need help with car!!!!!

[ihatemycar]

So I was driving my beloved escort when it just decided it wanted to slow down. So i pressed on the gas, and it resisted and continued to slow.
I pulled over and shut the engine off, popped the hood, checked the oil and the rest of the fluids (was completely fine, except being in need of a quart of oil).
Tried to turn the car back on, and it wont start. The engine sounds like its trying to start but it wont actually come back to life.
So I got it towed home and tried to start it this morning in hopes that maybe it just needed a rest, instead there was a popping sound and then smoke started coming from my air filter.

I'd appreciate any help.
Thanks

[cynerie1]

boy o boy my 92 escort did the same thing now I HATE HATE my car. Check the time belt this is what they do when one breaks but also get the compression checked if it does not build back up sorry, motor is shot. A 1.9 is a resistance motor built as a saftey feature when time belt breaks motor is gone also. Thats why I hate hate my car.



Cynerie1

[mk3_cabriolet_xr3i]

it could even be lack of fuel getting to the engine (fuel starvation) it could be fuel filter blocked, petrol pump or could of fouled up your plugs try the plugs first as they are easier to replace or clean then check the other