My RWD Escort RS Cosworth nick named "The Widow Maker"
Discussion
RGM Racer, not me bud. Not that I know of anyway.
Gaz, its a service these guys offer, they just deal with cars and have all the right kit etc. I can put you onto them if you want to pay for a photoshoot with them, they can put photos on canvas etc. Really good. Going to get a canvas for mine soon
Gaz, its a service these guys offer, they just deal with cars and have all the right kit etc. I can put you onto them if you want to pay for a photoshoot with them, they can put photos on canvas etc. Really good. Going to get a canvas for mine soon
Update:
OK as most will know from my posts on the forums, I was loosing coolant.
I checked after Christmas when the car was sat for 2 weeks not being used and found the header tank empty !!!! As you can imagine, this was a worry. So put the coolant back in, ran the car to full temp and checked again, put a bit more in, ran the car again and went on like this.
As the car has not been used much at the moment and its been wet all the time it is hard to pick out a water leak etc.
I noticed a small amount of coolant leaving the car and the smell of exhaust in the header tank... I found out that with the bailey header tanks you have to fill to the top of the top inlet, I was not. Once this was above this mark I couldnt smell any exhaust.
I dipped the tank, looked nice and clean, no signs of oil. No oil on top of the water. The oil looked fine, compared to another car running the same oil and they was identical to the eye. No sludge or mayo in the tank or dip stick? the car drove spot on, no missing or poor idle from cold or hot. Pulled like a freight train as she does.
Spoke with Mark Barber who advised a few bits to check, new cap being the main thing. Searched around on the net and found one. I also had a reply back from Burton Performance who had them in stock. I ended up getting mine from Rapid Ford for £18 delivered.
Mark advised to get a pressure test on the coolant system, so I rang up during last week for someone to do this, everyone charging £50 to do this. I booked Tuesday off work so I had time to go in and stay with the car. Never bothered booking as I heard a couple bad stories from the garage and woke up Saturday with a bee in my bonnet so off I went to find a garage to do it.
First person I called and was recommended was Mike from Barge Motors. Have been told he is a ex owner of a Escort Cosworth and Sierra Cosworth, his son apparently owned a couple too. I gave him a call and asked for a coolant pressure test, he replyed yes that is fine we can do that. He asked what car it was and as soon as I said Escort Cosworth his tone changed, for the good
Sounds really enthusiastic towards the car which was great, around my local area I get people telling me to take it somewhere else!! (This is what I had from the garaged I used for all my BMWS... Was not happy with that so wont be using them again)
So he said bring it up at 11 and they will do it while I wait, I asked how much and he said, just bring £20... Happy days.
So gets there at 11, walks into the reception and there is a A3 sized photo of a Escort RS Cosworth
Mike comes out and asks me to bring the car in, he had no problems with me being with the car while one of his guys setup the pressure test. They pumped the system up and looked around the bay, nothing. Pressure was holding firm. So he gave it a couple more pumps and again looked around, nothing. Mike came out and got under the bonnet and looked in every nook and cranny. He was suspecting the water pump when I spoke with him on the phone but said it was dry and holding fine.
He looked down the back of the head and said it is even dry down there which surprised him.
While this was going on we was having some small talk about his old Escort and my car. I pulled my wallet out and asked how much, he refused to take any money!!!! I couldnt let that happen. I slammed £20 in his hand and refused to take it back. What a nice guy, I have found my new garage
So I was having a chat with him and asked if we could try a leak down test after I fitted the new cap.
So today was D Day, day off, car booked in with Mike again and off I set, he asked if we could leave the car with him so he could do it between jobs, no problem for me. I usually refuse to leave my cars with garages unless I know them but for me, I trusted them. This is rare!
As I parked the car I walked passed his workshop and on the ramps was a very tidy looking Sierra 4x4 Cosworth in white! Something just feels right when you see another Cosworth on the ramps next to yours
This car turned out to be Mikes old car! The guy who owns the Sierra also owns a small turbo Escort Cosworth.
