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Ford Escort Engine Problems

178 messages,  Last post on May 29, 2013 at 10:45 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escort, Engine, Wagon

Messages Page 14 of 19

#122 of 178 Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [xwesx] by orcabc

Feb 22, 2010 (9:29 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 22, 2010 1:54 pm)
I can't say I get the greatest gas mileage, especially so lately. And, today my car made a liar out of me. When I started it after work it hiccuped a couple of times just after starting it. So, it does not have to be warm to give me problems.
 
Just how much money is too much when it comes to fixing up older cars? Sure can't afford a new one even though that would be nice.
 
I think you mean the new "Fiesta" being released, at least that is what is coming out in Canada. Please correct me if I am wrong...if they are really coming out with a Festiva remake then that would be awesome!

#123 of 178 Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [xwesx] by orcabc

Feb 22, 2010 (9:34 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 22, 2010 12:55 pm)
Wouldn't the 26 point diagnostic show that the O2 sensor had a problem? Same for the Mass airflow sensor, etc.? There was a check list that had a green check mark by these things. I have no idea how these things work.

#124 of 178 Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [orcabc] by xwesx

Feb 23, 2010 (10:26 am)

Replying to: orcabc (Feb 22, 2010 9:29 pm)
Fiesta - yes, sorry!
 
As for sensors, not necessarily. They can be working well enough to satisfy the engine diagnostics (which is based on voltages and resistances) but still be providing erroneous information if they are fouled, dirty, or otherwise compromised. If the sensor is still "working" it often will not throw a code.
 
You know, it does sound like the issue may be spark-related if your car had "hiccups" just after starting. Try observing the engine bay in the dark while it is idling and watch for spark - perhaps the coil has a hairline crack? I know you just put in a new one but it can't hurt. Other options include fuel injectors (dirty or not operating properly), fuel pressure, and sticking valves.
 
How much is too much? Well, my opinion is that you would have to spend upwards of $4,000 a year on a "paid" car to have it cost as much as a new one, so if you are spending half or less than that much, it is probably a better investment. That is, however, assuming the car is generally reliable. Peace of mind counts for a lot, so if you cannot drive the car without worrying about it breaking down, you may consider replacing it. The problem, though, with buying another older used car is that you then have an unknown entity and may end up in the same situation you now find yourself, but with a car into which you have just sunk $4,000-5,000 to purchase.
 
It's a gamble, for sure, but every car needs maintenance and has wear items that must be replaced periodically.
 
Oh, and I think the alternator on my Escort is going out. It seems to engage intermittently all of a sudden and most of the way to work this morning my lights were very dim....

#125 of 178 Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [xwesx] by orcabc

Feb 26, 2010 (11:00 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 23, 2010 10:26 am)
Spark related? Well aren't you just one smart cookie? LOL It turns out that the plug wires were not changed when I had the tune-up a few months ago. And, my daughter discovered it, not the mechanic. I think I will pay my daughter from now on. My car seems happy now
 
I guess now it's to find the short (?) in the heat gauge, high beam indicator light, and tail lights. I have a brake light that is coming on and off when it wants to as well. I understand that there have been others who have had problems with tail lights too. I am not sure where to look but have to start somewhere so I guess it will be with the head lights as someone had suggested and then the brake light that works when it wants to.
 
Yes, I guess you are right about fixing up cars. You never know what you are getting when you buy used that's for sure. I hope you get your alternator problem worked out. Are you in the US?

#126 of 178 Re: 1997 Ford Escort engine sputter [orcabc] by xwesx

Feb 27, 2010 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: orcabc (Feb 26, 2010 11:00 pm)
That's funny (if not frustrating), but at least you have it resolved! Electrical gremlins are the worst; I could tackle mechanical problems one after the other and not mind it too much, but those electrical issues drive me up the wall.
 
The voltage regulator had gone out, so I replaced it and all is good now (for now!).
 
I am in Alaska (Fairbanks).

#127 of 178 Engine quit running by deerman11

May 07, 2010 (10:57 am)

#128 of 178 Engine quit running by deerman11

May 07, 2010 (10:57 am)

I was driving my 1997 Escort wagon with a 2.0 engine on the interstate. The valves started rattling. I got on the ramp, put it in neutral and it quit running. Now when I try to crank it, the engine will not fire and is laboring to turn over as if it is out of time. It is not backfiring while it is turning over. I have taken the valve cover and timing cover off. The timing marks are correct and all the valves open/close so there appears not be any problem here. I am wondering if it is either the cam sensor or the crank sensor. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

#129 of 178 Re: Engine quit running [deerman11] by xwesx

May 11, 2010 (9:39 am)

Replying to: deerman11 (May 07, 2010 10:57 am)
Possibly, though I think it odd that one of those sensors would quit so abruptly. Given that everything mechanical looks to be in order, they may be your best bet at this point. It looks like you would be out about $60 for the pair, so that's not so bad. You should be able to test them with a multimeter to determine if they are out of range if you can find instructions for doing so (including voltage specifications).

#130 of 178 Can't Put gas into 1991 Ford Escort by Warriorlady

Jul 14, 2010 (10:11 pm)

Hi,
 
Everytime I try to put gas in, the sensor shuts off the nozzle. I'm told I have to replace the Purge Solenoid, but Ford no longer sells it and I need a part number.
When researching online, I see a "starter solenoid" but not a Purge Solenoid.
What exactly am I looking for? A valve, a sensor or electrical part? Please point me
in the right direction. I don't want to have to replace the entire gas tank for a small part. Car out of commision since I'm told the fumes are not escaping and the car can blow up in this heat (northeast). Mechanic won't store car in his shop for fear of this. Thanks.

#131 of 178 Re: Can't Put gas into 1991 Ford Escort [Warriorlady] by grimyface

Jul 27, 2010 (12:11 pm)

Replying to: Warriorlady (Jul 14, 2010 10:11 pm)
Warriorlady,
 
A Google search on the phrase "purge solenoid" produced *lots* of results.
 
One of the results was from autozone.com, which suggests that this part will be available through your local parts dealer (which is usually the case when the dealer doesn't carry the part, anyway).

Messages Page 14 of 19

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