Check Engine And Hold Lite

[rocket]

Hi
My 2000 Sportage engine died on me after over heating on a recent trip up state, need less to say the towing was harsh even with AAA. I took it in to be service at the dealer before the trip and had the follow changed; timing belt replaced, spark plugs and general maintance done. When I took it back to the dealer they said I had compression problems? So, I took the Sportage to Pepboys to have it checked they found that my timing was off which solved the hold lite problem but could not solve the over heating problem. It runs now but to start it you must crank crank crank while holding the gas. Any help on this would be great.

[m301987e]

judging from your description, one cause of hard starting is improper timing. An advanced timing can cause hard starting but a faster running engine. If you drive at high speeds, then having an advanced timimg is an advantage. Please check your engine heater plugs, it may be defective. If the heater plugs are okay, have the control circuit checked, it might be malfunctioning.

Now to your overheating problem, please have your radiator cleaned to eliminate the possibility of clogged radiator tubes. Check also your radiator fan. I hope these suggestions could be of help to you .