Ford Repair: car wont start, spark plug wires, fuel compression

Question
I have a 1985 escort that will not start. We have changed plug wires spark plugs distributor cap, fuel pump, battery,but it still won't start. it cranks real good but won't turn over. Do you have any ideas? I have had three people try to figure it out and nobody could. I could really use some advice. The car is a 1.9 5 speed

Answer
It would be nearly impossible for me to diagnose your vehicle without having more information, or testing the engine myself.  I will try to help you the best that I can.

Basically, an engine needs three things to start and run - fuel, compression, and spark.

From the most common failures:

Spark - All of the spark plugs have to fire, and at the correct time.  Check that you have spark at the spark plugs and that the spark plug wires are routed correctly. If there is no spark, you might have a bad coil or ignition module.

Fuel - Check that fuel sprays down the carburetor when the throttle is applied.  If there is no fuel, you might have a bad fuel pump or the carburetor may need to be cleaned and adjusted.

Compression - If there is no compression, your valve timing may be off, the head gasket may be blown, or there may be a crack in the engine block or cylinder head.

You have changed most of the items that are most common.  I would guess that the timing belt is bad.  A bad timing belt usually causes the engine to die suddenly or not start after be turned off.  When trying to start the engine after a timing belt fails, it dosen't crank over smoothly and doesn't sound like it used to.  If the belt is bad, you should have the water pump replaced at the same time.

I hope this helps,
Dave