i have a 98 escort 2.0 spi sohc that wont start. turns over fine. gets good fuel but a weak spark any ideas what i can do

Welcome to Automotive Forums. First thing, pull off the oil filler cap and look down in there to see if the valve train is moving. Have someone turn it over for you in the drivers seat. If the valve train isn't moving you have a broken timing belt. Your motor is not an interference engine. If it was you would have valves going through the heads of pistons.

If that check for any blown fuses. If that's ok locate the crankshaft position sensor on the left side of the lower crank pulley. There is 1 tooth missing on the crank pulley and when this is lined up with the positon sensor it sends an electrical impulse to the computer to control the spark. The connector gets dirty and it makes for a weak spark. Pull it apart and clean it with carb cleaner or alcohol.