Q: Checking if the timing belt is broken on a '97 Mercury Mystique

asked by on June 09, 2016

I've jst bought a non-running '97 Mercury Mystique with a 2.0 engine and manual transmission. The previous owner said that the timing belt broke. How would you approach repairs? First, would you confirm that the timing belt is broken and replace it or try to turn the engine by hand? Or, should I pull the cylinder to look at the damage? I don't know anything about the history of the car. So, where should I start?

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