1993 ford Escort, 1.9 liter- Engine died while driving. cranks but wont start.

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.

If you can hear the fuel pump come On-Check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure tester-start here

Something else. I've owned a few of these. The problem is most likely the timing belt. On the front of the engine(by passenger wheel well) is a black cover. It has two or three bolts securing it to the engine. Remove those bolts and pull the cover away from the engine. Place a mark on the black belt under the cover. Turn the key to start. Check to see if the mark has moved. My guess is no. If it has, check compression.
Whatever you do, don't crank the engine too often as you could end up damaging it.
If the mark doesn't move, or it does but compression is low or erratic, you will need to replace the timing belt. I could describe the process for you, but you're best off purchasing a Chilton's or Haynes repair manual as they give excellent pictures and diagrams for the whole procedure. I know we have a link for them somewhere. I'll ask one of the bosses to peek in and post that link.

A quick compression test will tell you if the belt is the problem. It doesn't matter if you crank this one as the 1.9 is not an interference engine

How is it your replies are now showing up before mine when I refreshed the page after posting mine and nobody's replies were there but mine?

Mine was probably first but it takes a little time for both of them to get there.

Here is the link to order online repair manuals

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals

Thanks Mike.

Most common problem is a snapped timing belt. There is no damage to valves on a 1.9L engine. Easiest way to diagnose is to remove the oil fill cap and watch one of the intake valve springs while someone cranks the engine. It the belt is busted the valves will not open/close. You might also check the fuel pump trip switch. It is manually reset. It shuts off the fuel pump in an accident or if something makes it think there has been an accident.

Timing belt teeth can be shewed up, also.