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Jonty · 06-01-2003, 10:23 AM

I have a Ford Escort that is coming up for it's 26th birthday, and it has never broken down on me - until this morning.

I was coming home from a short journey when all power went and I came to a halt. I could not start the engine although the engine turned over normally. A passing motorist stopped and pushed while I tried to jump start it but it wouldn't have it. In the end I managed to push the car home with help from some other guys.

Once home I tested various things, the battery was good, I could see petrol going into the carburettor when I removed the air filter cover and tweaked the accelerattor , cleaned the points, rotor arm, distributor cap etc. Still it wouldn't start even after I charged the battery on the bench charger.

OK I thought, let's push it into the garage as it was now raining. That was a problem as my drive is on a slope so I had the bright idea of moving it on the starter motor. I was half into the garage and the engine jumped into life! No spluttering or anything - just came back to life!

I've been on a test run and also stopped and restarted several times and the car has started every time.

What do you reckon was the cause. I'm thinking an air lock in the fuel line? I'm going to be nervous now each time I use the car not knowing what was wrong.

Suggestions appreciated.

06-01-2003, 10:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jonty Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: England Posts: 590	See today's most popular deals at » Strange car problem! I have a Ford Escort that is coming up for it's 26th birthday, and it has never broken down on me - until this morning. I was coming home from a short journey when all power went and I came to a halt. I could not start the engine although the engine turned over normally. A passing motorist stopped and pushed while I tried to jump start it but it wouldn't have it. In the end I managed to push the car home with help from some other guys. Once home I tested various things, the battery was good, I could see petrol going into the carburettor when I removed the air filter cover and tweaked the accelerattor , cleaned the points, rotor arm, distributor cap etc. Still it wouldn't start even after I charged the battery on the bench charger. OK I thought, let's push it into the garage as it was now raining. That was a problem as my drive is on a slope so I had the bright idea of moving it on the starter motor. I was half into the garage and the engine jumped into life! No spluttering or anything - just came back to life! I've been on a test run and also stopped and restarted several times and the car has started every time. What do you reckon was the cause. I'm thinking an air lock in the fuel line? I'm going to be nervous now each time I use the car not knowing what was wrong. Suggestions appreciated.