Problem Escort

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Mon 20 Sep 2004 12:32
Problem Escort - Nigel W
We have a problem with my wifes car which to date local garages have been unabke to identify.
The car is an N reg Escort 5 door 1.4 LX which has covered 38000 miles from new & is mainly used for short journeys of 3 miles or less at a time, not the best way to run an engine.
When occasionally used on longer trips once the vehicle has done 12-15 miles it developes an irregular stutter. This has been happening over the last eighteen months, however during the recent spell of hot weather the engine has been stuttering as described above when run from cold.
Also occasionally the engine will rev at between 2500-3500 when the vehicle is at rest without the pedal depressed & sometimes cuts-out with the pedal at rest when approaching roundabouts. The vehicle has been taken to four garages & the plugs, leads & electronic coil unit have been replaced but the problem continues & the garages are unable to help.
It has been suggested that engine sludge is the problem but lubricant does not help.
Can anyone help.
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Mon 20 Sep 2004 14:25
Problem Escort - Dynamic Dave
moved from discussion

DD.
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Wed 22 Sep 2004 21:33
Problem Escort - Andrew Moorey (Tune-Up)
Its possible the throttle position sensor may be at fault, a common problem where the rest position voltage moves outside its allowed tolerance due to age. In the first instance remove the 3A fuse inside the car (no 7 I think) for half an hour or so then replace and start the engine without touching the throttle and allow to warm up. This reboots the ecu and it will accept the voltage from the sensor as 'correct'. The breather on the rear left hand end of the cam cover as you face it can give rise to problems when it becomes sludgy, I replace them bi-annually on regulars and as a matter of course on newcomers. If neither of these make any improvement then you are in for some serious diagnostics. These engines are not so sensitive to thick oil as the 16v engines. If the plugs have been replaced check that they have a wide gap of 1.0mm.
Andrew
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Simplicate and add lightness!!
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Wed 22 Sep 2004 23:13
Problem Escort - henry k
Andrew.
I am unable to access your website. Is it a temporary situation?
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