1998 Ford Escort engine problem

1998 FORD ESCORT

180,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

ANTONIA415

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The car was driving well .
I had changed spark plugs ,oil filter, gas filter and air filter +serviced transmission...four days later the car broke down after a 380 mile drive...it just died and would not turn over.
we removed the spark pluggs and found out that the spark plug near to the driver's side had been hit hard by the piston and the arching wire got bent.
the oil on the dip stick looks clean
what could be wrong with the car and what is involved in fixing it? is it worth fixing?

Jul 18, 2009 at 12:50 AM

MHPAUTOS

CERTIFIED EXPERT
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

If the engine was running well and then you have had the piston strike the plug, something dramatic has gone wrong, start with a comp test in that cylinder , but if it is as you say, it will be an expensive fix.

mark (mhpautos)

Jul 18, 2009 at 4:48 AM

RASMATAZ

CERTIFIED EXPERT
75,992 POSTS

May be caused by a foreign object that has accidentally entered the combustion chamber. When this condition is discovered, check the other cylinders to prevent a recurrence, since it is possible for a small object to "travel" from one cylinder to another where a large degree of valve overlap exists. This condition may also be due to improper reach spark plugs that permit the piston to touch or collide with the firing end.

Jul 18, 2009 at 4:48 AM