2003 ZX2 won't start

[uspres2020]

Today I overheated it. Probably due to slush in the coolant system. After letting it cool for a while I opened the radiator cap and shot about 1/2 a gallon of coolant right on top of the head all over the spark plugs. Now it won't start.....go figure.

I replaced the plugs that were all deep in coolant. Still no start.

I have spark.

I checked the camshaft sensor, cleaned it off, it had oil on it. I don't know if that is normal or not. Still won't start.

I don't know where the crankshaft position sensor is, could use some help there.

When I try to start it you can hear it turn but it never really seems like it is anywhere close to starting.

[uspres2020]

its not the 15 amp engine fuse, I just checked that.

[AzTumbleweed]

If the spark plug wires are not completely dried off then your spark may be grounding out on the engine block. An easy way to check is go out in the dark and have someone crank the engine while you watch. If you see sparks around the spark plugs then that's what is happening.

[uspres2020]

I'll give it a shot, but it doesn't sound like that has to me in the past. Any idea where the crankshaft sensor is. I just crawled underneath and I couldn't find it.

[AzTumbleweed]

It's on the crankshaft at about the 10 o'clock position. If you look on the back of the engine you may see it not far from the oil filter. Since it works off of magnetism I don't think this would be the problem.

[uspres2020]

I am starting to think that maybe the head gasket is blown. I don't have a compression tester that will fit down into those deep spark plugs holes but when we stick a screw driver down there you don't get much compression. On #2 and #3 cylinders you don't feel any compression at all, while on #1 and #4 you do feel compression although it is not a lot. So I am thinking that the head gasket might be blown out connecting #2 and #3 cylinders.

I know this is a Zetec 2.0L engine, but is it the R or E series? Haynes and Chiltons don't make books for this model car, can anyone tell me what the closest thing is, should I just go with an older escort or is there a better fit. Mostly I am looking for instruction on replacing the head gasket, so I think a book with the exact series of engine would be best.

[FordMan59]

Blown head gasket could also be the cause of the car initially running hot.

[uspres2020]

Pretty sure slushy coolant was the initial reason, but I do think the hed gasket is blown. This car has been overheated a ton of times, it should be interesting to see what the gasket looks like tomorrow. Probably pretty beat up.

[uspres2020]

After ripping everything apart I have found out that piston's 2 and 3 are both damaged and the head gasket was leaking as well. Buying replacement parts, machining the head and replacing gaskets cost about the same as a new engine so I picked one up for $400.


My book says to take the tranny out with the engine, is this really necessary. It looks like an awfully tight fit, but hoepfully I will be able to slide the engine out with out removing the tranny at the same time. I hope I can put this thing back together.

[Davescort97]

I don't think there is enough room to pull the engine away from the transmlission to remove just the engine. When I pulled the engine on my 2.0 SPI it was definately easier to pull both. All I had to do was the additional work of pulling the drive axles.

[uspres2020]

You are right, it can't be done.

Engine is now out, had to bring one of the drive axles out with it, they don't come out to easy.

Now trying to connect new engine to the old transmission. Not easy. Those stupid guide sleeves or whatever on each side are extremely hard to get into each other.

I am beginning to hate this car. What if I ever had to change the starter....remove the intake, that is ridiculous

[uspres2020]

Got the new engine in and almost everything seems to be working just right.

Not the speedometer though. Not working at all, odometer too. Is this just a plug that I missed?

[Davescort97]

Speedometer hookup is on top of the tranny. Check for electrical plug on the speed sensor.

[mightymoose_22]

FYI, in case you never connected the dots... your slushy coolant was a result of the blown head gasket. Oil from the engine mixed with the coolant to make it slushy, and you surely got the same slush in your oil pan.

[uspres2020]

No, my slushy coolant was from me moving from florida to ny a month ago and not refilling my water filled coolant system with high enough concentration of coolant and then after a night of 0 degrees out I had slush. It didn't help the engine that it had already been overheated a ton of other times.