Anyway, a few hours later Mike said he would call. Nothing! I am starting to pace now lol. Anyway, I picked the Mrs up for lunch and she works near his garage so popped in, he said they have been very busy blah blah blah, no problem, he is doing me a favour getting the car in.
So I drop back to him around 3.30, I can see the car has moved and with a heavey heart I asked how it got on. He just smiled, said it passed both tests. No coolant/Oil mix, compression test on all cylinders was good! I nearly fell over! I was expecting at the very least a headgasket replace. He said to try the cap when it arrives and keep an eye on it. He got the car up on the ramps, got under her and checked, could not see anything wrong with it.
I asked what state the spark plugs was in and he said all good, he said 3 and 4 was a slightly different colour but he said this is or could be related to me not having the idle speed control valve fitted... No idea how this works etc but he was confident it was not a problem.
I went to pay and he refused! Said the money I gave him last time was more than enough to cover the costs!!
I shook his hand and thanked him! You do not get people like this anymore! What a gem of a bloke.
So off I go, get back in the car and she is driving as she was before, lovely!
Just waiting for the cap to arrive now to try this and fingers crossed, this will resolve the issue.
Out of all the things I regret, my main one is not knowing or using Mike at Barge Motors sooner on my Cosworths! I have found that local garage that loves the car, takes time and works on it like its there own. Happy to help out and nothing is too much hassle!
I told the Mrs and after the s
t couple months she has had I think it was one less thing off her mind. No so much that she is bothered about the car but she knows it makes me happy and if the car is unhappy, she knows I am. Very lucky to have her
So, I am not in a dilema!
The car is advertised for sale, I have three people who want to come and view the car. I know in my head maybe it is time to let her go before it gives me a stroke... but my heart is telling me different.
To add to this little story, I had a chat with my old boss who has offered me a job.... this means no staying away, no driving and more money! Which means I do not need the car for anything work related. It will become a weekend or evening car again.
So time for me to sit down and think it over now. If anyone has anything to add or advise or things that might help my decision, fire away. I am all ears.
One very happy owner....... at the moment
OK as most will know from my posts on the forums, I was loosing coolant.
I checked after Christmas when the car was sat for 2 weeks not being used and found the header tank empty !!!! As you can imagine, this was a worry. So put the coolant back in, ran the car to full temp and checked again, put a bit more in, ran the car again and went on like this.
As the car has not been used much at the moment and its been wet all the time it is hard to pick out a water leak etc.
I noticed a small amount of coolant leaving the car and the smell of exhaust in the header tank... I found out that with the bailey header tanks you have to fill to the top of the top inlet, I was not. Once this was above this mark I couldnt smell any exhaust.
I dipped the tank, looked nice and clean, no signs of oil. No oil on top of the water. The oil looked fine, compared to another car running the same oil and they was identical to the eye. No sludge or mayo in the tank or dip stick? the car drove spot on, no missing or poor idle from cold or hot. Pulled like a freight train as she does.
Spoke with Mark Barber who advised a few bits to check, new cap being the main thing. Searched around on the net and found one. I also had a reply back from Burton Performance who had them in stock. I ended up getting mine from Rapid Ford for £18 delivered.
Mark advised to get a pressure test on the coolant system, so I rang up during last week for someone to do this, everyone charging £50 to do this. I booked Tuesday off work so I had time to go in and stay with the car. Never bothered booking as I heard a couple bad stories from the garage and woke up Saturday with a bee in my bonnet so off I went to find a garage to do it.
First person I called and was recommended was Mike from Barge Motors. Have been told he is a ex owner of a Escort Cosworth and Sierra Cosworth, his son apparently owned a couple too. I gave him a call and asked for a coolant pressure test, he replyed yes that is fine we can do that. He asked what car it was and as soon as I said Escort Cosworth his tone changed, for the good
Sounds really enthusiastic towards the car which was great, around my local area I get people telling me to take it somewhere else!! (This is what I had from the garaged I used for all my BMWS... Was not happy with that so wont be using them again)So he said bring it up at 11 and they will do it while I wait, I asked how much and he said, just bring £20... Happy days.
