automatic ford escort cranks no start??!!

[remow57]

Hi guys,morning to all.I have a mk2 escort,auto transmission
My problem is it cranks strong but refuses to start.
Carb is gettin fuel,there is a spark at the plugs.
New distrib cap,rotor,points,condensor,plug leads,plugs and new
Ignition coil.Thers new fuel filter also.
Timing has been checked and double checked.
The car refuses to fire up,it just cranks away.
I've ran a 12v wire direct to coil and chuked sum fuel direct down the carb,still no go.
I am absolutely stumped,its drivin me nuts.
I've even replaced the old parts one by one,still nothin.
Any suggestions pls?

[foxtrot3]

Hi. Did you take the dissy out at all? timing will appear right but its half a turn out. other things could be the low tension wire between the coil and the points broken inside the dissy or the earth wire between the plate under the points and the dissy body broken. Cheers MD

[remow57]

Hi I did remove the dissy.I just slid it back and timed the notch at pulley with rotor pointing to No1 cylinder.Did I do that wrong?

[allanv6gt]

Was no 1 at TDC compression stroke when inserting dizzy?
Cut out switch on auto is OK (needs to be in P or N, at least on my old BW65 auto).
Points plugged in ? (been there , done that - Doh!!)
Checked the HT leads are all seated correctly and fully ? Esp coil lead.
Are the spark plugs getting HT spark ?
Centre contact in Dist cap ok? Graphite ones can break with handling giving air gap.

Apols for seemingly dumb-a*** questions. But these are simple frustrating errors .... that I've done !!
Start from first principles and double check it thru. .... again

[remow57]

Thanks for reply.I"m thinking I messed up the inserting dizzy part.Could you please advise me the correct procedure wen installing the dizzy?And should the mark be on tdc or 8btdc?Really appreciate ur advice

[allanv6gt]

Manual says...
7. Ensure engine is at TDC No 1 position and rotor button points to mark on body (of distributor presumably, somewhere on edge near capacitor - obscured picture in manual - or at least at no1 plug lead position on cap).
Slide distributor assembly into position and tighten the clamping plate bolt.

SAFETY FIRST - Disconnect battery !!

Other picture shows notch on pulley at TDC (0deg btdc). Ensure this is the compression stroke by rotating the motor by socket on pulley bolt until no1 TDC and no1 valves ALL closed (i.e. compression stroke). There is often info available that states when TDC No1 then No? Inlet/Exhaust fully open - however this needs to be specific for your type of engine. Sorry can't be more specific, don't have an Escort.

If this doesn't quite make sense, search youtube for a video. There is usually a video covering this kind of stuff.

[remow57]

Sorry for late reply guys,but here's a update.Towed car to a mechi.He said timing was completely out and tappets were too tight.The car starts now but is low on power.
On checking the firing at cylinders,it appears 1 and 4 cylinders are not making any difference when the plug leads are pulled off them.
There is spark getting to the plugs.
Mechanic says it the valves?What wud be my best option?
Thanks again for all the advice.

[simon varley]

that'd be a head off job. Maybe try a compression test first?

[Peter B - CV8]

Probably recessed valves due to no lead additive being used in the fuel... As said above, head needs to come off & be completed overhauled + hardened inserts for running on unleaded. It will be pretty pricey....

[chappy60]

you did put the firing order right 1243 and not like others which are 1342

[foxtrot3]

Originally Posted by chappy60

you did put the firing order right 1243 and not like others which are 1342

Hi. In 40 years of working on cars I have never seen 1243 as the firing order of any inline 4 cylinder engine. All small ford 4's that I have owned or worked on have been 1342. Cheers MD

[aussiblue]

In 40 years of working on cars I have never seen 1243 as the firing order of any inline 4 cylinder eng

You have had a sheltered life; MK2 Escorts are one amongst others that do have a 1243 firing order. See http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au...ifications.php
http://1300sportproject.weebly.com/
etc

Fairly common on Ford 4's (most Kent engines) and even the Ford Ka had the 1243.

[aussiblue]

Noting that 1243 is 1342 backwards a counter rotating dizzie and/or engine will give that firing order too. Others fours with a 1243 firing order include many of the Honda bike engines such as the CBR600 F4i engines. Many older cars (Riley) and tractors (John Brown, Case etc) had the 1243 firing order but most modern engines have settled on the more common 1342 firing order. And in my nearly 50 years of playing with cars and engines I've seen that a few times and I have also learnt that you can never assume any particular firing order and always to check the specs if it's not stamped somewhere obvious like the tuning plate or inlet manifold.

[aussiblue]

Early 60's Toyotas - the 3RB, 3RC engines also had the 1243 firing order.