Cranking strong will not start though

1993 FORD ESCORT
150,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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CODY0618
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I have a my car built as a race car but my motor is completely stock 1.8. I installed the motor now it won't start. I checked for spark, and fuel, I found out I have to wiggle my ignition switch to even get connection to start it. It's cranking strong but won't start and run. I was told it could be my ignition switch or ignition coil. after a little bit trying to start it I lost spark from the ignition coil. Could it be my ignition switch?
May 11, 2019 at 11:10 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello,

It absolutely could be, but not if your engine is cranking. The ignition switch just allowing electricity to pass through it to the starter solenoid, so if your engine is cranking then the ignition switch is probably good. You can see this in the wiring diagram I have included in the diagrams down below as well as the factory troubleshooting guide for the ignition switch I through in just for good measure. I would check your vehicle's Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) which is located in your vehicle's distributor. The CKP sends crankshaft rotational information to your vehicle's Power-train Control Module (PCM) and the PCM won't realize that your engine is trying start so it will will not fire the spark plugs are turn on the fuel injectors. I have included a few links for you to go to below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
May 12, 2019 at 1:13 AM
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CODY0618
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I got a new ignition switch and it's cranking strong still, but now I have no spark from my ignition coil. so I had my key one and put a test light to the plug on the ignition coil and it's reading power from the plug, but when I have it cranking no spark is jumping.
May 12, 2019 at 12:04 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
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Hello,

Okay, did you replace the CKP sensor? It is used by your vehicle's Ignition Control Module to determine ignition timing. I have included a description of your vehicle's ignition timing in the diagrams down below. Please go through it and get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
May 12, 2019 at 7:43 PM