hi can anyone help,

i got a ford escort lx 1.8 16v 1996, i recently fitted a new backbox but had to take the middle section off to remove a broken pipe from the old backbox, i fitted it back and started the engine but just keeps dying, it never had this problem before i started...

1 thing i can think is that i should of replaced the gasket

will this cause this problem not starting? or does anyone know why?

thank you

The UK Escorts are different from ours in the U.S.A., and I havent worked on a 1.8 (mine are 1.9), so Im only guessing. .... Anytime I disconnect the battery it resets the computer. The first time the car is started after that I have to push the gas pedal down and keep the engine running at engine speeds above an idle for several seconds - while the computer re-learns what it needs for normal starting. Then I can just turn the key and it starts and idles normally.
I dont know what a backbox is. As far as I know there isnt anything in an Escort exhaust system that would prevent the car from starting up. That is to say, it would start and run regardless of whether all the parts in the exhaust system were installed or not. The oxygen sensor might need to be connected for it to start, but from there on back, it wouldnt matter; the car would run okay with the rest of the exhaust system missing. Noisy though! A -totally- plugged exhaust system would prevent it from running for more than a couple of seconds, but that would be easy to check out by having someone watch for vapor coming out the tailpipe when you try to start it, or by unscrewing the oxygen sensor, so exhaust gases could escape.

it does start but only for a couple of secs and then dies, i think its to do with the back pressure, a backbox is the rear silencer, i will take everything back off clean it up and fit new gaskets hope it works.

or does anyone else know??

its not nessacilly for the escort wud anycar have this problem

Does the engine start and run normally with these pieces removed? It would be louder, but should run.
If it does not run then you can assume an engine problem, possibly vacuum.
If it does run with the parts removed then something in the exhaust is blocked. Is there anything in the new part blocking exhaust flow?

I also think there is a blockage. The back pressure causes the vacuum to drop and kills the engine.

Is it possible to mount the part backwards?

hi thanx for the replys

today i have been reading and it could be a fuel blockage..

when i start it, it starts then immeaditaly stops or if i use the trottle stops too or revs for a bit then dies before 3000 revs wont go past there..

tomorrow i will be removing it completely i will start will no exhaust [cat back]
fill more petrol cud be poss only has a lil bit in about 4 quids worth and has been sat for 2 months, hopefully it cud be that but ive only done less than 2 miles and just starting it up now and again prob 7 times total ova the 2 months, and i will get a new gasket and completey seal the exhaut will the glue stuff for exhausts...

hope this works as my new k&n induction kit came today and i fitted new brake pads was so easy ive never done that before lol..


thank you

If the car had been running fine just prior to this, it is unlikely fuel related. The last fix you made was to the exhaust so your problem is most likely there.
That said.... it could be fuel... but unlikely.

your prob not gonna believe this lol

but i put sum fuel in this morning and it works fine

must of been a coincidence it ran out wen i fitted the exhaust i new it had little in but fort there was more then there was

thank you anyway for your help James

LOL! Thanks for your confession! :-)