Do all ford zetec engines have a timing chain instead of a belt, I am thinking of buying a 1.8 or 2.0 mondeo zetec 2000 or 2001 model , I have heard some horrible stories of belts snapping and wrecking the engine to great expense to the owner.
Your answer would be much appreciated.
Thanks Charlie.....
Ford have managed to cause endless confusion with the name “Zetec”, because it started out as being the name of a range of 4 cylinder petrol engines but now it’s a level of trim, like “Ghia”. Adding to the confusion is the fact that there were two completely different engines – the 1.8 and 2.0 fitted to the Mondeo were the same unit in different sizes, but the “Zetec SE” in 1250, 1.6 and 1.7 form was a completely different lump, used in Fiestas and Pumas. However, one thing they all had in common was timing BELTS.
The advent of the successor engine range, called Duratec brought the change to timing chains. Don’t worry unduly about the fact that Zetecs have belts though. If you buy a car with service history showing the belt was changed when it should have been, it shouldn’t give any trouble and you can always take out a warranty just in case if you’re prepared to put up with the expense and the arguing if you do try to claim. If you don’t want the hassle of a warranty, or you don’t have any service history, just change the belt as soon as you buy the car – allow for it in your budget and you should have any problems at all.
Otherwise, go for a 2001 on Duratec engine motor.