1988 Ford Escort compression

ROGTRISH

MEMBER
1988 FORD ESCORT

Engine Performance problem
1988 Ford Escort 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

When doing compression testing first cylinder reads 126, second reads 100, third reads 65, fourth reads 25. Is this a sign of internal damage. Or could it be the timing belt. This is my daughters car and she said it was riding rough and knocking bad. She got it and Couldn't get it started. Replaced plugs, wirers, cap, button, and coil to no avail. Getting fuel and spark. Is a car this old with about 200,000 on it worth going any deeper to try and fix

1 Reply

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Sounds like bad valves, judging from your compression readings. These motors are prone to breaking timing belts and if they do, they bend valves. To have a valve job done you are looking at $500 to $750. This will bring your compression back up, but will put more strain on rings and bearings that already have 200K on them. Most of these cars didn't run that long. Not knowing how much your daughter paid for the car, I would have to say it's not worth the investment. IF, and I mean "if", the car is a real "cream puff" you may want to consider changing to a lower mileage or rebuilt engine. But, the car would have to be almost spotless before I would consider that. Hope this helps and thank you for the donation, Jim.