Please help! 99 Escort ticking then stalled, cranks but won't start

[shmolloydvm]

Please help! My 99 Escort has been awesome- one of the best used cars we've ever had but now it's having its first problem: I noticed a new ticking noise so checked the oil & it was fine. Drove about 3 miles (to the store) & it started back up normally. Got about halfway home & it stalled. Now it cranks but wont turn over. Obviously Im hoping it's something easy/cheap to fix. Someone told me maybe it was a timing belt. What else could it be? Thanks!

[AzTumbleweed]

My first thought was timing belt.

[702VegasLife]

Just replaced my timing belt on my 02 escort, Ticking I had went away, I would look at the timing belt for cracks or it may have snapped if it's stalling. Good luck! keep us updated

[denisond3]

If the timing belt still looks like its in place and turning the cam - i would try a compression test. All 4 cylinders should be nicely above 125. More like 150 after the engine has rotated for six 'compression pulses' per each cylinder.

[Jamesjjr9110]

Unplug your MAF sensor and try to start it. My 91 Escort did similar to same thing (except it would turn over, attempt to start and run for a second or two very poorly and die) and I replaced fuel pump, coil, wires, plugs, air filter, fuel filter, checking timing belt, all sorts of stuff and it turned out to be the MAF sensor.