So gets there at 11, walks into the reception and there is a A3 sized photo of a Escort RS Cosworth
Mike comes out and asks me to bring the car in, he had no problems with me being with the car while one of his guys setup the pressure test. They pumped the system up and looked around the bay, nothing. Pressure was holding firm. So he gave it a couple more pumps and again looked around, nothing. Mike came out and got under the bonnet and looked in every nook and cranny. He was suspecting the water pump when I spoke with him on the phone but said it was dry and holding fine.
He looked down the back of the head and said it is even dry down there which surprised him.
While this was going on we was having some small talk about his old Escort and my car. I pulled my wallet out and asked how much, he refused to take any money!!!! I couldnt let that happen. I slammed £20 in his hand and refused to take it back. What a nice guy, I have found my new garage
So I was having a chat with him and asked if we could try a leak down test after I fitted the new cap.
So today was D Day, day off, car booked in with Mike again and off I set, he asked if we could leave the car with him so he could do it between jobs, no problem for me. I usually refuse to leave my cars with garages unless I know them but for me, I trusted them. This is rare!
As I parked the car I walked passed his workshop and on the ramps was a very tidy looking Sierra 4x4 Cosworth in white! Something just feels right when you see another Cosworth on the ramps next to yours
This car turned out to be Mikes old car! The guy who owns the Sierra also owns a small turbo Escort Cosworth.
Anyway, a few hours later Mike said he would call. Nothing! I am starting to pace now lol. Anyway, I picked the Mrs up for lunch and she works near his garage so popped in, he said they have been very busy blah blah blah, no problem, he is doing me a favour getting the car in.
So I drop back to him around 3.30, I can see the car has moved and with a heavey heart I asked how it got on. He just smiled, said it passed both tests. No coolant/Oil mix, compression test on all cylinders was good! I nearly fell over! I was expecting at the very least a headgasket replace. He said to try the cap when it arrives and keep an eye on it. He got the car up on the ramps, got under her and checked, could not see anything wrong with it.
I asked what state the spark plugs was in and he said all good, he said 3 and 4 was a slightly different colour but he said this is or could be related to me not having the idle speed control valve fitted... No idea how this works etc but he was confident it was not a problem.
I went to pay and he refused! Said the money I gave him last time was more than enough to cover the costs!!
I shook his hand and thanked him! You do not get people like this anymore! What a gem of a bloke.
So off I go, get back in the car and she is driving as she was before, lovely!
Just waiting for the cap to arrive now to try this and fingers crossed, this will resolve the issue.
Out of all the things I regret, my main one is not knowing or using Mike at Barge Motors sooner on my Cosworths! I have found that local garage that loves the car, takes time and works on it like its there own. Happy to help out and nothing is too much hassle!
I told the Mrs and after the s
t couple months she has had I think it was one less thing off her mind. No so much that she is bothered about the car but she knows it makes me happy and if the car is unhappy, she knows I am. Very lucky to have her So, I am not in a dilema!
The car is advertised for sale, I have three people who want to come and view the car. I know in my head maybe it is time to let her go before it gives me a stroke... but my heart is telling me different.
To add to this little story, I had a chat with my old boss who has offered me a job.... this means no staying away, no driving and more money! Which means I do not need the car for anything work related. It will become a weekend or evening car again.
So time for me to sit down and think it over now. If anyone has anything to add or advise or things that might help my decision, fire away. I am all ears.
One very happy owner....... at the moment
Please please PLEASE do not sell your Cosworth! While there have been issues that have caused you much heartache and stress, it is all worth it to have such a fantastic example of the breed sitting on your drive. Seriously, you are now in a perfect position to keep the car what with the potential new job, and it would be such an occasion bringing her out of the garage on weekends. I'm sorry to sound like I'm forcing my views on you. It's just that reading your thread and seeing how you talk about your Cosworth reminds me of my Dad! He once had a 2WD Flint Grey Sapphire, running over 450hp with powercoated and anodised chassis parts, blinged up engine bay etc. It was easily on of the best examples, and he lavished thousands upon the bloody over 10 years, using it as a weekend toy doing just 1k miles a year! Unfortunately, he went through a nasty divorce and had to sell his beloved Cossie. I will never forget walking into the kitchen after seeing the new owner drive away, and witnessing my Dad crying as he knew what a mistake he made. That was the first and only time I have EVER seen my Dad cry.
