hi peeps, have a problem with my escort mk4! When I turn the engine off, it keeps running for like 5 seconds until it stops completely. It does it frequently not all the time. What can be the cause? runnign rich, carbon deposits, timing?

its a 1097cc valencia engine, uses unleaded petrol.

 

Does this have a solenoid on the carb to cut the fuel? Could be that?

 

dont know mate tbh!

 

Go look dumbass LOL

 

As you say most likely needs a de coke, carbon basically built up on the valves this causes hot spots which ignities the fuel after switch off hence the running on, has the timing been adjusted as well for the unleaded? Although unlikely to be causing this problem.

Martin

 

dont have a garage and its fuckin raining outside

The engine was built from factory to run unleaded mate. Today I poured some redex in the carb and revved the engine, will see how it goes tomorrow now!

 

lmao, mine used to do this mate, it turned out it was a bad earth on my back lights! i think it used to cut out if i turned the heated rear screen on while it was doing it.. cant remember now.

 

More than likely to need the head off for a decoke as it's probably running a hot spot somewhere. Have you pulled the plugs out to see what they look like?

 

my rst did this after a mate properly ripped the fuck outta it and parked it up, pulled the keys out the ignition and the engine was still running

 

Sounds like the ignition timing to me


Luciano

 

I'd say carbon build-up aswell.

What octane fuel are you running it on?

 

Oh of course I remember now the heads were revised in 1986 for unleaded, is that engine not quite rare in the MK4 Escort?

Martin

 

yes its quite rare ( and shit slow ) lol, cant even find a manual for it too!

dont know bout the octane, i just put normal unleaded.
Changed the plugs in march, will take a look at them. fortunetely today it didnt do it, maybe it was the carbon build up! will see the next few days.

Is a decoke expensive or difficult to make?

 

Try running it on 95 octane fuel. If that cures it, it definitely is coke build up.

 

we cant choose here in malta mate lol, its either lrp, unleaded, diesel or bio diesel lol!! shit I know

can the coke build up effect fuel consumption and performance as well?

 

Unleaded is 95 octane at least in the UK it is can't image yours being different, SUL is 98.

Yes it certainly can.

Martin

 

well the diaphram was fucked so has been changed, the timin gi snow perfect, runs alot smoother now.BUT it keeps on doing this, mechanic now told me that it has alot of carbon build up and will need to remove the head!

Is the seafoam stuff any good? or do I basically take apart the whole engine with new rings etc.

 

the build up of carbon creates hot spots which leads to it running on/pinking/detonation whatever you want to call it

so you will need to open up the head/block and literally grind the carbon deposits off the face of the head, all around the valves and probably relap the valves into the head again

 

yeah, been told with grinding paste? but is it necessary to take the piston out etc too?

 

You just need to scrape the carbon off with a flat headed screwdriver etc, you don't have to strip the engine, valve train etc.

Martin

 

pistons will clean up with just some normal wire wool

lapping the valves will require grinding paste and some elbow grease

its nice theraputic work

 

Its been many years since i heard that problem, back then it was caused by weak mixture causing hot spots in the combusting chamber

 

Could be worth getting another head and in slow time get some bigger valves etc in it and give it a port and polish! I bet a few extra gg's wouldn't go a miss eh!

 

yes mate, but to be fair its not that bad on fuel and it wont be economical then surely?

but what would be the cost of that? I know its a slow engine etc to start with, but I am going to keep this car standard and 'one day' rebuilt it.

 

Probably make it more economical to be honest! All you are doing is allowing the engine to breath easier by making it less restrictive.

 

ic mate that makes sense. do you know roughly the cost? cant see it being cheap!

 

I have no idea personally, can't see it being horrendous!

 

ok mate