1987 Ford Escort Stalls and Won't Restart

FORD ESCORT
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KILLADUDE
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this is an 87 Ford Escort with 38,000 miles on it. it has been sitting for about 2 years, but i was told it had this problem before that. when i turn the ignition to "on" i can hear buzzing in the back for about a second, i was told this is the fuel pump, and that means its working. if i havent tried to start the car in about 4 hours, it starts right up with no fuss, and will idle for seemingly random amounts of time. sometimes 30 mins, sometimes 5. i just replaced the radiator fluid. the temp gauge on the dash doesnt get very high at all, still at the bottom of the "normal" range. i put a little fuel injector cleaner in the gas, didnt help. any ideas? need any more information from me? any help is greatly appreciated. i dont want to buy a fuel pump unless im absolutely positive that is the problem, because thats some expensive buisness. oh also i tried the fuel pump reset switch, but it wasnt tripped.
Dec 22, 2006 at 10:55 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Some of the escorts would give the symptoms of a bad fuel pump, but rplacing it doesn't always work. Get to the fuel pump through the back seat and check to see if the pump is getting power. :idea: If not follow the wiring back to the driver's side rear seat area and keep checking the wiring. You may find the wiring is rotted. This may cause the pump to go bad from poor resistance if I understand correct.
Dec 23, 2006 at 11:59 AM
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KILLADUDE
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Thanks for the idea, i'll look into that when i get a chance ( some time after christmas im afraid) but im pretty certain the pump is getting power, i hear it going when i turn the ignition to "on". and i tried unplugging the wire that goes to the pump shutoff switch, and then it doesnt go when i turn the car on. however, it makes sense that it isnt getting enough power due to resistance of rotted wires. again, thanks for that idea! meanwhile, anyone know of a anything else i should look into? i mean other than lighting it on fire and pushing it off a cliff. :twisted:
Dec 23, 2006 at 1:07 PM
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WYNRYPEN
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my 95 ford escort is having simalr problems, now i got it to where it will start after 3 turns when its cold, it will drive ok for a while, then while driving i will loose power, idle rough, and if i don't heep gassing it it will stall. then it won't start again till the engine is cold. ive replaced:

fuel pump
fuel filter
air filter
o2 sensor
and got from pick n pull
mass air flow sensor
idle air control valve
ignition module

and other small things like clamps and such to try and tie up any leaks.
Dec 23, 2006 at 7:28 PM
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MANK
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Just a suggestion, but if the car has been sitting for 2 years, then any gas that was left in the tank during those 2 years is probably varnish by now.

First thing I would do is make sure any old fuel is removed from the system, and second I would have the fuel system flushed. Rule out bad gas first.
Dec 23, 2006 at 10:02 PM
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KILLADUDE
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yes, that sounds like a reasonable idea =P but this is the exact reason they took it off the road to begin with. this car is worth 800 bucks according to kbb, so if i cant fix it for under 300 im not gonna bother. if i do replace the pump, i will also replace the gas. thanks for the replies though =P
Dec 24, 2006 at 12:55 AM
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KILLADUDE
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bump for myself... i need helpp :(
Dec 26, 2006 at 6:15 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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[quote:59e8f46557="killadude"] i just replaced the radiator fluid. the temp gauge on the dash doesnt get very high at all, still at the bottom of the "normal" range.[/quote:59e8f46557]

If the thermostat isn't closing, it will cause excessive fuel commands and may be drowning the plugs. Pull a plug and check the condition- raw fuel smell, rich condition looking? . A thermostat and plugs are cheap to try.
Dec 26, 2006 at 10:18 PM

Suggested Repair

Check fuel-pump power and the rear wiring for corrosion or high resistance before replacing the pump. Drain old fuel and flush the fuel system. Also inspect the spark plugs for a rich, fuel-fouled condition and try a thermostat if it is not closing.

Conversation Summary

An owner of a 1987 Ford Escort with low mileage reported that the car starts after sitting several hours, then stalls after an unpredictable idle time and will not restart. The fuel pump primes and the inertia switch was not tripped. Advice included checking pump power and possibly rotted rear wiring, removing old fuel and flushing the system, and checking whether an open thermostat is causing a rich condition that fouls the plugs. A thermostat and plugs were suggested as inexpensive items to try.

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