1998 Ford Escort Engine Stopped Working

1998 FORD ESCORT
256,500 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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S.CONROY
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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
Jul 21, 2010 at 12:18 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jul 21, 2010 at 10:22 PM
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S.CONROY
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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.
Jul 22, 2010 at 7:04 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jul 22, 2010 at 10:12 PM