i just bought a 1990 manual escort on sunday, the engine is pretty much new, or atleast it has new parts, its a 4 banger, with a header pipe, this is a 1.9L HO engine, it has a new mass air flow sensor, fuel pump, head, etc. the cars air/ fuel ratio is not where its supposed to be. the car runs rich, however doesnt idle, or rev like it should. the previous owner concludes its the ecu going bad. my question is does anyone have a possible extra ecu i could have, or buy cheap?, another question, does the automatic and manual escorts use the same ecu?, help me out please, thanks -jake

 

The fuel ratio is off because the computer doesn't recalibrate itself for the increased air flow. Get an aftermarket deal with a ratio control or something that goes inline to adjust it.

 

maybe you could try to visit this sites: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/FAQ/581 and http://www.2carpros.com/makes/ford/escort.htm
I just recently got answers from my ford escort problems, i changed my spark plugs, fuel line and have gas to fuel arm but still wont start. Maybe it could help