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Wont Start

Tiny
HENDRICKS433
  • MEMBER
  • FORD ESCORT
The other day I go to leave and I back up a couple feet and my car dies. For the past 4 months Ive had hesitation on acceleration from time to time. It cranks. I have 40 psi of fuel pressure. I get spark on a spark tester. Spark Plugs look good and gapped to specs. Injectors are getting a signal. I tried doing a compression test, I cant get it warm obviously but running it cold I got like 65-60-0-30. It didnt seem right when I was cranking a couple times. It cranked different with all plugs in and hooked up, throttle plate closed.

This is a 97 Escort LX, with 150K miles.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 AT 9:34 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
But running it cold I got like 65-60-0-30. This is very very low readings the terminology is wet and dry compression readings. I don't think it will ever start if that's all it can give.

Lets try this disable the ignition system -block the throttle plate wide open, remove all the plugs, make sure you got a good battery. Insert your Comp gauge make sure its tight in there-You need to make it puff 5 times to get your highest reading.

Comeback with the 2nd readings and I'll evaluate the situation here where to go next.

Need a repair manual see link below

https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 AT 9:57 PM
Tiny
HENDRICKS433
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Thats exactly how I did it. When running a compression test its suppose to be at operating temp. Thats what I meant by running it cold. The engine just isnt warm. Ill try it again tomorrow but thats exactly how I did the test.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
CRAIGFL
  • MEMBER
  • 89 POSTS
Make sure your timing belt isn't broken by watching it turn the camshaft-- look under the edge of the cover at the top.
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Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 6:44 AM
Tiny
HENDRICKS433
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Ill check but my timing chain broke like 4 years ago on my first car which was a 94 escort and I remember it wouldnt even crank when I tried to start it. It died while driving though so maybe I didnt try to start it after I stopped. Its hard to remember.
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Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 2:08 PM
Tiny
CRAIGFL
  • MEMBER
  • 89 POSTS
I've broken two belts in two different 1.9L Escorts and the engine always cranks and sounds good but never starts. Once I was going 55mph and the other time I was pulling away from a stop sign.
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Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 2:40 PM
Tiny
HENDRICKS433
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Thanks Ill check that when I get a chance.
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Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 4:08 PM
Tiny
HENDRICKS433
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Timing belt is there.
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Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Your compression reading very low
engine hot or cold reading very low

u said timing is there but is it correct
check the pic


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_escort_2.jpg


if all good start looking foran engine
good luck
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Thursday, November 15th, 2007 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
HENDRICKS433
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
How would timing just jump? Is it known for the belt to jump and timing go off?
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Friday, November 16th, 2007 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
When the belt jumps it throws off the valve and igniton timing. Think! Trains
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Friday, November 16th, 2007 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
HENDRICKS433
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Well I know that but, how would it jump? Its on very tight with the groves.
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Friday, November 16th, 2007 AT 5:46 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Things happened and over rev's of the engine. Tensioner could have gotten loose-this is the one that tensions the belt
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Friday, November 16th, 2007 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
HENDRICKS433
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I took of my cover to check timing and rotated the crank to try and line up marks but the crank turns and then the timing belt just nudges for a half a second then stops and the crank keeps turning. Any ideas?

Edit* Ok so my belts teeth are probably gone and thats the problem, but I have to take off my crank pulley to replace the belt, is there an easy way to do this without impacts?
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Monday, February 11th, 2008 AT 5:03 PM

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