Yes. Running the engine for a very short time can can foul plugs. Sometimes bad enough that it won't start without cleaning them (or at least cleaning the front bank and letting it run long enough for the rest to clean up once you get it started).

Sometimes it is even bad enough that the rings get washed out and there is no compression so the engine cranks extremely fast but will not start.

If this should happen, try holding the throttle to the floor while you crank (this turns off the injectors). You may be able to clean things up enough by cranking with the injectors off to get it to start. In extreme cases, pull the front plugs and squirt a little oil in the cylinders to get compression back.


Jim Johnson 98 SVT 03 Escape Limited