99 escort problems

[lunaticwv]

my son owns a 99 escort and the problem we are having is that when the car runs for about 2hrs. it starts having hesitation problems, theres some popping noises coming from under the car, and if accelerating hard it runs fine for a while. the next day same thing. before taking it to the dealer or mech want to try a few things first since money is tight. thanks in advance for any advice. Larry

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by lunaticwv

my son owns a 99 escort and the problem we are having is that when the car runs for about 2hrs. it starts having hesitation problems, theres some popping noises coming from under the car, and if accelerating hard it runs fine for a while. the next day same thing. before taking it to the dealer or mech want to try a few things first since money is tight. thanks in advance for any advice. Larry

Welcome to AF on your first post.
Open the hood and see if you can locate the popping noise.
What engine and mileage? Any check engine lights on or blinking?
When was the last tune up? Or service history?
MT

[lunaticwv]

popping noise first time today, 2.0 engine, only doing this after warmup.

[lunaticwv]

tuned up less then 35,000 miles, ck engine light blinking about 1/2 mile today, and the car just puttered along no more then 20-25 mph.

[lunaticwv]

then the car ran fine for awhile then hesitation came back, but just after warmup

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by lunaticwv

tuned up less then 35,000 miles, ck engine light blinking about 1/2 mile today, and the car just puttered along no more then 20-25 mph.

A blinking check engine light is a engine missfire.
Check your tune up.
Did you use the oem motorcraft plugs or other?
MT

[lunaticwv]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

A blinking check engine light is a engine missfire.
Check your tune up.
Did you use the oem motorcraft plugs or other?
MT

bosch platenium plugs motorcraft wires no advanced or autozone wires.
could it be the coil cause it only does this when warm, or weak wires?
spark plugs alittle light brown in color, but not worn or burn't

[mightymoose_22]

Check the specs and measure the plug gap.
If this started very recently after a tuneup then it is most likely due to the plugs being the wrong type or gapped incorrectly.
Make sure plug wires are seated securely.

That said... I wonder if the popping noise might be detonation in the cylinder. How loud is the popping, and is there any rhythm to it?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by lunaticwv

bosch platenium plugs motorcraft wires no advanced or autozone wires.
could it be the coil cause it only does this when warm, or weak wires?
spark plugs alittle light brown in color, but not worn or burn't

First thing pitch the Bosch platinum plugs in the trash can and replace with the Motorcraft plugs the good book calls for.
On the coil check for good hot blue spark to spark plugs when hot.
MT

[KimMG]

Have the codes read to make sure there aren't any underlying problems. Places like Autozone will do it for free.