According to the Gates website ( they make timing belts etcetera ) for the 2.0
litre four cylinder engine in a 1999 Mercury Cougar :
( No , it is NOT an interference engine )
It IS an interference engine , according to the Gates website
A Ford with a 2.0L 4 cylinder SOHC engine is NOT an interference engine
The CD4E automatic transaxle found in the Cougar, Contour, Mystique, Focus, Escape, and Escort vehicles used 6.9 quarts. The MTX-75 transaxle used 2.1 quarts.Source:FocalJet->Zetec tuning->Basic Info & Problems: Tuning the Zetec
Not just can, but should. Ford recomends full synthetic for both the V6 Duratec and the I4 Zetec.
The IAT sensor on a 2000 Mercury Cougar V6 is on the back side of the filter box. On the Zetec model it is either on the Air box like the V6, or on the intake tubing running from the box to the Throttle Body.
The IACV on a '99 Mercury Cougar V6 is on the top right of the Upper intake manifold, there is a hose leading from the intake tubing to the IACV. On the I4 Zetec Cougar, I am not sure where the IACV is, though I believe it is on the side of the throttle body.
The Ford Fiesta Zetec typically features a non-interference engine design. This means that in the event of a timing belt failure, the engine's pistons and valves will not collide, potentially preventing severe engine damage. However, it's always advisable to check the specific model year and engine type, as variations may exist. Regular maintenance of the timing belt is still crucial to avoid unexpected failures.
All zetec engine are non interference most guides say its interference but the zx2 and focus forums say its not. to many greedy mechanics say the valves are bent but its b.s mine broke and nothing wrong
The 16V Zetec motors are classified as interference engines. This means that if the timing belt or chain fails, the pistons can collide with the valves, potentially causing significant engine damage. It’s crucial to maintain proper timing components to avoid such catastrophic failures in these engines.
It depends on the model you get, but most importantly on how you drive, as well as many other factors like temperature and modifications to the vehicle. I have heard of the Zetec powered Cougar getting regular 29 mpg mixed driving, without trying hard, while the Duratec V6 will usually run at around 22 to 25 mpg, mixed. The Cougar is a mid size car, do not think otherwise, so the I4 Zetec which does great in the Focus does have trouble getting the cougar to move the way you would want it to sometimes. There were also only about 500 Zetec powered Cougars made with automatic transmissions, so you better learn how to drive a stick.
I believe that this is the same engine used in my 2000 Ford Contour, which is a non-interference engine (luckily) as I'm having to replace the timing belt now after losing about 8 inches of teeth! Robert G.
It is a NON Interference engine. The pistons have reliefs cut into them, in order to prevent damage if the belt snaps. Therefore if you snapped a belt the valves will not collide with the pistons. Source - A friend of mine that has been a Ford mechanic for 21 years.