phatcat007

I was just given a 2000 Escort SE, I cant get it to start. It sounds like it wants to start but it just wont turn over. I have put new plugs, checked the timing belt and reset the fuel cut off switch....any other suggestions before I dish out the $300 for a fuel pump?

Bert

Do you hear the pump run for a few seconds when you turn the key to run? It should every time you turn it to run from off.

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Bert

R.S.LOGAN

^ x 2 as Bert suggests .You say "It sounds like it wants to start but it just wont turn over " If it's trying to start it must be turning over ? If it's not turning over fast enough , could be a "lazy" starter or a weak battery . Could try a jump start . Might also be the engine coolant temp sensor which lets the ECU know how much fuel to supply to engine . I.e more fuel at start up .

FordMan59

Have you verified that it's firing? Checked compression? Checked fuel pressure? All these have to be present plus the timing has to be correct. Did you pull the timing cover off and check the timing belt all the way around? Timing belts often shear teeth off and the bad portion usually ends up at the crank. If the fuel pressure is low or non existent you probably have a bad fuel pump relay or fuel pump. If it's not firing it could be a bad coil or crankshaft position sensor. If you don't have compression on one of the cylinders there's a chance it dropped a valve seat. The second generation 1.9L and the third generation 2.0L both have a track record of dropping valve seats.