1998 Ford Escort Engine Stopped Working

S.CONROY

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
256,500 MILES

About a week ago, while driving up a big hill, my car decided to stop working, no terrible noises, just died. So I jumped it hoping it was just a dead battery and it would not start. I was wondering if these models came with a kill switch in the clutch and when the clutch blew if that would enable the car from starting as a safety feature. I know it is possible for the timing chain to have broken, or even skipped a tooth. If you have any words of advice that would be fantastic, thank you, Shannon

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,482 POSTS

First, does it sound normal when the starter cranks the engine? Have you checked for spark and fuel to the engine? Finally, let me know if this is the ZR2 engine (DOHC).

If you need directions to check things, let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 AT 10:22 PM

S.CONROY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

It is not the zr2. SOHC, I tried to start it last night and it tried, but it almost sounds like a valve is stuck. Something is hitting it.

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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 AT 7:04 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,482 POSTS

It sounds like the timing belt either jumped a tooth or stripped. To the best of my knowledge, this is a non interferance engine which means you shouldn't have bent any valves. However, you need to check the timing. It really sounds like the belt.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.
Joe

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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 AT 10:12 PM