Ok, so my ex-g/f has a 98 Escort Sport. It has the 2.0L Zetec engine in it. When started, it sputters and continues to sputter. When I press the gas I get no response, still sputters. It very roughly idels at 600 ish RPM. After you start it, it will last for approx 3-6 seconds before dieing.

Now, I have after letting it sit for an 1 1/2 hours driven it. It does everything mentioned above except when I slowly press the pedal it's RPM increase. It still sputters but not as bad after 1.2k RPM and will max out at 3k RPM no matter what gear. I got to drive it for about 45 seconds around the block before it died. I had to slow down which dropped the RPMs and as you guessed, it died. (Thank god I was only 100 feet from the house).

When I checked the spark plugs there was oil in the vats(all connected to one vat) After I removed the oil, cleaned it out, and checked the plugs (Black BTW) I cleaned the plugs, regapped to correct specs (most were at 2.0 mm, spec is 1.3 mm) Then I replaced the coil pack, but wasn't the problem so I returned it. Check the EGR, seemed clean. Tried the SeaFoam method and nothing. No vacuum lines broke, nothing appears wrong. It is throwing a code, but I don't have a checker to get it, and the autoparts stores wont lend it out as it is a $300 item. I even have a friend how works at Advance Auto and he can't even leave with it.

Does anyone have any idea?

 

Did it start all of a sudden, or was it gradual?

Sounds like a fuel delivery issue to me, but a mechanic I'm not.

I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

 

I agree, it sounds like a fuel problem. Not enough of it.

 

My first guess would be a VCT problem, maybe a faulty cam sensor. Won't know without pulling the codes.

 

Another thought...did you check the fuel filter? A clogged filter could be the source of the issues and its a relatively cheap and easy place to start.

 

That engine/model has had recalls for clogged fuel filters. I would try replacing that first.

 

Black, sooty plugs usually indicate that there's fuel there. I know early model 2.0 liter ZETEC engines had some problems with the variable cam timing setup.

 

Good idea. Where would that sensor be and how hard would it be to change? (also how much)

I can't get to a scanner so I can't give you guys codes, which sucks.

Fuel filter is not clogged. I thought of that, pulled it, blew threw it with no problem.

Another board suggested the fuel pressure too.

DAMN I WISH I COULD BORROW A SCANNER!

 

The VCT sensor itself is mounted in the valve cover...see that single plug up by the cam gears that runs through the valve cover in the valley where the plug wires are?

Fuel pressure concerns usually show themselves best under heavy load. You said this thing doesn't idle very well, which makes me think there may be a valve/cam timing issue at hand.

There's a few other things to check with those motors. Lemme run it by a co-worker or two tomorrow and see what I can dig up.

 

That's what I thought the VCT was, but with out a manual to go by I didn't know.

Yes, the car idels very roughly at 550-700 RPM (fluctuates) then finally dies after about 10 seconds. When I'm lucky I can get the car to build up the RPMs and it will run, but when I go to slow down (put in the clutch) the RPMs drop and car stalls.

As far as if this was gradual or not, I couldn't tell you. Nor can the person who drives it becuase she's a retard.

 

You probably did this but have you checked the air filter and intake?

 

First off..

Are you trying to get back with her or do you feel guilty for breaking her heart? Either way its not going to work. j/k

Second:

Last year when I worked at Home Depot, I was talking to my coworker and buddy who had just come into pick up his paycheck. As I was standing there a guy walked over and asked me a question. It happened to be from my buddies department so he started to help him. About 5 minutes into it the guy stops him and asks, 'do you work here?' With out missing a beat he says back:

No, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I was dying, but the customer didnt even get it. Talk about a wasted joke.

31C

 

Actually I help him out with his classes, so he helps me out when I eff up my car.


Despite what Joe thinks, I'm not a retard. My car's always had issues starting up but always minor ones. An extra second or letting off the clutch a little generally fixes that issue. Other than that, I first noticed a problem with its running when we were leaving the beach [which is where I was coming from when the car died].


Thanks for all the help, guys (and girls). Joe's going to yell at me for using his account.

 

Oh oh, this sounds like trouble for Joe
Anything else we need to know about him?

Joes-ex-gf, why don't you sign up with your own account?
Join in the fun and all that?

 

Please no. She's too sarcastic and would fit in too well. WMR and FL would have too much fun.

Wait until I get home from school....DEAD!