98 escort knocking, no power

1998 FORD ESCORT
Avatar
ITISMEJOSHY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
i have a 98 ford escort se. i have 2 problems first and most important it just lost all power yesterday, this happend gradualy i could tell it was wasn't running right, but they yesterday on the highway i had it to the floor just keep up with traffic. then in traffic in town i had to drop it in low and shift up or it would take forever to even get to 30. it has no power or just enough to move and drive , if i floor it. the other problem is it sounds like it is knocking but it's not constant and it seems to do it more when ideling or decelerating, so far i have put plugs wires, fuel filter, air filter. i think it is possibly one of three things, cat converter pluged? know and easy way to check? (would it knock?). timing jumped?, would explain knockin. plus the car has 105,000 miles on it. or maybe main bearings but no oil leaking(and would not explain power lose). have no idea? thanks again! -josh
Feb 12, 2006 at 6:19 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ITISMEJOSHY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
any ideas?
Feb 12, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Avatar
CHEVY350GUY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 109 POSTS
ok you can remove the converter and see if the power returns, or you can get a back pressure gauge, take out the o2 senser screw it in there and run the vehicle. hold the brake and hit the gas the gauge should not show back pressure. if it does remove the muffler(because a collapsed muffler can also cause back pressure) and retest if back pressure is pressent cnverter is clogged, if back pressure is gone muffler is bad. the knocking can be caused by excessive back pressure.
Feb 13, 2006 at 10:23 AM
Avatar
ITISMEJOSHY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
thanx, i will try that, any one had similar problems with an escort?
Feb 13, 2006 at 11:29 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Check exhaust back pressure by removing the oxygen sensor and installing a back-pressure gauge. With the brakes applied, accelerate; the gauge should not show back pressure. If it does, remove the muffler and retest. Remaining back pressure indicates a clogged catalytic converter, while back pressure that disappears indicates a collapsed or bad muffler. Excessive back pressure can also cause the knocking. Alternatively, temporarily remove the converter and see whether power returns.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Ford Escort SE reported a gradual loss of power, leaving the car barely able to keep up with traffic, plus intermittent knocking that was more noticeable at idle and during deceleration. Plugs, wires, the fuel filter, and the air filter had already been replaced. The owner suspected a plugged catalytic converter, jumped timing, or worn main bearings. An expert recommended testing exhaust back pressure at the oxygen-sensor port, or temporarily removing the converter, and noted that a collapsed muffler can cause the same restriction and that excessive back pressure can cause knocking.

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle