My 1996 Escort (1.9 with Automatic) died over the weekend. Came home and the enginge started rattling or more like knocking then died. It will start for a few seconds but sounds like something rattling around in the engine. #4 plug was very wet with gas.
I changed the timing belt thinking it may have jumped a tooth or two. It had 56K miles on it. I bought it new in 96 and has had regular maintanace and oil changes with pure synthetic oil. Except a few weeks ago when my wifey got it changed and she didn't tell em to use synthetic oil and they used regular dinolube.

Anyways after I did the belt change it still knocks and then dies.
It's actualy knocking sound
So far the shade tree mechanics in my block say it's either :
Bent valve (doubtful as timing belt was still ok when replaced)
Bent rod (never raced it. It's been my daily driver)
Borken flexplate/flywheel
Sticking starter.

Help.

 

Have you checked your compression yet? It could be a blown head gasket. Mine blew out between two cylinders. I have 160psi in two and 50psi in the other two. When I go up hills it loses all power. Plus the engine barely idles, and rattles if it revs up.