I picked up my 1990 Ford Escort last night from a (highly rated) mechanic. I’d been having issues with it stalling at idle for a few months, and had to have it towed to the shop after it stalled on me and the engine wouldn’t turn over.
He told me he didn’t need to charge for diagnostics since it was obviously the timing belt. Changed out the timing system and water pump. Said it runs great now.
Well I drove it for the first time and within a mile it stalled as I was coming to a stop.
Does this seem like an install error?
Need to take it back to him and have him fix it at his expense.
What would the timing belt have to do with that issue? If it skipped timing it probably would just run poorly. Sounds more like a ecu problem or perhaps fuel delivery.
It could be an issue with the idle control valve, Fords love have issues with that, it can cause stalling when idling if it’s going bad.
Check for vacuum leaks.
Is the issue more prevalent at low idles with the brakes applied?Yes, it’s only ever stalled when I’m coming to a stop. That indicates a vacuum issue?
If there is a vacuum leak associated with the brake booster…Vacuum leaks can definitely cause this especially at low idle