Engine quit running and will not start

MATTL

MEMBER
1999 FORD ESCORT

Four cylinder front wheel drive automatic 140,000 miles

Engine stopped running. Engine cranks but will not start. There was a slight burning plastic smell before the engine quit running. Engine is getting fuel, spark and compression.

What should I look for next?

Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 2:38 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

If you are getting spark and fuel and have good compression, it should run unless it is out of time. Have you checked the timing belt? Also, is the spark you are getting a good hot blue snapping spark? Have you checked fuel pump pressure?

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Monday, October 19th, 2009 AT 9:54 PM

MATTL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your response. The problem has been fixed.

I took my vehicle to a different shop (two weeks at the same shop without them finding the issue) and they called me back the next day. The timing belt and tension-er was bad. They checked the compression in all the cylinders and it was not right.
They pulled the timing belt cover and voila stripped belt.

I did mention about the timing belt to the previous shop after reading all the comments. It seems to be a common occurrence for the Escort.

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Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 AT 1:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS