[Jeronbernal]

Hey everyone!

So i recently received a ford escort SE SOHC 2.0L, from my father to try to learn a little bit about cars, and fixing them.

Originally he was told the issue was a fuel pump, so i went and replaced that, and the filter. No start, but cranks.

I ended up replacing a few other things like :

Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wires
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Fuel Pump
Fuel Filter

i did a few tests, Compression test on cylinder 4 (Receiving zero compression), not sure if i tested it correctly.. I removed all the spark plugs, and wires, disconnected the fuel injector and fuel pump relay/fuse under the hood. In some videos and threads they say to crank it 4-6 times and to see where the gauge points to, but when i try to turn the key, it just sounds like 1 continuous crank. Not sure if this is user error, or a engine issue. i have yet to try testing the other 3 cylinders. When the spark plugs are in, it cranks over like normal, just when no spark plugs are in, and the compression tester is in, that it sounds like that continuous screech.

I've tried putting starter fluid past the throttle body, and that did not start the car aswell.

I've used a inline spark tester, and that turned out to be fine on all 4 cylinders.

I also am receiving good pressure from the fuel rail schrader valve.

My only idea is maybe a timing belt? Am i missing anything else? i did notice a tear in the PCV hose to the right of the valve cover, not sure if that could possibly prevent a start. My dad thinks also maybe the fuel pressure sensor/regulator? but i figured if starter fluid wouldnt start it, then it must not be a fuel issue.. either spark or engine. Looks like the inline spark test was fine, so my only idea is engine.. unless im missing something? T_T

Any information would be greatly appreciated... i've been stuck and dumbfounded for a while now, and could really use your guys help!

Thank you so much!

 

[madmatt2024]

You need to compression test ALL the cylinders, not just one. The way it sounds with all the spark plugs removed is 100% normal.

 

[denisond3]

We love to give free advice!.....and how many miles on the engine?

We await the result of the compression test for all 4 cylinders. If you have zero compression on #4, but something like 120 psi (more or less) on the other cylinders, it would indicate the engine head has dropped the inlet valve seat on cyl #4. This is known to happen to Escorts now and then; not commonly, nor inevitably, just one of the possibilities.**


** I have rebuilt two sohc escorts that lost the #4 inlet valve seat insert fracture and fall. It required a rebuilt head - and taking the pistons out for inspection (since they usually get some damage that ruins one or two of them), but both cars have been in use for over ten years since - and its still a feeling of satisfaction to drive them. They are reliable and fun. One of them has been in 38 states on vacation trips. We also drive into Mexico with them to visit relatives. (Except not since the pandemix has closed off a lot of travel).
And these engine are not hard to rebuilt, and the parts are not expensive compared with lots of other cars.

Also, welcome to the forums.

 

[DC Ultra]

the belt is "quick and dirty" check if you can get off the timing belt cover.
some comes off easily some cannot.
torn pcv hose prolly not gonna stop you from starting. if you have no compression only on number 4, your car may still start ... it might not stay on but it should start. is this recommended? - no.

decent car to learn how a car works and some engineering failures. not a bad choice. easy access to jy parts.

2 cents.

 

[mello]

I found a problem similar when i was flipping Scorts. This particular one fuel pump wasn't saying anything. After my investigation tracing wires i found out that the computer connections was corroded from coolant leaking from the heater core that is designed above the computer. This is a design flaw ford has on the 2nd gens ,Who puts liquid above electrical, that was stupid. anyhow after some cutting and splicing problem solved. So it doesn't hurt to check the computer and its connections.

 

[EscortGoddess]

Hey everyone!

So i recently received a ford escort SE SOHC 2.0L, from my father to try to learn a little bit about cars, and fixing them.

Originally he was told the issue was a fuel pump, so i went and replaced that, and the filter. No start, but cranks.

I ended up replacing a few other things like :

Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wires
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Fuel Pump
Fuel Filter

i did a few tests, Compression test on cylinder 4 (Receiving zero compression), not sure if i tested it correctly.. I removed all the spark plugs, and wires, disconnected the fuel injector and fuel pump relay/fuse under the hood. In some videos and threads they say to crank it 4-6 times and to see where the gauge points to, but when i try to turn the key, it just sounds like 1 continuous crank. Not sure if this is user error, or a engine issue. i have yet to try testing the other 3 cylinders. When the spark plugs are in, it cranks over like normal, just when no spark plugs are in, and the compression tester is in, that it sounds like that continuous screech.

I've tried putting starter fluid past the throttle body, and that did not start the car aswell.

I've used a inline spark tester, and that turned out to be fine on all 4 cylinders.

I also am receiving good pressure from the fuel rail schrader valve.

My only idea is maybe a timing belt? Am i missing anything else? i did notice a tear in the PCV hose to the right of the valve cover, not sure if that could possibly prevent a start. My dad thinks also maybe the fuel pressure sensor/regulator? but i figured if starter fluid wouldnt start it, then it must not be a fuel issue.. either spark or engine. Looks like the inline spark test was fine, so my only idea is engine.. unless im missing something? T_T

Any information would be greatly appreciated... i've been stuck and dumbfounded for a while now, and could really use your guys help!

Thank you so much!

I’d check the fuel cutoff switch located in the cabin close to the floor on the drivers side. Just push it in and it’ll start. They put those in after the pintos caught fire when rear ended. So it shuts off all fuel delivery upon even the slightest impact or when the fuel lines are tapped into such as when you change the fuel filter. You’ll get a good strong crank but just no start.