Practically Classics Forum

hi i have a 1990 1.4 ford escort and on working ok on thurs my wife went to start it on fri morning and it just wont start it turns over ok but just wont start fuel is getting to the pump ok but wont fire which i presume the problems could be on the electrical side anyone got ideas please

There are a lot of different items that could be at fault.If you are getting fuel as you say then you need to check to see if you are getting a spark. Remove a plug lead from the plug then either use a spare s/plug or take the plug out of the car & put it in the end of the lead,rest the thread part of the plug against a good earth point & crank the engine. You should get a spark across the electrode. More info will be needed on engine to assist further. i.e is the car carb or fuel injection (if injection is it sngle point or multipoint),coil pack or distributor,i assume it is overhead cam? is the cambelt broken (need to ease cover forward to check & see if cam turns when cranked. One common problem with these engines was that if the oil is very old or very low the hydraulic tappets can empty out & give symptoms of no compression.Make sure oil level is ok hold your foot to the floor on throtle & crank engine (it will eventually splutter into life).Check these items in order listed & if no joy please supply more info.
Hope this helps