97 Escort California emissions problems

A friend of mine would like to sell me his 97 California (CARB) spec Escort for $300.00 he states that when the vehicle reaches operating temp it will stall and not start again, I have not had the chance to read the codes and I was just wondering if this is a common problem on these. He has told me that someone told him it was a cracked cylinder head, he replaced the head and has the same results and he has told me that the engine has not overheated with the old or new head, it operates at normal temp. Any help would be appreciated before I spend the $300.00

This sounds like either an ignition problem or a fuel pump problem. The crank position sensor which is cheap can cause this kind of stalling especially if the car stalls when warm. An overheating fuel pump can also cause issues like this. $300 isn't that much to pay for a 97 model car.

I don't believe the engine will run at all if the crank sensor is on the blink.

For $300 you can repair this car and come out way ahead.

I really think $300 is not much either, I just do not want to invest $6oo or more either, the car is for a freind of mine who cannot afford much. I think I am going to pick it up and take the chance, one I have it I will read the codes and go from there. Anyone know where I can get a cat for it since it is has CARB emissions, everywhere I look I'm told except CAL. just wondering in case it has something to do with it. Can I use non CARB approved components living outside of California?

I really think $300 is not much either, I just do not want to invest $6oo or more either, the car is for a freind of mine who cannot afford much. I think I am going to pick it up and take the chance, one I have it I will read the codes and go from there. Anyone know where I can get a cat for it since it is has CARB emissions, everywhere I look I'm told except CAL. just wondering in case it has something to do with it. Can I use non CARB approved components living outside of California?


its the same CAT as any other 97+ escort sedan the only difference in a Cali emissions and non-cali emissions is the PCM of the car and hows its tuned.

So if it is tha CAT can I install it without any other adjustments?