I just replaced the water pump, timing belt & tensioner on my 91 Escort Pony
1.9L (125K miles)After completion I noticed a prominent tapping noise that sounds like its coming from valve train, that wasnt there before. I used square tooth belt with square tooth pulleys, that is correct. I am 100% sure the cam and crank are timed together properly, and it idles smoothly so Im sure its not timing.
Is it possible that I didnt get the timing belt tight enough? Does anyone know whether you let the tensioner spring set tension before locking it down, or does additional tension need to be applied before locking it down.???
When I was checking belt timing after I put the belt on, I manually cranked the crankshaft with a 4 in ratchet handle, and moderate pressure, and I had not locked the tensioner yet. During compression stroke the force was strong enough to compress the tensioner spring and slack the belt, I carefully retensioned belt and checked timing marks, they were ok.
Is it possible I damaged the valvetrain when the belt slacked? Possibly I compressed a lifter and it stuck?
Does anyone know if the Ford 1.9L used in Escorts is a interference head.
Thanks in advance for throwing in your 2 cents.
Bytor