1.9 struggling to run!!!

[93tblx]

My 1993 Ford Escort 1.9 liter engine seems to struggle whenever I'm in park or at a stoplight. The engine seems to shake the whole car. What seems to be the problem?

[dougand3]

Here are some general problems when an engine lopes at idle, or idles erratically.

1. Vacuum leakage. Check the mounting bolts/nuts at the throttle body and intake manifold for tightness. Make sure all vacuum hoses are connected and in good condition. Use a stethoscope or a length of fuel hose held against your ear to listen for vacuum leaks while the engine is running. A hissing sound will be heard. A soapy water solution will also detect leaks.
2. Fault in the fuel or electrical systems
3. Plugged PCV valve
4. Air filter clogged
5. Fuel pump not delivering sufficient fuel to the fuel injectors
6. Leaking head gasket. Perform a compression check
7. Camshaft lobes worn

The easiest to check are your:
1. air filter - behind diver side headlight in the curved box
2. PCV valve - behind the radiator in the valve cover with a 1/2"-3/4" tube attached - it should rattle when shaken.

If you don't have a Haynes manual for escort - get one at auto supply house like autozone, pep boys, advance auto, etc. Full of good photos and instructions.

[AzTumbleweed]

When my '93 1.9L did the same thing I replaced the PCV Valve and the Oxygen Sensor and it fixed it. So I don't know which was bad but both had well over 200,000 miles on them so they both needed replaced.