1998 Ford Escort Starting Problem?

Question

Ok here's he deal, I TRIED to replace my thermostat and in the process...I broken a bolt off and I tried to drill out the s***w. And I was at a bad angle and I drilled a hole to the right of the s***w. Anyways, I was advise that the bottom two bolts would be good enough to hold the thermostat housing on. I was told to just fill the hole I messed up with some hign temp sealant. Well I put it back on and of corse it starting leaking as soon as I put coolant in my car. Well anyways, I so replaced my spark plugs and wires, because one of my wires had a hole burned into it. I plan on taking it to the mechanic, for further, work. But my problem now is that my car won't start. My battery is only about two weeks old, and it has 12.21V. When I turn the key, it sound like it trying to start, but the engine doesn't seem to want to catch.

Please HELP!!

Answer 1

You are a smart girl! (12.21v? how many girls think to or even know how to check it.!?) I told you this once before and and now I am wondering if I am part of your woes. First, you were told correct that your thermostat housing should hold with tho bolts. But needs high temp sealant.

Second, when you say your engine won't turn over,does the engine crank at all? Or does the starter just click.? If you have an under hood light,and had your hood open a long time. You might just need a jump. Battery voltage and cranking amperage are not the same. You need 12 volts but it has to have amps to actually turn the starter.  While 12.21v is what the battery shows, it may not be enough. Batteries are called 12 volts. But actually have a normal range of about 14+or-..

And don't be fooled.Just because you happened to change your plug wires and then it wouldn't start.Does not mean that is the problem. I say try a jump. And do you have a light that might have been on under the hood while you worked on it? You don't have to take my advice. And you can contact through my email if I can help. Brad

  

Answer 2

This sounds like my OWN work......!

How bout waiting a day, to rest your mind a little, then buy some really good sealant, one product I would suggest is JB WELD, it would probably work much better than plain old high temp sealant.

The whole not starting thing could be as simple as your battery being half dead, how bout trying to boost it? (the car)

Don't despair, you've gone this far... good luck!

Answer 3

don,t give up. take the thermostat housing off and put some indian head shellac on the gasket and install the housing and thermostat, let it set up good. it should,nt leak with that stuff on.