13 years have passed since that day, and not once has he not mentioned a funny story or memory about that Cosworh. He has owned some mega metal since selling the Cossie (E46 M3 CSL, Maserati 4200, Porsche GT3 RS), and can obviously agree with anyone that nearly all the performance cars he has bought since were able to out perform the Cosworth one way or another. However, he always says that NOT ONCE has he had such a strong bond with a car like he did with that Cosworth....To make matters worse, the new owner managed to somehow cause an engine fire, burning the poor car to the ground.
Again, sorry to sound forceful, it's just that I feel like you may regret it...I know I would! Yes, it has given you hardship and grief (And will continue to do so, thats Cossies for you!) but when it does go wrong, you seem to have plenty of contacts to help you solve any issues.
Keep her safe, keep her clean, and keep her on boost!
13 years have passed since that day, and not once has he not mentioned a funny story or memory about that Cosworh. He has owned some mega metal since selling the Cossie (E46 M3 CSL, Maserati 4200, Porsche GT3 RS), and can obviously agree with anyone that nearly all the performance cars he has bought since were able to out perform the Cosworth one way or another. However, he always says that NOT ONCE has he had such a strong bond with a car like he did with that Cosworth....To make matters worse, the new owner managed to somehow cause an engine fire, burning the poor car to the ground.
Again, sorry to sound forceful, it's just that I feel like you may regret it...I know I would! Yes, it has given you hardship and grief (And will continue to do so, thats Cossies for you!) but when it does go wrong, you seem to have plenty of contacts to help you solve any issues.
Keep her safe, keep her clean, and keep her on boost!
gaz1234 said:
barge the audi/vw specialist on abbey manor?
Is that right do they specialise in VAG cars?Out of interest I believe Robert Cockings motors on the Pen Mill estate Yeovil is supposed to be very knowledgeable on VAG cars [Son Tom Cocking anyway]- any knowledge/use of this place?
Rgm racer said:
Is that right do they specialise in VAG cars?
Out of interest I believe Robert Cockings motors on the Pen Mill estate Yeovil is supposed to be very knowledgeable on VAG cars [Son Tom Cocking anyway]- any knowledge/use of this place?
I have never used them but speaking with a guy I worked with said they are good. The son has a RS4 with some good power.Out of interest I believe Robert Cockings motors on the Pen Mill estate Yeovil is supposed to be very knowledgeable on VAG cars [Son Tom Cocking anyway]- any knowledge/use of this place?
But as I said, never used them so just second hand information.
Result!!!
Just been out to the car and checked the coolant and noticed some coolant had leaked onto the belts under the thermostate housing!! It has used hardly anywater since the cap has been done up tighter and I think this is where the last little bit was going.
I will nip that up at the weekend and job done
Just been out to the car and checked the coolant and noticed some coolant had leaked onto the belts under the thermostate housing!! It has used hardly anywater since the cap has been done up tighter and I think this is where the last little bit was going.
I will nip that up at the weekend and job done
Great looking Ecos.
And good to read a great thread on these cars. A lot of folk love to slate them, crpa old Fords etc, each to their own.
I thought i would put some pics of mine. Bought it in 1996 and it was a daily driver for a good few years. Long story.......been sat in may garage under cover for 10+ years, never sees the rain,i don't get the chance to use it. Had a respray a few years ago and apart from a few group A replacements its standard.
Maybe it will get some use this year!
Edit: tried uploading pics... fail!!!!
And good to read a great thread on these cars. A lot of folk love to slate them, crpa old Fords etc, each to their own.
I thought i would put some pics of mine. Bought it in 1996 and it was a daily driver for a good few years. Long story.......been sat in may garage under cover for 10+ years, never sees the rain,i don't get the chance to use it. Had a respray a few years ago and apart from a few group A replacements its standard.
