
BASIC DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS TROUBLE SHOOTING
Corroded spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Cylinders Not Firing
Cracked distributor cap terminalsReplace distributor cap
Shorted spark plug wireDetermine cause and repair
Mechanical problem in engineDetermine cause and repair
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Spark plugs fouledReplace spark plugs
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Hard Starting
Binding carburetor linkageEliminate binding
Binding choke linkageEliminate binding
Binding choke pistonEliminate binding
Restricted choke vacuumCheck vacuum lines for
blockage
Worn or dirty needle valve and seatClean carburetor, see ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
Float stickingReadjust or replace float see
the ENGINE
PERFORMANCE section
Incorrect choke adjustmentReset choke adjustment see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Defective coilReplace coil
Improper spark plug gapRegap spark plugs
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Detonation
Over-advanced ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Fuel lines cloggedClean fuel lines
EGR system malfunctionCheck and repair EGR system
PCV system malfunctionRepair PCV system
Vacuum leaksCheck and repair vacuum
system
Loose fan beltsTighten or replace fan belts,
see ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
Restricted airflowRemove restriction
Vacuum advance malfunctionCheck distributor operation
Dieseling
Binding carburetor linkageEliminate binding
Binding throttle linkageEliminate blinding
Binding choke linkage or fast idle camEliminate binding
Defective idle solenoidReplace idle solenoid see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Improper base idle speedReset idle speed, see see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Incorrect idle mixture settingReset idle mixture, see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Faulty Acceleration
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Engine cold and choke too leanAdjust choke and allow engine
to warm-up
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Defective coilReplace coil
Faulty Low Speed Operation
Clogged idle transfer slotsClean idle transfer slots, see
FUEL
Restricted idle air bleeds and passagesDisassemble and clean
carburetor, see FUEL
Clogged air cleanerReplace air filter
Defective spark plugsReplace spark plugs
Defective ignition wiresReplace ignition wire see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Defective distributor capReplace distributor cap
Faulty High Speed Operation
Incorrect ignition timingReset ignition timing see
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Page 23 of 36 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Trouble Shooting - Basic Procedures
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Back To Article
GENERAL INFORMATION
T ROUBLE SHOOT ING
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
TUNE-UP TROUBLE SHOOTING NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
NOTE:T his article is generic in nature and all inform ation does not apply to all vehicles. For vehicle specific
inform ation, see the appropriate articles in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE category.
Problem & Possible CauseAction
Carbon Fouled Plugs
C l o gge d Air Fil t e rReplace Air Filter
Incorrect Idle SpeedReset Idle Speed
Faulty Ignition WiringReplace Ignition Wiring
Sticky Valves/Worn Valve SealCheck Valve Train
Fuel Injection OperationCheck Fuel Injection
Wet/Oil Fouled Plugs
Worn Rings/PistonsOverhaul/Replace Engine
Excessive Cylinder WearOverhaul/Replace Engine
Plug Gap Bridged
Combustion Chamber Carbon DepositsClean Combustion
Chamber
Blistered Electrode
Engine OverheatingCheck Cooling System
Loose Spark PlugsClean/Torque Plugs
Over-Advanced TimingReset Timing
Wrong Plug Heat RangeInstall Correct Plug
Melted Electrodes
Incorrect TimingReset Timing
Burned ValvesReplace Valves
Engine OverheatingCheck Cooling System
Wrong Plug Heat RangeInstall Correct Plug
Engine Won't Start
Loose ConnectionsCheck Connections
No PowerCheck Fuses/Battery
Loose/Worn Timing Belt/Chain/GearsCheck Belt/Chain/Gears
Engine Runs Rough
Leaky/Clogged Fuel InjectorsRepair Fuel Injectors
Leaky/Clogged Fuel LinesRepair Fuel Lines
Clogged Fuel FilterReplace Fuel Filter
Incorrect TimingReset Timing/Check
Advance
Faulty Plugs/WiresReplace Plugs/Wires
Uneven CompressionOverhaul/Replace Engine
Poor Acceleration
Incorrect Ignition TimingReset Timing
Leaky ValvesCheck Compression
Component Failure
Spark ArcingReplace Faulty Part
Defective Pick-Up CoilReplace Pick-Up Coil
Defective Ignition CoilReplace Ignition Coil
Defective Control UnitReplace Control Unit
Ignition Diagnosis By Scope Pattern
All Firing Lines Abnormally High
Retarded Ignition TimingReset Ignition Timing
Lean Air/Fuel MixtureAdjust Fuel Mixture
High Secondary ResistanceRepair Secondary
Ign it io n
All Firing Lines Abnormally Low
Rich Air/Fuel MixtureAdjust Air/Fuel Mixture
Arcing Coil WireReplace Coil Wire
Cracked CoilReplace Coil
Low Coil OutputReplace Coil
Low CompressionCheck/Repair Engine
Page 1 of 3 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION TROUBLE SHOOTING
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Back To Article
1971-96 MAINT ENANCE & SERVICE INFORMAT ION
Interference Verification Check For OHC Engine - T im ing Belt Inform ation
TIMING BELT INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION INFORMATION
TIMING BELT INTERFERENCE CAUTION
Crack Or Tears In Belt Surface
Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
Oil Contamination
Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
Incorrect Tension Adjustment
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (FORD PASSENGER CARS)
(1)
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (MERCURY PASSENGER CARS)
(1) CAUT ION: T he condition of cam shaft tim ing belts should always be checked on vehicles which have m ore than
50,000 m iles. Although som e m anufacturers do not recom m end replacem ent at a specified m ileage,
others require it at 60,000-100,000 m iles. A cam shaft drive belt failure m ay cause extensive dam age to
internal engine com ponents on m ost engines, although som e designs do not allow piston-to-valve
