Strange car problem!

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.

CubKid · 06-01-2003, 11:59 AM

There is a little electronic thing on the distributor that could be going bad (its been awhile since Ive changed one, but it should be a little grey box that just plugs into it). I know a few people with Fords whos had that happen.

thekingofpain · 06-01-2003, 12:24 PM

A friend bought a used Miata recently---it was acting like it was vapor locking and/or not delivering fuel---would just die and not restart although there was plenty of gas and spark---after it cooled off it would start and run like a champ again but only for a short time---he finally found it was a dieing mass airflow sensor, cheap simple inexpensive fix, but a difficult diagnosis...

Jonty · 06-01-2003, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CubKid
There is a little electronic thing on the distributor that could be going bad (its been awhile since Ive changed one, but it should be a little grey box that just plugs into it). I know a few people with Fords whos had that happen.

Lol, my car is 1977 vintage, no electronic controllers or the like at all. It's all basic stuff, no electronic ignition etc., so if something does go wrong just a basic toolkit can be used, that's the beauty of older cars.

I'm sure the distributor etc is OK, I still think it's fuel related, either an air lock or dirt that has now gone.

thekingofpain - that is interesting you should say about vapour lock. These past few days have been very hot, well hot for England, up in the 80's. The car has been in the garage all week as I don't use it for work and it gets real hot in that garage. I wonder if that had anything to do with it?

osprey4 · 06-01-2003, 01:05 PM

No, it's some sort of ignition problem, or it wouldn't have died and come back to life so quickly. I'm pretty sure that car has electronic ignition. Yes, it's still got a rotor, but it's electronic ignition.

My first thought was the timing belt. If it slipped, the car would die suddenly like that. But I don't think getting it up the hill using the starter moter would fix that problem. It's got to be an ignition-related problem. May be very difficult to diagnose.

Jonty · 06-01-2003, 01:05 PM

Here is a very interesting article about vapour locking:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/at_000814.htm

Another thing is my car uses 4 star leaded fuel. This was banned by the EC in 2000 so I have to use LRP (lead replacment petrol), I've never had a problem with this as I don't do high speed or a lot of miles, LRP isn't good for the engine at high speed.

Now it seems that LRP is being phased out, Shell have stopped doing it in my area and this is where I used to buy it. I now have to go to the BP station and buy 'lead free' petrol - this isn't unleaded but lead free, confused I know I am.

Now I've only been using this new petrol for three weeks, although I've been on holiday a couple of weeks ago and did 600 miles without a problem.

Could my problem be vapour lock especially after reading the above linked article?

Jonty · 06-01-2003, 01:14 PM

osprey4, we're talking about British Escorts, they date back to the 60's. Here is a picture of an Escort of similar age to mine.

Electronic ignition wasn't even an option on my model!

wju425 · 06-01-2003, 01:16 PM

Since you said you have points I would say it's the condenser going bad or have (had?) a bad connection. Replace it.

\o/ Billy

Jonty · 06-01-2003, 01:24 PM

Hmmm, I replaced the condensor last year I think, doesn't the condensor just suppress sparking and makes the points last longer?

I have found a picture of my car:

Terminal23 · 06-01-2003, 02:11 PM

26 year old escort....

that's getting your moneys worth.