I have a 1996 Ford Escort with ~128,500 miles on the engine. Recently I have noticed that, periodically when I start the engine whether hot or cold, It sounds like it is "missing". After I step on the accelerator for ~10-15 seconds, the engine smooths out and there are no more symptoms until I stop, shut off the engine and restart it. I usually drive the car daily and this problem does not occur every day that I drive the vehicle.

A mechamic at a local dealership said, without doing any tests, that the cause was a cracked block or a leaking head gasket and that the car was "terminal". I asked him to do some tests to verify his claim and, after running the tests, he backed off on his claim and said that his original diagnosis was incorrect, but did not know what the problem was.

Has anyone had a similar problem and, if so, what was the cause and the solution to rectify the problem?

Is it clicking instead of trying to turn over? If so, starter motor is going. When was it serviced last? Does it splutter at all when running?

Could be a duff HT lead/s, spark plugs, that is where I would start.

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

The engine starts right away, but sputters until I give it more gas and then it smooths out after ~10-15 seconds.