Timing belt replacement on 1983–85 2.0L and all 1986–89 engines is recommended AT LEAST every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Because of the inconvenience and possible damage a snapped belt may cause, it is wise to replace the belt well before the interval has been reached.
NOTE: Please refer to Section 3 of this manual for timing belt removal and installation procedures.
WARNING
Some of the engines covered by this manual are of the "interference'' type,
meaning that the valves and pistons could strike each other if either the camshaft
or the crankshaft is rotated without the other. Failure to replace the timing
belt(s) by the recommended intervals could result in damage to interference
engines should the belt snap in service. We recommend that belt replacement
as a maintenance item be strictly adhered to for all timing belts.