1991 Mercury Cougar LS, 3.8 4FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Timing Belt Replacement Interval & Interference Verification

TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (FORD PASSENGER CARS) (1)

Application Year Span Engine Replacement Interval (Miles)
Aspire 1994-96 1.3L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Contour 1995-96 2.0L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Escort 1981-85 1.6L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Escort 1985-96 1.9L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Escort 1984-87 (2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel (4) 100,000
Escort 1991-96 1.8L 4-Cyl. 60,000
EXP 1981-85 1.6L 4-Cyl. 60,000
EXP 1985-96 1.9L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Fairmont 1978-83 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Festiva 1988-93 1.3L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Granada 1981-82 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
LTD 1983-86 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Mustang 1974-93 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Pinto 1971-74 2.0L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Pinto 1974-80 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Probe 1989-92 (2) 2.2L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Probe 1993-96 (2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Probe 1993-96 2.5L V6 60,000
Taurus SHO 1989-95 3.0L V6 100,000
Taurus SHO 1993-95 3.2L V6 100,000
Tempo 1984-87 (2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel (4) 100,000
Thunderbird 1983-88 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
(1) Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2) Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3) Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4) Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (MERCURY PASSENGER CARS) (1)

Application Year Span Engine Replacement Interval (Miles)
Bobcat 1974-80 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Capri 1971-72 1.6L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Capri 1971-74 2.0L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Capri 1974-84 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Capri 1991-94 1.6L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Cougar 1984-86 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
LN7 1981-85 (2) 1.6L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Lynx 1981-85 (2) 1.6L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Lynx 1984-87 1.9L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Lynx 1984-87 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel (4) 100,000
Marquis 1983-86 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Mystique 1995-96 2.0L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Topaz 1984-86 (2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel (4) 100,000
Tracer 1987-90 1.6L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Tracer 1991-96 1.8L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Tracer 1991-96 1.9L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Tracer (Canadian) 1987, 1990 1.6L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Zephyr 1978-83 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Villager 1993-96 (2) 3.0L V6 105,000
(1) Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2) Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3) Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4) Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (LIGHT TRUCKS) (1)

Application Year Span Engine Replacement Interval (Miles)
Aerostar 1986-87 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Courier 1977-82 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Ranger 1986-88 2.0L 4-Cyl. 60,000
Ranger 1983-96 2.3L 4-Cyl. (3) 60,000
Ranger 1985-87 (2) 2.3L 4-Cyl. Diesel (3)(4) 60,000
(1) Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2) Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3) Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4) Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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