88 ford escort fuel problem

[larry220]

Hello

Could use some help on this problem.

I have a 88 escort 1.9L with manual. Has a throttle body fuel injectin system. Was driving it every day to work(35miles) till one day on the way home it started acting like it was starving for fuel. I had to keep pumping the gas to keep it running. When I got home it died and wouldnt start.

Here is what I have done so far.

I unhooked the fuel line where it enters the throttle body and turned the key on and can here the pump run and gas does come gushing out. So assuming the pump was ok (assuming it has enough pressure ) I have replaced the fuel filter and the fuel injector as I thought the injector may be plugged. But no help.

Now here is the catch: if I pour some gas down into the throttle body the car will start right up and if I keep pumping the gas pedal it will keep running but it surges and I have to keep pumping it or it will die. It is also very low on power as you can move the car but not far.

I am thinking it is a fuel problem but I suppose it could be some sensor telling the computer to not give the fuel injector the signal to turn on the gas?? Also I have inspected most of the vacuum lines and they look OK.

Well any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Larry

[UnexplodedCow]

If it's weak on power, it won't be totally due to fuel. Since the fuel pumped up, it should be fine. Check your pressure regulator. It's located right behind the injector. Four screws hold it down. Try replacing that. It's not expensive. If that doesn't work, then I would say you jumped time. How long has it been since you replaced the timing belt on the engine? Ford says replace very 50k, but I would suggest 40, because I've seen belts break well before 50k......like around 45k. Still, I don't think you'd break anything or bend a valve. Usually by '88 I'm pretty sure all, or at the very least, most Escorts came with notched pistons so they wouldn't bend a valve if the engine jumped time. Still, check the regulator and the timing. If both check out, then something's definitely bad.

[larry220]

Hey Thanks for the info. I was beginning to wonder if anyone would reply as I am new on here.

Anyway I have suspected the regulator and have even gotten one but its not the correct one. Its for a multi port. Ive tried two parts stores with no results. They arent listed for the throttle body? But I was refered to another parts store who may have the correct one. I did take the regulator out already and inspected it somewhat. The diaphram looks Ok but it could be bad. I will definately take your advice and put that regulator in (I know I can get one online too.) Also I will check the timing belt for alignment. To see if perhaps it did slip. I did replace it but probably 40k ago.

I will try these things and let you know how it went.

Thanks again

larry

[Snow93]

junk yard= the answer that solves all lifes needs for cheap, working, parts.

[UnexplodedCow]

I wouldn't buy a pressure regulator diaphragm at a junk yard. They're a pretty cheap part. Oh, and a diaphragm for a '85 to '87 CFI (Throttle Body) Tempo works just as well in a pinch, but it's a tiny bit different. Still I was using one for a bit and it never leaked, and kept good pressure. I hope it works out for you.