this could be bad. '95 Ford Contour 4 cylinder. You may recall that I just replaced the serpentine belt, with help from the post replies below. Anyhow, I test drove it by returning the borrowed tool from Auto Zone, about 9 miles away. Everything's fine, till about 3 miles into the way back home, when the engine just cuts off--quits. I rolled into a school parking lot and turn the key. No start, and it sounds like the motor is "clattering" rather than smoothly turning over. Oil level is correct, and nothing is dripping.

So the next day I have it towed the 6 miles home. I've got good spark, and plenty of fuel, and I can hear the electric fuel pump turn on. To be certain, though, I tried a splash of starter fluid in the spark plug hole, but no start on that either.

First, I'm hoping for reassurance that this is all just coincidental to the serpentine belt replacement. That belt is still on the right pulleys, etc., so please tell me that I didn't somehow roast the engine in that repair.

Second, of course, any idea what's happened? My initial thought was that I had either loosened and than dislodged some module or something, but the good spark belies that, I think. Then I thought maybe the fuel pump quit (coincidentally) but as I say I can hear it turn on. It's the clatter that worries me now. Could it possibly be a bad oil pump, and would that prevent a start?

I'm thinking of taking compression readings, but I'll have to pick up that gauge at the store tonight. Any other thoughts in the meanwhile?

Compression test is your first step...

And DON'T use starting fluid! I've seen way too many failed pistons because people don't know how to use that stuff!

it sounds like your timing belt has snapped, assuming it is belt driven cam(s). on some engines you can remove a few of the top bolts from the timing belt cover and kind pry the cover back a bit to see the belt.

I might probably touched it, but no manipulation to speak of. I'll do that tonight.

On the compression check, won't that further harm/grind the pistons and valves if they are out of time, now? Or is that unavoidable to get the reading?

back in an hour or so.

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On the compression check, won't that further harm/grind the pistons and valves if they are out of time, now? Or is that unavoidable to get the reading?

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From reading your description above, if the noise is piston/valve contact, the few seconds you'll crank for compression checking won't be doing any significant additional damage.

Someone else here may know that engine, and be able to tell you if you can just look at a couple of pulleys or sprockets and see if some marks line up... Or something similar to that, which would denote relative cam position to crank TDC.

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From your description, it does sound like you may have a slipped belt......not good!

The V-tec (?) engine was an interference engine, and if that's the one you may have bent valves, etc.
Check the belt carefully, and note any loss of tension.....

If, in fact, that's the case, the job is not insurmountable if you have the experience .....
and ability to pickup a rebuilt head.......

I think the serpentine belt replacement was a total coincidence....with one reservation...
Did the engine overheat at all during your test drive? or just quit - no warning ???