1999 ford escort ztec engine removal

[BATMAN1966]

i what to check my flexplate on my 1999 ford zx2 escort ztec 2.0 auto trans.wold it be easier to pull engine, and how? what would be my easiest route to check flexplate. i been told they crack behind washer.

[rhandwor]

I would pull the transmission but after you unbolt the torque converter use a flashlight and look closely you may be able to see what you want. With the transmission removed you will have plenty of axcess for what you want to do.

[BATMAN1966]

i finally got exhaust removed and cover at bottom of bell housing. about 1/3 of flexplate by ring gear is shiny like is rubbing on something. i guess next step is to pull trans. would this indicate broken flexplate?

[rhandwor]

I think it indicates a problem which might be the flex plate. It also could be a bushing in the transmission. Pull the torque converter and feel for any slop and also check the flex plate. Normally the front seal will also leak if a bushing is bad in the transmission.
I would replace the rear main seal and the front transmission seal if I pulled the transmission on my vehicle. Drain the torque converter and the transmission and install a new filter. Its a lot easier to do when the transmission is removed.

[BATMAN1966]

tranny is out of car. flex plate is not broken. flex plate has been hitting area around crank sensor, and adapter plate. should i change bushing in torque converter? shaft in tranny seems tight and no play. bushing in torque converter shows signs of wear. what else could cause this? i would like to cover everything before i go back together. also should i replace flywheel, vanes for crank sensor had some minor damage of rubbing to them.

[rhandwor]

Check if you can move the crankshaft back and forth. Towards the crank pulley and back towards the transmission. I have observed the thrust bearing in the motor go out. This is the center main bearing it has sides on it.
Is the cranksensor correct or is it to long. When running the crankshaft pulley can be observed moving back and forth. It makes a clunking sound.
You might to stop at your local machine shop and talk to them.
I can't visualize exactly what you are telling me but think this is what you mean.

[BATMAN1966]

i put my flex plate on back of crank it will not lay flat it wobbles back and forth. does this mean it bent? trans was replaced with a salvage yard one before i bought it. trans has no problems.plate that is between trans and motor had a lot of rust behind it and was pushing it out. there are witness marks of flex plate vanes hitting in this area. i also see contact at crank sensor fixture dealer calls it bushing. i can move crank back and forth. spec is .004. i will check with dial indicator.nothing I've found so far is the obvious problem.

[rhandwor]

Lay the flex plate on a flat table and check if its bent. Also dirt and corrision behind it will cause a problem. I think your making gains keep looking and check the crank thrust. If you are in between ask your local machine shop what they would allow.

[BATMAN1966]

crank thrust is .006. spec is .004-.011. i talked to machine shop he said i should be fine with that. cleaned rust and corrosion off of block. also sand blasted plate. it sits nice and flat on block now. I'm going with new flex plate, and replacing converter bushing and seal also rear main. put it back together and see what happens.

[rhandwor]

I'm glad you found the problem. I think you did a good job.

[ssalt23]

Hey I have a 98 escort station wagon in automatic what kind of engines can i put in my escort to make it fast?

[ssalt23]

I got a 98 escort station wagon what engines can i put in it to make it fast?

[Davescort97]

Nothing will fit except a 2.0 SOHC SPI engine. How fast do you want to go?

[zad27]

So only that engine will fit? My engine just died on my 1999 ford excort and I need to replace it, will any other engines fit? Can i use an engine from a different year escort? Where can i find one cheap? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[Davescort97]

Only the engine you now have will fit. As far as other engines (used) that will fit you will have to have the same filfth digit on the VIN on the dash. If it has the same as yours it will fit. Here where I live NW Arkansas used engines go for around $300-$500. You can get a used engine at the auto salvage. There are plenty of zx2 DOHC engines but not many Escort 2.0 SPI SOHC engines. Many boneyards will put it in for you for $300-$500.

You can get a remanufactured engine for about $2000 or a new engine from Ford for about $3500.