hi all,

sorry to rake up what is probably a done to death subject but my question concerns timing belts.

I am due to pick up tom what will be my first ford focus, i had my money set aside to replace the timing belt as my st has done 85 thou and is an 03 plate, but, and this is a bloody nuisance but, a gold crown bust on my tooth and the resulting dental visit will cost me £204..........

This means the belt change will have to wait a while, which brings me on to the nub of my question. how can i best evaluate the current state of the belt and tensioner as it stands now, does a tensioner thats dying scream, or just tinkle a bit, can you actually see the belt or inspect it in any way ?

thanks in advance to any advice forthcoming.

chris.