My 1999 Escort ZX2 2.0l has just developed a problem. It seems to lack power when accelerating. When idling it runs fine and revs up fine when giving gas when the clutch is pushed in. I am not sure where the problem lies. The car doesn't seem to be missing.
Any ideas?

Check plugs and wires. You may have a bad one that is not firing... or maybe just loose.
The car will sound as if it is normal at idle speeds but doesn't have the oomph on acceleration when a cylinder isn't participating.

one thing I forgot to mention is the check engine light came on a couple of days ago for the O2 sensor. I reset it and it has stayed off since

Put in a set of plugs and wires. Use Autolite or Motorcraft.

Went out and tried to start the car tonight. While turning over the motor changed its sound and started turning over much faster. Looked at the belts and they were turning. Looked thru the crack to see the timing belt and it was turning. Now the car won't start

As far as I know the timing belt has never been changed. Could it have something to do with this and the previous problem?

:banghead:

Have you verified that you have spark yet?

Have you verified that you have spark yet?

lots of spark

If the timing belt hasn't been changed for 60k or more it is time to do that. From what you indicate it seems that the timing belt got retarded then finally gave out. The starter will run faster because the valves are held partially open by the camshafts which aren't turning. Your engine is a non-interferance which means no valves are getting bent by running into a piston.

If the oil fill is on top of the valve cover, you may be able to watch the valves move through it as the starter turns the engine.

Took the timing belt cover off tonight. The cam on the intake somehow had jumped by 2 teeth. Got it back in the right postion and the car started. seems to have its normal power back. Going to change the timing belt tomorrow. I don't understand why it would jump as the belt seems to be ok and all the sprokets look good.
thanks for the help
:cool:

Does anyone know if the 2.0L zetec DOHC is a non Interference Engine or Interference Engine?