QuestionQUESTION: my escort seems to be missing its worse when the revs are between 1-1.5 also when it happens it loses power and white smoke comes from the exhaulst.iv tryed a new fuel filter, cleaned the tank but still the same. any ideas? thanks for your time. Could this be a head gasket
ANSWER: White smoke is usually coolant.
I'm certain it's the headgasket.
Have a compression test done to confirm it.
I have the head bolt torque settings if you want to do the gasket yourself.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanks for your time. also the white smoke really smells is this norm?and the tourqe settings would be great.thanks again
AnswerBurnt coolant stinks of rust and CD cleaner/methylated spirit type smell, it's quite nasty.
Make sure you have the compression done first to confirm its a head gasket.
The cooling system can leak into the engine by other means, EG leaking intercooler, though it's rare you should still check the compression first to make sure you're not wasting time on a good gasket.
I'll have the details later - my databook is missing the diesel specs - (thanks haynes) so have to hunt them down.
------------------
Sorry I cant find the manual, I'm sure it's 63NM? - A good friendly parts shop will tell you the specs - If you ask when you buy the gasket they'll probably scribble it down for you.
____
and Yes, coolant does stink when it burns, Rust and Methylated spirit/Acid
