bad ignition coil pack?

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RedWingFan - 02 Sep 2006 04:36 GMT

I finally got my 93 Ford Escort to crank but not start. It is getting
gas. I just bought and put in new plugs and wires. The engine was
still cranking but not starting. We pulled out all of the wires and
tested them and they were getting a spark except for the first plug
which was getting no spark at all. I was wondering if anyone had any
ideas. I was looking up some things and it sounds like it could be a
bad ignition coil pack. I don't have the $$ to blindly replace things
I dont have to but with just the one plug not firing I was hoping it
would narrow down the symptoms enough to find the problem

Thanks for your time if you have a reply. And even if you dont reply
thanks for taking the time to read and mybe the replies can help you.

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Bob Bailin - 02 Sep 2006 16:32 GMT

> I finally got my 93 Ford Escort to crank but not start. It is getting
> gas. I just bought and put in new plugs and wires. The engine was
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Thanks for your time if you have a reply. And even if you dont reply
> thanks for taking the time to read and mybe the replies can help you.

Try swapping the wires on plugs #1 & #2 at the coil pack (I know the
shorter wire won't reach the #1 plug) and test for spark on #1 once
again. Even though they're new wires, it's possible that the new #1
wire is defective, or had a bad connection where it plugged into
the coil pack.

Next time you crank the engine, hold the gas pedal to the floor to
shut off the fuel supply and keep from flooding the engine and
fouling the plugs. Do this to clear the engine whenever it doesn't
start up right away and you've cranked it too long.

The engine should have run (poorly) even with only 3 cylinders
firing. Check that the timing belt hasn't jumped a notch if you
fix the #1 spark problem and it still doesn't run.

Bob

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RedWingFan - 02 Sep 2006 17:27 GMT

I will try that. If it still has no spark, is it the coil or not?
Should it start even on 3 plugs but run rough?

I know this sounds silly but how would I know if the timing belt
slipped a notch?

>> I finally got my 93 Ford Escort to crank but not start. It is getting
>> gas. I just bought and put in new plugs and wires. The engine was
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>
>Bob

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Bob Bailin - 03 Sep 2006 05:53 GMT

If it still has no spark, I'd suspect it's a bad coil.
The engine should run badly on 3 cylinders, but
you've probably flooded it as mentioned before.

Checking for belt slippage is a pain. It involves
removing the timing belt covers, turning the
crankshaft by hand with a socket wrench to
line up the mark on the crankshaft pulley and
the mark on the camshaft gear with the corresponding
marks on the engine block. It's explained in detail
in the shop manuals (ford or aftermarket). If the
marks don't line up where they should, it means
the belt has slipped a notch or more, and the belt
must be replaced, usually along with the belt
tensioner and water pump if you're due.

But you could get lucky, replace the coil and
have everything work once again.

> I will try that. If it still has no spark, is it the coil or not?
> Should it start even on 3 plugs but run rough?
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> >
> >Bob

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