Ford Repair: 1983 ford escort 1.6L 4cyl with carb, cam timing, setin

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1983 ford escort that has 69,000 original miles 4 cyl 1.6L auto with carb i the problem is when driving it bucks and when you mash on gas pedal it does not accerlorate and when it does it is slugish also it is terrible when pulling hills loses power quick on them and you can mash gas more but no accelaration it will however crank and idle even after setin for week or two in cold weather i have replaced all spark plugs the fuel filter the fuel pump and removed the cat convertor assumed it was cloged but did not change anything i was told it could be the timing what is your opinion on this need to git it goin as high as gas prices are it saves a lot more than my dodge ram does please help if you can thanks.

ANSWER: Take a vaccum reading at the intake manifold, that will assist in determining if the timing belt may be off. Sounds like you covered everything but the carburetor, just make sure the choke is opening fully.

Even with that mileage, the timing belt is still 18 years old. If it has never been replaced it should be. These are easy to check the cam timing, would be worth the effort to see if it is out of time. Even if it is not, I suggest replacing the belt for preventive reasons. While this engine is not a valve bender, a broken timing belt can be a huge inconvenience.

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QUESTION: Thank you for the help i did take air filter off and spray carb cleaner into carb but did not take off and clean it and when i start the car the chock seems to be acting right you know it will idle high then i mash the gas and it idles down and runs smooth i'm guessing thats when the chock cuts off is this correct so you seem to be leaning toward it being the timing correct do you know round what it will cost to fix that on this car i just moved to a new town and don't know many machanics round here just wanted to git ball park figure on price to make sure they are not over charging me.

Answer
To find a local mechanic, you can go to www.iatn.net and search for shops or techs in your area. Prices will vary by area, so check with a local shop to find out the cost. I will advise you that almost every technician/mechanic on iatn.net will want to check the car out themselves to determine the actual problem. It could save you money and grief to have a pro check out your problem.