Car quit running while being driven, now won't start

Asked by HealerVet61 Sep 12, 2017 at 12:36 PM about the 2002 Ford Escort

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought a used 2002 Ford Escort. I added
coolant day I got it and have kept an eye
on fluids since. It started overheating and I
added more coolant. 3 days later it quit
running while I was driving. It now won't
start although you can hear it trying.
Mechanic says it doesn't have enough
compresaion and I seized the engine
because of "coolant leaking out" although I
haven't seen sifns of a leak. What could
the problem be?

2 Answers

22,185

Based on your description, sounds like an internal coolant leak from a blown head gasket or crack in the engine or head. Was there any smoke or steam from the exhaust? Also check the oil, if it is white or milky, definitely a bad head gasket or internal leak.

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