DOHC engine problem, won't start
 

My son was driving the car when it made a noise and quit running (suffice to say that there may be more to the story than I know). Since then it will not start and makes a horrible grinding noise. I checked some things myself, the pistons all go up and down, no metal in the oil, cam belt still on and spins the cams, it's getting fuel but the spark seems a little weak. The thing just will not start, my question is this: is there an oil pressure switch that will not allow the motor to start without a certain amount of oil pressure? Any other ideas welcomed.

Thanks

Laura

RE: DOHC engine problem, won't start
 

[sm=welcomesign.gif]Ford use to have this oil cut off switch but am not shure if they still use it. How much oil is in the motor now? And where is the grinding noise coming from?

RE: DOHC engine problem, won't start
 

oil is full, grinding noise sounds like it is coming from the flywheel area. A friend who is fairly knowledgeable about things car related pointed out to me a subtle clunking noise when cranking the engine. He said it sounds like a bearing could be out of a rod, but was confused because he said there would be metal flakes in the oil and when he checked the dip stick he didn't find any. My friend is the one that told me to post here.

Laura

RE: DOHC engine problem, won't start
 

Is there any visible damage to the oil pan or flywheel area?And was the car towed home?

RE: DOHC engine problem, won't start
 

no visible damage under the car

RE: DOHC engine problem, won't start
 

This is a tuff one though.Was the car driven home or towed?Also what year is the car?

RE: DOHC engine problem, won't start
 

[&:] It's a 98 Escort ZX2, my son was driving on the freeway and coming onto an offramp. He was going 60 and heard a terrible noise from the engine. It dropped to 40 then died. He coasted - then opened the hood. He said a thin steady stream of smoke came from the left rear part of the engine. When I got there - I saw nothing, no leak - no drip - nothing. When I got it home, which I towed, it had no different sound then when it died. It's a slow clunk sound (very soft) when you turn it over. It has so many new parts - I hate to junk it. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. Laura