Got a 84 ford escort 1.6L.can I take out my distributor (blue cap) without upseting the timing..wanna check the module but its under the distributor.only way is 2 take distr out or is there anthor way

The last escort I worked on had the identical problem . The solution was the distributor module had burnt out. This is the flat, black, electronic module, next to cap. Has 2-4 screws and requires dielectrical grease on the underside for isolation. Has flat bar connector which has 4+ connector pins. Car will turn over, but will not start. Replace this module for about $25-30 at most parts stores.

bet on the module,if it's tfi it's on the side of the dist.85 could be either way,may be the older fender mounted module.
If it's dist. mounted Ford recomends replacing the pick up coil also. There is a wire with a plug on the tfi's ,you remove the "cap" to set the timing,just 2 wires with a gray cap on the end.Maybe that's the wire you mentioned.

Set the engine to the number one compression,and bring the timing mark to zero on the harmonic balancer.(or just bring the timing on the harmonic to zero). mark to match the plug wires to cap,remove the cap.(if you can remove the cap without removing plug wire) mark the rotor position to the engine using a scribe, mark the rotor to the distributor, mark the distributor to the engine using a scribe,Take the lock down bolt out and pull out distributor. when you reinstall line up all your marking and check timing.

Your vehicle may be equipped with either of the following ignition systems, depending on the year and engine combination:
* 1981-82 1.3L and 1.6L engines: Dura Spark II Ignition System
* 1982-85 1.6L Non-EFI and 1986 1.9L Non-EFI engines: Thick Film Ignition I (TFI-I) System
* 1983-90 1.6L EFI and 1.9L EFI engines: Thick Film Ignition IV (TFI-IV) System

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the distributor from the engine.
3. Place the distributor assembly on a workbench.
4. Remove the two TFI ignition module retaining screws.
5. Pull the right side of the module down the distributor mounting flange and then back up to disengage the module terminals from the connector in the distributor base. The module may then be pulled toward the flange and away from the distributor.
   

Do not attempt to lift the module from the mounting surface, except as explained in Step 3, as the pins will break at the distributor module connector.


To install:

1. Coat the baseplate of the TFI ignition module uniformly with a 1 / 32 in. (0.8mm) of silicone dielectric compound WA-10 or equivalent.
2. Position the module on the distributor base mounting flange. Carefully position the module toward the distributor bowl and engage the three connector pins securely.
3. Install the retaining screws. Tighten to 15-35 inch lbs. (1.7-4.0 Nm), starting with the upper right screw.
4. Install the distributor into the engine. Install the cap and wires.
5. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
6. Recheck the initial timing. Adjust the timing, if necessary.

Hope helps.

get a 20 dollar haynes or chiltons manuel and find the module and coil. always change the ignition module and coil every 4 no more than -5 years to be safe.

Check by your oil dipstick, in front of distributor , there should be a temperature switch threaded into cylinder head that controls cooling fan.

check to see if the timing belt broke but do not turn the engine with the key you might bend valves if you have a distributor turn the lower harmonic balancer a little looking to see if the rotor moves that is under the cap if it don't move you broke a timing belt .

you should check power at each one to verify that they have power, which engine do you have 4 or 6 cyl? the 4cyl the coil is seperate from the distributor and the module is located on the side of the distributor, the 6cyl it is all inside the distributor, but to replace parts without verifing power is not cost effective. The most common ignition failure is the ignition module, but you still need to verify that it receives power.

Check your timing belt. It's broke!!!