1990 FORD ESCORT

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd, Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive or Reverse, Shuddering or clunking during light acceleration, Complete loss of forward gears, stuck in one gear

Fix: The Ford ATX/FLC automatic is known for valve body failures, worn clutch packs, and internal seal deterioration. Rebuild requires 8-12 hours labor; used replacement transaxles are scarce and risky. Most shops recommend a professional rebuild with updated seals and bands.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, especially on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating under load or in traffic, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Rough idle and misfires

Fix: The 1.9L CVH engine's head gasket is prone to blowing between cylinders or into coolant passages. Job involves head removal, resurfacing (almost always warped), and valve job. Expect 10-14 hours labor. Often find cracked head requiring replacement.

Estimated cost: $1,400-2,500

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi intervals

Symptoms: Engine suddenly dies and won't restart, No compression on any cylinder, Rattling or slapping noise before failure (if belt is fraying), Bent valves confirmed with compression test

Fix: This is an interference engine—belt failure destroys valves and often damages pistons. If the belt breaks, you're looking at cylinder head removal, valve replacement, and possible piston/ring work. Prevention is the only real cure: replace belt every 60k. Belt job alone is 3-4 hours; engine rebuild after failure is 18-25 hours.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,500

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Random stalling when engine is hot, No-start condition after sitting in sun or after highway driving, Intermittent rough running and hesitation, Engine cranks but won't fire

Fix: The TFI (Thick Film Ignition) module on the distributor is heat-sensitive and fails regularly. Distributor itself can develop worn bushings causing erratic timing. Module replacement is 1 hour; full distributor swap is 1.5-2 hours. Keep a spare module in the glovebox.

Estimated cost: $150-450

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Engine stumbles or stalls under acceleration, Hard starting, especially when tank is below half, Fuel gauge erratic or stuck, Engine dies in hot weather after sitting

Fix: In-tank electric fuel pump wears out; sending unit floats corrode and give false readings. Requires dropping the fuel tank, 2-3 hours labor. Replace both pump and sending unit together to avoid doing the job twice.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive engine movement visible when revving in Park, Clunking when shifting into gear, Vibration at idle that smooths out with RPM, Engine appears tilted in bay

Fix: Front and rear transaxle mounts collapse due to heat and age. Front mount failure causes the most drama. Each mount is 1-1.5 hours labor; do them all at once. Aftermarket mounts are cheap but don't last—spend extra for OE-quality.

Estimated cost: $300-550