Maybe it will get some use this year!
Edit: tried uploading pics... fail!!!!
Mark,
Have just spent a very satisfying hour reading this entire thread. What a bloody lovely car.
Years ago I had an XR2, and my ex father in law had an RS2000 same shape as yours. Nowhere near the cachet or presence yours has. It's wonderful.
Thread bookmarked, looking forward to more stories! The fuse box incident was a gem, sort of thing I'd do lol I've got to replace my lads pc case tomorrow, that's gonna be a laugh.
A fabulous iconic machine.
All the best
Greg
Have just spent a very satisfying hour reading this entire thread. What a bloody lovely car.
Years ago I had an XR2, and my ex father in law had an RS2000 same shape as yours. Nowhere near the cachet or presence yours has. It's wonderful.
Thread bookmarked, looking forward to more stories! The fuse box incident was a gem, sort of thing I'd do lol I've got to replace my lads pc case tomorrow, that's gonna be a laugh.
A fabulous iconic machine.
All the best
Greg
Met up with Petenofear and Leggy Pete today as we are all local.
Good to meet you guys, will have to do some local shows etc with the cars when the weather is better.
A couple snaps I took on my phone (poor quality) Petenofear, let me know if your happy for the video to go up, its not too bad as traffic was in the way?
petenofears new purchase
Very nice car
And this is Leggy Petes who is a bit of a bufty unlike me and petenofear haha
I didnt take any of mine but I am sure the other guys did. Its looking like its just rolled off a rally course.
First time I have been in any MK1 Focus RS and managed to go in a modded car and a standard car in one day back to back. Very capable car in standard form!! I can see why they hold so much respect, also very nice when you put a bit more boost under the bonnet!!! They both sounded really good, better exhaust note and engine sound than the Cossie in my eyes.
Good to meet up with you gents, post any pics you have on this if you like... I am happy for that video to go up as well Pete if you can get it on
Also, before this I removed my broken front splitter as it was trashed good and proper..
Photo of it before it was binned
All I can say is it looks hideous without a splitter. I have left the hockey sticks on as they are riveted on so just need to buy a carbon fibre splitter and get it on. I will do that when the sun comes out. Its so nice having a car that can go over anything over 1 inch in height again
Good to meet you guys, will have to do some local shows etc with the cars when the weather is better.
A couple snaps I took on my phone (poor quality) Petenofear, let me know if your happy for the video to go up, its not too bad as traffic was in the way?
petenofears new purchase
Very nice car
And this is Leggy Petes who is a bit of a bufty unlike me and petenofear haha
I didnt take any of mine but I am sure the other guys did. Its looking like its just rolled off a rally course.
First time I have been in any MK1 Focus RS and managed to go in a modded car and a standard car in one day back to back. Very capable car in standard form!! I can see why they hold so much respect, also very nice when you put a bit more boost under the bonnet!!! They both sounded really good, better exhaust note and engine sound than the Cossie in my eyes.
Good to meet up with you gents, post any pics you have on this if you like... I am happy for that video to go up as well Pete if you can get it on
Also, before this I removed my broken front splitter as it was trashed good and proper..
Photo of it before it was binned
All I can say is it looks hideous without a splitter. I have left the hockey sticks on as they are riveted on so just need to buy a carbon fibre splitter and get it on. I will do that when the sun comes out. Its so nice having a car that can go over anything over 1 inch in height again
Trying some different shampoo out, TurtleWax liquid gold. I have washed it once before with this stuff but bottled it and dried it myself.
This time I have left it to do its thing. Not confident but does not matter much, will be dirty Monday
Front splitter has now been removed. Makes going over speed bumps and rubbish roads much better. It is a shame it looks rubbish without it otherwise I would keep it like she is now
This time I have left it to do its thing. Not confident but does not matter much, will be dirty Monday
Front splitter has now been removed. Makes going over speed bumps and rubbish roads much better. It is a shame it looks rubbish without it otherwise I would keep it like she is now
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