someone help my grocery getter

[twotonehooligan]

hey i own a 89 ford escort wagon, has about 160k on it, the other day i was driving and the car just slowed right down. if i gave it gas it would almost stall. now whenever i start it up it sounds real loud and when i do it give it gas it doesnt seem to be getting much power i have to switch from 1st to 2 or it will stall, and the same from 2nd to 3rd or it'ss stall any ideas?

Cheers

[GTP Dad]

Does the engine rev and you stand still or does the car refuse to rev up and just won't go? If the engine rev's and you sit still you have a problem with your transmission. If the engine runs but won't rev up then you probably have a problem with the catalytic converter.