98 Escort Rough Idle & Timing Belt Question

[biggarp]

I just purchased a 98 Escort Wagon with 127K miles from a friend and it has been well taken care of. The only problem is the rough idle while in drive, stopped at a light. The entire car seems to vibrate. I have changed the spark plugs and air filter and that helped a small amount. Does this vehicle have a rotor & cap for the distributer that is replacable? Any ideas on how to smoth out the idle are appreciated.

My second question is about timing belt replacement. I do most of my own repair work (as probably everyone else on this forum). Is this procedure very difficult... any tips? Is this an interference engine or can I let the belt break and then replace it?
Thanks
Pat

[Davescort97]

The IAC (Idle Air Control) automatically adjusts the idle for different engine loads. It is located on top of the throttle body. It has what looks like a small electric motor with wires going into it. It is attatched to the throttle body with two 8mm bolts. Take it off and spray it with carb. cleaner. Let it dry, then lubricate it with a light machine oil such as 3 in 1 oil. Just lube the double cavity of the IAC. Don't put any lube into the air passages of the throttle body.

There is no distributor on the 2.0 SPI. Ignition timing and spark distribution is achieved electronically through the PCM (Power Control Module).

Changing the timing belt isn't difficult. If you get a Haynes manual at the auto parts store it explains and has pictures of the procedure. It's only about $15 and will pay for itself the first time you use it vs. going to the repair shop.

Your engine 2.0 liter Split Port Induction single overhead cam is a non-interference engine. If the belt breaks your valves won't go through the top of your pistons. All you will be out of is a tow charge. Recommended service interval for the timing belt is 120,000 miles.

[crazydriverz]

another thing you can try is run some fuel injector/carburator cleaner in your gas tank. good luck

[chevyn0va1]

I'd first try to put new plug wires in. My car ran like crap and the problem was the plug wires were arcing good way to check is at night time open your hood with the car idleing and see if there is any blue arcing going on. If you listen close you can hear it "zapping" also.

[biggarp]

Thanks for the various replies!
I have clean out the IAC, employed Fuel Injector cleaning additives to the fuel tank and replaced the spark plugs and ignition wires.

The rough idle while in drive has diminished slightly. If I come to a stop the rough idle seems to build with the length of the time of the stop. It seems like the idle may be set too low. If I slightly increase the rpms the rough idle goes away.
Is there anyway to increase the idle speed? I noticed an adjustment hex like screw on the IAC unit... but it requires a special shaped key. Can this screw be turned to slightly increase the idle?
Thanks

[Davescort97]

The 5 sided key does require a special tool. It controls the spring tension on the IAC valve. If you screw it in it should increase the spring tension on the valve and make it open sooner. I don't know if this will increase the idle speed, but it is worth a try.

[biggarp]

HI,
I just wanted to let everyone know that I tried the adjustment screw on the IAC and it does adjust the idle speed. Turning the screw clockwise will increase the idle speed. I used a med/lrg philips screw driver to approximate the pentagon shaped recess of the adjustment screw.
I've cranked up the idle speed slightly, and the increased rpm helps alleviate the shakes during idle while the transmission is in drive. I plan to monitor this a few days and adjust as necessary.
I think over time the engine idle needs to be increased slightly and the very low rpm causes the vibration that some folks experience.

[biggarp]

Last week I bought an Idle Air Control valve at a junk yard and replaced the one on my 98 escort wagon (now w/134K mi). It cleared up the rough idle immediately. I had previously replaced the plugs, wires, PCV, and cleaned the IAC with carb cleaner. I wish I'd replaced the IAC sooner.

[szigatti]

i had a similar problem. I had a cracked vacuum hose. My idle would get so bad i would have to give it some gas at stop lights to keep it from stalling. So have a look at all the vacuum hoses. There cheap to replace/fix.

Hope this helps