1998 Ford Escort Long crank

DEVSTAR2003

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
134,000 MILES

I have a '98 Escort ZX2. Every time I try to start it up in the morning before work (after sitting overnight) it takes about 4-5 seconds to crank before my engine fires. I have replaced the spark plugs, air filter, and fuel sensor, but I'm not sure if it is my fuel pump or not, so I just want to make sure before I go out and spend more money on a part I may not need. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Here are directions for checking fuel pump pressure. Check it and let me know what you find. Also, pay attention to pressure drop off when you turn the key off.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Let me know what you find.
joe

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Monday, July 19th, 2010 AT 12:33 AM

DEVSTAR2003

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3 POSTS

I just replaced the fuel pump and filter, and it still cranks forever. What else could it possibly be?

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Sunday, August 1st, 2010 AT 6:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Was the pressure low before replacing it? Also, did you check the regulator?

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Sunday, August 1st, 2010 AT 11:58 PM

DEVSTAR2003

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The fuel pressure was at 30 before I replaced it and no I have not checked the regulator and don't know how. I've poured over $1000 into fixing this stupid car and am not willing to shell out more for a car valued at only $1500 anyway. Thanks for your help, but I'm just going to trade it in a few months for a better car. I'm through messing with it, unless you can guarantee the labor on checking and/or fixing the regulator is less than $200, you can forget about it. I'll just run it like it is until I trade it in.

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Monday, August 2nd, 2010 AT 7:52 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

The fuel pressure should be between 35psi and 55psi. A regulator is around 100.00 aftermarket. If you review the How To check the fuel system, you will see it is easy to do yourself. When engines crank for a long time, many times it is due to needing a tune up or low fuel pressure. The regulator can cause that. I can't guarantee anything without checking it, but that is where I would start. The old fuel pump may have been good.

That is the best I can offer without being there. If you have other questions or concerns, let me know.

Joe