Hi all, my daughter has a '98 escort sport with a 2.0L Zetec engine (I think, see below). It runs rough and hesitates badly at take-off (especially with the A/C on). Once its going it runs O.K. but mileage is poor. I've replaced the plugs, wires, and air filter. Is it worth a costly trip to the dealer to have it put on their diagnostic machine or do any of you have thoughts on what might be the cause. Also I wanted to verify the engine size since the Haynes manual I have is confusing. My spark plugs are centered between the dual O/H cam shafts which is the way the Haynes manual shows the 1.8L engine but the owners manual only lists a 2.0L DOHC Zetec and 2.0 SOHC as possiblilities and there is not a decent illistration or picture of a Zetec engine in the Haynes manual. I have the engine code from the timing belt cover (assuming it is the correct one - the car is salvaged) if this will shed some light. All assistance is greatly appreciated.

american or UK?

2.0 Zetec = Escort coupe aka ZX2
2.0 SPI = Escort Sedan US..maybe in the UK also

American coupe (ZX2 I guess).

I talked to a self employed mechanic about this problem in a social setting & he knew there was no way he would get my business due to the fact that his shop is 2.5 hours away from where I live. This makes me think his advice may be good since it is untinted. He thought the symptoms were caused by a bad MAF sensor. Any thoughts out there?

is it two door, or four door?
2=zx2
4=sedan
i don't think the sedan came with the dohc, so im assuming its a zx2. maybe you should post in the zx2 forum. there are guys in there that know everything about the zx2.