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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 won't start

Tiny
MAKO511
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 140,000 MILES
Driving down the interstate, engine just cut out. Turns over but won't start. Used OBDII code reader and got nothing - no codes just zero. Checked timing belt - good. Checked fuel, looks okay but replaced fuel pump anyway. Replaced crank sensor. Pulled plugs - looks clean with just a little fuel smell from turning over. Getting spark (turned engine over and checked with timing light). If i'm getting spark, coil and ignition module must be good right? I'm lost, maybe ECM? Help!
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Thursday, July 24th, 2008 AT 12:48 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Pulled plugs - looks clean with just a little fuel smell from turning over. Check the fuel pressure the fuel pump might not be producing the correct pressures.
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Thursday, July 24th, 2008 AT 12:59 AM
Tiny
MAKO511
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks Ras, I figured with that many miles I might as well. I went ahead and put in a new pump (damn these things are pricey) still no joy. The thing is she just cut out on me, no cough or stutter when she died which I thought would indicate a failing pump or regulator. My thought at first was a broken timing belt but its good.
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Thursday, July 24th, 2008 AT 1:27 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Get involved start testing the fuel pump relay and the inertia fuel cut off switch-could be acting up
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Thursday, July 24th, 2008 AT 1:34 AM
Tiny
MAKO511
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Should it at least cough or attempt to start if I squirted fuel into the intake? I tried that and nothing happened. Thats why I was leaning toward ignition/electrical - but my timing light strobes when connected to all plug wires while cranking. Im confused.
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Thursday, July 24th, 2008 AT 1:46 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
What do you have? Distributor or Direct Ignition System
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Thursday, July 24th, 2008 AT 2:05 AM
Tiny
MAKO511
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No distributor. It would be the DIS. I suspected the coil pack but like I said, I was showing spark on my timing light. Thought coils were either good or bad?
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Thursday, July 24th, 2008 AT 9:52 AM

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