Ford Escort 1997 jerks/jumps when you give gas

You may need to be looking at your Torque Converter being in LOCK UP and forcing it to stall because the Transmission is not letting go of the Motor...

You may also have a Plugged CAT CONVERTER

Test the Temp BEFORE and AFTER.. There should be an INCREASE of at least 100 degrees on the BACK from the Front

Just cause the belt looks good doesn't mean the timing didn't jump. Could be a sensor. Did you have a service engine soon light or check engine light? Could be a weak coil and still have spark. Do you have a fuel shutoff switch/cable under kick panel or in trunk? May be that also.

that is your lifter . it is a common problem with the escort motors

Have you checked compression? Ford 2.0L engines are bad about dropping exhaust valve seats. Also are you sure your valve timing is correct? Possible timing belt problem.

Has the system that controls the engine been checked for fault codes?another problem is a crack forms in the air intake hose to the engine, remove the hose and bend and flex it and look for a crack, any crack allows to much air into the system and this causes a severs stumble off idle on acceleration

It does it more uphill because the engine needs more fuel. Its starving. How about replacing the fuel filter.

here you go...

let me know if there is anything else you need

FYI, gasoline will NOT freeze. Moisture/water will. If you live in Very cold area, you may want to get some "heet" at the Auto Parts store, and add to the gas. It comes in 2 varities. Buy the RED bottle.

you need a special tool about 6 bucks at auto zone

first try to put some STP gas treatment in with a full tank of gas you may also have a bad platium gasket try these websites www.autozone.com and www.alldatadiy.com if all fails stop by your local library and get your hands on a Haynes auto repair manual for your escort wish you the best of luck
Michigan Man.