contact. T hese designs are often called "Free Wheeling". Many m anufacturers changed their
m aintenance and warranty schedules in the m id-1980's to reflect tim ing belt inspection and/or
replacem ent at 50,000-60,000 m iles. Most service interval schedules shown in this section reflect these
changes. Belts or com ponents should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions
exist:
ApplicationYear SpanEngineReplacement Interval (Miles)
Aspire1994-961.3L 4-Cyl.60,000
Contour1995-962.0L 4-Cyl.60,000
Escort1981-851.6L 4-Cyl.60,000
Escort1985-961.9L 4-Cyl.60,000
Escort1984-87(2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel(4) 100,000
Escort1991-961.8L 4-Cyl.60,000
EXP1981-851.6L 4-Cyl.60,000
EXP1985-961.9L 4-Cyl.60,000
Fairmont1978-832.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Festiva1988-931.3L 4-Cyl.60,000
Granada1981-822.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
LTD1983-862.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Mustang1974-932.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Pinto1971-742.0L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Pinto1974-802.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Probe1989-92(2) 2.2L 4-Cyl.60,000
Probe1993-96(2) 2.0L 4-Cyl.60,000
Probe1993-962.5L V660,000
Taurus SHO1989-953.0L V6100,000
Taurus SHO1993-953.2L V6100,000
Tempo1984-87(2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel(4) 100,000
Thunderbird1983-882.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
(1)Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2)Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3)Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers
suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4)Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
ApplicationYear SpanEngineReplacement Interval (Miles)
Bobcat1974-802.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Capri1971-721.6L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Capri1971-742.0L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Capri1974-842.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Capri1991-941.6L 4-Cyl.60,000
Cougar1984-862.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
LN71981-85(2) 1.6L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Lynx1981-85(2) 1.6L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Page 1 of 2 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - 1971-96 MAINTENANCE & SERVICE INFORMATION Interference Verification Check For OHC
...
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT INTERVAL & INTERFERENCE VERIFICATION (LIGHT TRUCKS) (1)
Lynx1984-871.9L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Lynx1984-872.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel(4) 100,000
Marquis1983-862.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Mystique1995-962.0L 4-Cyl.60,000
Topaz1984-86(2) 2.0L 4-Cyl. Diesel(4) 100,000
Tracer1987-901.6L 4-Cyl.60,000
Tracer1991-961.8L 4-Cyl.60,000
Tracer1991-961.9L 4-Cyl.60,000
Tracer (Canadian)1987, 19901.6L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Zephyr1978-832.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Villager1993-96(2) 3.0L V6105,000
(1)Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2)Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3)Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers
suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4)Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
ApplicationYear SpanEngineReplacement Interval (Miles)
Aerostar1986-872.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Courier1977-822.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Ranger1986-882.0L 4-Cyl.60,000
Ranger1983-962.3L 4-Cyl.(3) 60,000
Ranger1985-87(2) 2.3L 4-Cyl. Diesel(3) (4) 60,000
(1)Other interference engine applications may exist which are not indicated here.
(2)Interference engine. Check for possible damage to piston(s) or valve(s) if there has been a timing belt failure.
(3)Although the vehicle manufacturer does not recommend a specific scheduled maintenance interval, aftermarket belt manufacturers
suggest the belt be replaced at 60,000 mile intervals.
(4)Vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing all belts at the same time.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00062912
Page 2 of 2 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - 1971-96 MAINTENANCE & SERVICE INFORMATION Interference Verification Check For OHC
...
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some
manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt
failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-va l ve
contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement
at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist:
Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
Oil Contamination
Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
Incorrect Tension Adjustment
Replace camshaft timing belt every 60,000 miles.
COOLING SYSTEM
Replace engine coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles. Check condition of hoses and clamps every 12 months or 15,000 miles, whichever
comes first. Replace hoses and clamps if necessary.
SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Fig. 2: Engine Service Point Locations (1988
-89 1.3L 2V Carb.)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. CAUT ION: Failure to replace a faulty cam shaft tim ing belt m ay result in serious engine dam age.
Page 2 of 9 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1988-93 MAINTENANCE Ford Motor Co. Maintenance Inform...
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Fig. 5: Aligning Camshaft & Crankshaft Timing Marks (1.3L)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT (1988-89 CARBURETOR ENGINES)
IDENTIFICATION LABEL LOCATIONS
NOTE:For m ore inform ation regarding cam shaft tim ing belt service refer to the 1.3L 4-CYL - VINS [H,K] article
in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.
NOTE:For m ore inform ation regarding valve clearance adjustm ents refer to the 1.3L 4-CYL - VINS [H,K] article
in the ENGINE MECHANICAL section.
Page 4 of 9 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1988-93 MAINTENANCE Ford Motor Co. Maintenance Inform...
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...