1993 Ford Escort Wagon wont start

KYM1977

MEMBER
1993 FORD ESCORT

1993 Ford Suburban 1.9L EFI

Was an excellent car until the heater wouldnt work and I changed the sensor. Worked for a little while then ended up with NO heat. Immediately after that the car overheated with smoke coming up from the hood after driving it about 4 miles.

One day the car lost all power and shut down and wouldnt start again. I had it towed and have been trying to find the problem ever since.

There was never any leaks or signs of leaks.

Because of the check engine light that was on for no apparent reason (to me) a mechanic checked to see if a head gasket was going. No antifreeze in the oil and vise versa.

Radiator was removed (blackened) and replaced with a new one.

There seems to be a small milky leak at the PCV valve, but the oil is still clean on the stick.

The car has not started since it died, it sounds like it wants to.

I was told that along with radiator problems I could have developed fuel pump issues as well. Testing the fuel pump I have not detected a slight hum when the ignition is turned.

Any suggestions before I junk my 1st car? HELP!

3 Replies

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Was a head gasket failure ever revealed? Does the engine crank slow with a full battery?
Have you pulled the plugs and cranked it over?

Let me know

jim

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, February 23rd, 2007 AT 9:22 PM

KYM1977

MEMBER
2 POSTS

A head gasket problem has never been revealed. There was a time when the check coolant ligght stayed on and I had it checked out by my mechanic. He said it could be a sensor or the head gasket. After checking the oil and not finding any antifreeze in it, he changed the sensor and all was good. Other than that, no other signs of a head gasket failure was noted.

Yesterday a new thermostat was put into place, found that the sparks plugs was wet and smelled of gas. All plugs were removed and replaced.

The car still wont start. It sound like it wants to crank over. But nothing. Ive even tried to recharge the battery because the car has been sitting for a month while Ive tried to have it fixed.

The PCV hose has a bit of milky substance at the opening, and the same color and consistancy of fluid is also found leaking what looks to be under the thermostat housing. Still the oil is clean and always has been.

What are the chances I need a new Head Gasket. I would really hate to have one put into place and spend all that money to find out its not the problem.

I was told if it were the head gasket I would have known something was majorly wrong before the car lost power and hasnt started up again. The only problem I had with the car is it seriously over heating after driving it for 4 miles, and that only happened twice in a row before it quit running.

It doesnt make sence. But maybe you could help me by telling me signs of a bad head gasket, and if what I have told you points to the head gasket being the problem?

Thank you so very much for all of your help.