My information does not list it as having a timing belt but lists it as having a chain. Look in your owner's manual or call your local Mercury dealer to verify this.
The 4 cylinder has a timing belt
No , it's a timing CHAIN
The 2.3 liter 4 cylinder and the 3.0 liter V6 have a timing CHAIN
On a 1993 Mercury Topaz : Both the 2.3 litre four cylinder engine and the 3.0 litre V6 engine use a timing CHAIN
On a 1996 Mercury Cougar : The 3.8 liter V6 engine has ( 1 timing CHAIN ) The 4.6 liter V8 engine has ( 1 timing CHAIN to each cylinder head , so there are 2 timing CHAINS )
The 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis , 4.6 liter SOHC , V8 engine has ( 2 ) timing chains ( 1 timing chain to each cylinder head )
It must have a timing chain because Gates ( they make timing belts etc. ) only lists a timing belt for the 4 cylinder engine on a 2000 Mercury Cougar
On a 1993 Mercury Topaz : Yes , both the 2.3 litre four cylinder engine and the 3.0 litre V6 engine use a timing CHAIN
On a 1998 Mercury Sable : The 3.0 liter " Vulcan " V6 engine has ( 1 timing CHAIN ) The 3.0 liter " Duratec " V6 engine has ( 1 timing CHAIN to each cylinder head , so there are 2 timing CHAINS )
In a 2002 Mercury Sable : The 3.0 litre " Vulcan " V6 engine has ( 1 timing CHAIN ) The 3.0 litre " Duratec " V6 engine has ( 1 timing CHAIN to each cylinder head , so there are 2 timing CHAINS )
The 5.0 litre / 302 cubic inch V8 used in a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer has a timing CHAIN