I'd read nothing but doom and gloom about Ford Escorts and timing belts. Having purchased this car used with 117,000 miles on it and not knowing any of its history prompted a constant concern that the belt could go at any minute. I rely on this car now more than ever as it gets 40 mpg (with very conscientious driving) and it makes long trips to Spokane fairly regularly. I convinced Eric that he must help to break bolts loose (at least) and to be moral support (at best). We started early on Saturday and found that, without throwing tools, the job is tough the first time. We left it in the shop after dark and returned to the house feeling a little defeated. I researched a Chilton manual and internet forums with the idea that we could start again in the morning and fix it for sure before going riding Sunday afternoon.

Since there is no timing that can be done after the belt is replaced then the exact timing has to be done with the crankshaft and camshaft in perfect alignment. The Chilton book doesn't really help and when a step is indicated there isn't much elaboration. This is when two heads are better than one. We finally got it aligned, belt  installed and running like a top. All with only one ratchet handle being thrown and a few choice words.....mine.

I told Eric he helped save me $300.00+ and contributed to my peace of mind to travel unimpeded a few thousand more miles.