95 Ford Escort 55 1.8 (non-turbo) diesel - 95 ford escort 55 lost power and not starting

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Thu 4 Nov 2010 18:55
95 Ford Escort 55 1.8 (non-turbo) diesel - 95 ford escort 55 lost power and not starting - 96db

Hi all

Last week I was driving my 1995 ford escort 1.8 diesel 55 carvan when it suddenly lost all power. Luckily it happened only 100 yards from the house. I pushed it home but couldn't start it. I took off the starter and had it reconditioned. Made no difference. I recharged the battery. The dash lights come on when I turn the key bet there's nothing from the engine when I try to start it. I had put on a new alternator about 2 months ago and everything was fine until last week. Does anyone have any ideas about what I can do?

Any help will be greatly appreciated as I have to walk / hitch everywhere at the moment!

Thanks
96db

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 Nov 2010 19:04
95 Ford Escort 55 1.8 (non-turbo) diesel - 95 ford escort 55 lost power and not starting - tdc

When you say there`s nothing from the engine,do you mean that it doesn`t even turn over?Does starter attempt to turn the engine?

What`s the mileage?When was cam belt&inj pump belt last changed?Any oil leaks around the cam-belt cover area?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 6 Nov 2010 21:20
95 Ford Escort 55 1.8 (non-turbo) diesel - 95 ford escort 55 lost power and not starting - Peter.N.

If the engine is turning over but not starting, especially if its turning over faster than usual I would suspect that you cam belt has broken.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....