1. Locate the tensioner: This is usually a hydraulic or spring-loaded device on the engine block near the timing belt. Consult a repair manual specific to your 1992 Ford Escort GT (Haynes or Chilton manuals are good sources). The manual will show you exactly where it is and how it's designed.
2. Use a tensioner tool (highly recommended): The most reliable method is using a specialized timing belt tensioner tool. This tool is designed to compress the tensioner allowing you to remove the old belt and install the new one. Trying to do it without the tool is difficult, risky (you can damage the tensioner), and highly likely to result in improper tension. These tools are usually rented from auto parts stores.
3. Alternative (less recommended and potentially risky): Some mechanics use a large screwdriver or pry bar *very carefully* to compress the tensioner enough to remove or install the belt. This is extremely risky. You can easily damage the tensioner or the engine if you don't know precisely what you are doing. It's highly inadvisable if you lack experience with this type of work.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: Before you even touch anything, get a repair manual specific to your 1992 Ford Escort GT. It will give you detailed instructions with diagrams and torque specifications. This is crucial to avoid damaging your engine.
* Timing Belt Alignment: Replacing a timing belt requires precise alignment of the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Getting this wrong can cause serious engine damage. Your repair manual will explain this procedure.
* Safety: This is a complex procedure. If you're not comfortable with engine repair, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly replacing a timing belt can result in significant engine damage.
In short, you don't "loosen" a pulley on the tensioner. You need to either use a specialized tool to compress the tensioner or (much less recommended) carefully compress it using a pry bar, and only after consulting a repair manual to understand the specific process for your engine. The repair manual will be your best guide.
