94 Escort turning over but not starting

[tjduckett]

Ok, I had this problem driving back to school after visiting home about a month ago. I was on the highway then all of a sudden my car just died. There was nothing. Tried to turn it over, no start. The more I tried to srt it, the battery just died out. We took it in and were told it was the timing belt, so I went ahead and got it replaced.

Now, last week, it was running fine. I drive home from work, and it drives fine, and then go back out to it later in the night to run a few errands. Turns, but doesn't start. No matter how much it's charged, no start. Now do you guys think it could be the timing belt again? I'm down at school so it's not like we can take it back to the place we took it to back at home. After calling those who fxed it, they have pretty much said that it wouldn't be the timing belt since it was replaced so recently. Does anyone here have any kind of suggestion to what it would be, and, if so, what kind of money would it cost to repair? I've read some simlar posts out here and it seems like the fuel pump could be a problem. Is this possible? If so, what would it cost to get that repaired?

[GTP Dad]

It is possible that the timing belt broke again but very doubtful. I would suggest checking the fuel pump since the way you describe how the problem started that is where the problem lies. A fuel pump, strainer and filter costs around $75 at Autozone and will take about 2 hours to put in the vehicle. Not a hard job if you have the proper tools. If you have a garage do it for you expect to spent around $300 to have it put on.

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by tjduckett

Ok, I had this problem driving back to school after visiting home about a month ago. I was on the highway then all of a sudden my car just died. There was nothing. Tried to turn it over, no start. The more I tried to srt it, the battery just died out. We took it in and were told it was the timing belt, so I went ahead and got it replaced.

Now, last week, it was running fine. I drive home from work, and it drives fine, and then go back out to it later in the night to run a few errands. Turns, but doesn't start. No matter how much it's charged, no start. Now do you guys think it could be the timing belt again? I'm down at school so it's not like we can take it back to the place we took it to back at home. After calling those who fxed it, they have pretty much said that it wouldn't be the timing belt since it was replaced so recently. Does anyone here have any kind of suggestion to what it would be, and, if so, what kind of money would it cost to repair? I've read some simlar posts out here and it seems like the fuel pump could be a problem. Is this possible? If so, what would it cost to get that repaired?

tjduckett,
I agree with the Moderator the fuel pump could be the problem. If it is an electric fuel pump and it's working you should hear a 'whine' when you turn on the key.
Since the timing belt was just replaced, it's possible the belt has slipped due to improper installation/tension.
After replacing a timing belt it is necessary to re-adjust the timing which requires loosening /moving the distributor. Check to see if the distributor is tight, has not moved, and the harness connector to the distributor is secure.
Alvin

[tjduckett]

I know notihng about a lot of this stuff. I know where the distributor belt is simply because it's right there, but how do you "check it"? Is it something I can just go outside and do?

I do hear that "Whine" when I try to start it though.

[tjduckett]

Also, I called my dad and he reminded me that in my model, there isn't like a "distributor cap" that the spark plug wires come off of. He told me to check the fuel filter and see if gas comes out when I start it, but where is that at even??

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by tjduckett

I know notihng about a lot of this stuff. I know where the distributor belt is simply because it's right there, but how do you "check it"? Is it something I can just go outside and do?

I do hear that "Whine" when I try to start it though.

Tjduckett,
First of all we need to know the engine size. 1.8L, 1.9L, 2.0L etc. we are talking about.
Does it have a carburetor?
If it doesn't have a carburetor it will be either a CFI (Central Fuel Injection) system or an EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system. If you don't know, maybe you can get one of your school mates to help you.
Get back to us and we will try to help you.
Alvin

[tjduckett]

Ok guys, we figured it out a few days ago. I called my dad and he told me what was going on in about 5 minutes. The fuel line had disconnected, and that was ALL. Thanks soo much for your input though guys!