I have a 1990 ford escort xr3i and it runs for a while then when put under pressure it goes flat as if struggling for fuel

SOURCE: fuel cut off switch for 1990/91 ford escort 1.9

The "inertia switch" which shuts off fuel to the engine in the event of a collision or jolt on a 1991 through 1996 models, as well as on 1998 coupes, is located in the rear of the vehicle, near the right (passenger's side) strut tower. On sedan and coupe models, open the trunk and remove the right-sided trim panel. On sedan and coupe models, open the trunk and remove the right-side trim panel. On hatchback and wagon models, there may be an access door secured by clips. On some models you may need to remove the lower quarter trim panel on the right side, however it is easier to cut an access hole directly above the switch.

SOURCE: 1990 ford escort 1.9l fuel injection

on all 1990 escorts the fuel pump is in the tank

SOURCE: handbrake adjustment

HI THERE DES DAVIES BEFORE YOU GO ADJUSTING H/BRAKE FIRST THING TO CHECK IS THAT UNDERNEATH AT BACK PLATE WHERE BRAKE DRUMS GO OVER MAKE SURE THAT H/BRAKE IS OFF (BLOCK WHEELS) & CHECK THAT PLUNGER ON BACK PLATE DOES NOT PUSH THROUGH IF IT DOES THEN REAR BRAKES NEED ADJUSTED YOU WILL THEN NEED TO SLACKEN OFF H/BRAKE ADJUSTMENT UNDERNEATH CAR(NYLOCK SCREWS)ONCE YOU HAVE DONE THIS REMOVE DRUMS & ADJUST BRAKE SHOES OTHERWISE YOU WILL STILL HAVE A POOR H/BRAKE.

SOURCE: very heavy steering on escort xr3i

A lot of escorts didn`t have power steering until 1993.
You can check under the bonnet.
Look down the drivers side of the engine.
If you see a short drive belt going from the crank pulley to the alternator.
Then it doesn`t have power steering.
Please let me know what you find and I will be able to help.
Good luck

SOURCE: 1990 ford escort: The fuel cutoff light is on and

give these websites a try www.alldatadiy.com and www.autozone.com you need to check and make sure you are getting gas up to the throttle body because you may have a plug fuel filter and try hitting the reset button in the rear hatch behind one of the panel if you have miss place your owner manual see if you can down load one www.edmunds.com wish you the best of luck Michigan Man.