zetec is non-interference, will do no harm, just leave you stranded. Maybe euro zetecs are different? Doubt it tho.

[Turbo Zetec 'tour]

all zetecs are non-interference engines except for maybe one with domed high CR pistons and huge lift cams. even then i think they are still non-interference.

[merlin]

Beginning to suspect gouging in the UK here. It is about $500 - $600 US dollars (converted to British Pounds) to have this done by a Ford dealership in UK.

Again, conflicting stories. One Ford dealer suggest you do this at 60,000 miles or else your engine will be destroyed.

Seems to be the standard 2.0 Litre Mondeo engine to me.

I know a lot of this comes from the days of the Escort CVH engines, holed pistons and bent valves, but if this is lie, then shame on dealerships for perpetuating this urban myth..

All I want is someone in the "know" to tell a customer the honest truth and it ain't going to come from a dealership who have a vested interest in maintaining their revenue stream.