Escort cutting out

Dec 05, 2007 11 Replies
I

Hi,



My '96 Escort (1.6 Zetec) was partial to the odd cut-out when cold, but it's become really bad recently. I don't know if it's the cold/wet weather, or the underlying problem is getting worse.



It'll start fine from cold, but for the first 2 or 3 minutes it will run as if on reduced power. If I take my foot off the gas (eg approaching a junction) the revs will die and it'll cut out. If it does this, starting it is really difficult - taking 30-60 seconds of cranking before it splutters into life. However, if the car's moving it'll bump-start no problem at all.



I chucked some redex in the fuel at the weekend in the hope that it would cure it, but it hasn't. Next option might be carb cleaner in the plenum chamber.



Any ideas?



Thanks,



Iain


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D

Does the coolant temperature sender work? It's not the one that operates the dashboard guage.

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T

This sounds like classic sticking valves, for which the zetec is well known for when on the wrong oil. What oil have you got in it? If unsure, the first thing to do is drain it out and refill with the correct 5w-30 Formula E (or equivilant) and a new filter.

Then take it for a spirited motorway run in 4th and allowing 4-5000rpm and highish load for 4 or 5 miles.

Tim..

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I

How could I test that? I changed the thermostat a few months back because the gauge was always in the blue...

Thanks,

Iain

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I

Thanks for the info. I was thinking the other day that it's about due an oil change (can't remember what's in it at the moment), so I'll do that this weekend and see how it goes.

Is an engine flush recommended or not?

Cheers,

Iain

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M

"Iain McLaren" wrote in message news:4757e505$0$8430$ snipped-for-privacy@news.zen.co.uk...

locate the sensor which is on the oil cap end of the engine . check that the plug is clean and tight, the CTS can be tested by checking its resistance, at20 degrees c it should have a resistance of 35000 - 40000 ohms fully hot at 80 degrees it should read 3000 - 4500 ohms.

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M

"Iain McLaren" wrote in message news:4757e558$0$8411$ snipped-for-privacy@news.zen.co.uk...

no, just use the right Ford oil and change it often.

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I

Thanks. I'll give that a go, and change the oil as well.

Cheers,

Iain

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I

Hi,

Checked the CTS yesterday (seems to be ok) and changed the oil. Engine cut out a couple of times this morning, but seemed to be a wee bit better.

Is there an additive I can put into the oil to help things, or is there anything else to check?

Cheers,

Iain

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T

"Iain McLaren" wrote in message news:475d179d$0$8422$ snipped-for-privacy@news.zen.co.uk...

Have you taken it on a nice longish fast run yet?

Some ATF in the tank at about 8-10% ratio will also clean the backs of the inlet valves nicely too.

Tim..

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I

I have, but it probably wasn't long or fast enough!

Automatic transmission fluid? Blimey...never heard of that trick before! You mix it with the petrol?

Cheers,

Iain

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T

"Iain McLaren" wrote in message news:475d5eeb$0$8412$ snipped-for-privacy@news.zen.co.uk...

Yes, indeed you do.

Tim. .

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