Escort RS Turbo - where do I start

[TUS373]

A dear family friend has recently passed away. In his car collection is an Escort RS Turbo. It has 60,000ish miles, not been driven/started for at least 7 years. Instead, it has been mothballed in a dry garage.

I'm thinking about adopting it for now whilst we wonder what to do with it. That means getting it to my place.

I have watched Johnny Smith and the Late Brake Show and it has provided some inspiration, but wanted to check what others think of my plan.

First step is to roll it out of the garage. No idea what the brakes and tyres are like.

Then change oil, oil filter, air filter, plugs, drain and replace fuel, replace battery. With a bit of luck that may get it started.

Is there anyone with experience of the legendary RS Turbo that can confirm this is a good approach? Are there any other things that I should plan for at this stage?

After that, I will have to assess the value of it and decide how/where to sell it unless I buy it myself...not that I have the room really.

Many thanks.

[Doofus]

You can't take the car without the authority of the executors. It's their job to determine the car's value, and you can't buy or sell it until probate has been granted and the estate distributed in accordance with the will, if there is one.

[gruffgriff]

Call Jonny?

[TUS373]

Don't worry about that. His wife survives him and she wants our help.

[TUS373]

gruffgriff said:

Call Jonny?

Yes. Thinking about that actually. Not sure his widow wants that kind of attention...but it is certainly something to discuss. Not seen the car yet, but my friend told me lots about it.

Bitter sweet project.

[IanG1]

After doing something similar recently I can offer the below.
After 7 years it his highly likely the fuel pump is goosed. Its mounted at the rear near the tank. Disconnect it from the car electrically and try 12V direct to it for a quick burst see if it powers?
Just check the oil, if it looks OK it will be fine for a quick start up, likewise the plugs just take out and clean up and squirt a bit of lubricant down the holes. Check air filter for rodents living in the airbox.
Remove the cam belt cover and have a quick look at the belt, turn the engine over by spanner on the bottom pulley see if its free and the water pump and tensioner are free, these are driven by the belt on a CVH and can seize wrecking the belt and bending valves with it.
Your biggest enemy will be stale fuel and perished and leaking fuel hoses so be careful.
Once happy with some fresh super unleaded installed and a working pump and no leaks turn the engine over with the coil lead off, make sure you get oil pressure then your pretty much good to go for a quick start then change all the bits after.
Keep us posted as love old escorts (I have an 83 RS1600i)

[TUS373]

Thanks for this. That is really good information. I am glad you mentioned the belts, well....because. I would hate to see the car turn from a classic to expensive repair in the turn of a key.

I think there is more to this now than I had previously considered. We will have to shift an MG out of the way before wr can extract the RS out of the garage. The feeling is that there is much work to be done and a project rather than quick job.

I love an RS too. Not enough to want one, but it was a vehicle that defined the late 80s for me. One of THE cars to have.