My RWD Escort RS Cosworth nick named "The Widow Maker"

My RWD Escort RS Cosworth nick named "The Widow Maker"

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cossy400

3,153 posts

183 months

Saturday 17th November 2012
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In depth write up again Mark.

Long shot but has it still got the ford rad in it?

My saff used to run at half way all day long on/off boost traffic etc.

Anyway rad sprung a leak so i bought an alloy one, and i seem to recall it held more fluid than the old one.

Run it up and from there on in it always sat at just over quarter.

Lovely looking motor and in fine fettle by all accounts.

"trots off to rob bank"

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Saturday 17th November 2012
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Hi Cossy400...

She does run a alloy rad with RS500 intercooler and twin fans.

My old car had standard rad and fans which could explain the difference. Come to think about it, when I was changing the stat I did think the rad looked rather large, same width as the rs500 unit and only about 75mm difference in hight.

I am over the moon the temps sits like this as my only concern with cosworths was the high temps on them smile

Not driven the car since I have changed the stat but will try take her out tomorrow and see how she performs etc.

cossy400

3,153 posts

183 months

Saturday 17th November 2012
quotequote all
mboon said:
Hi Cossy400...

She does run a alloy rad with RS500 intercooler and twin fans.

My old car had standard rad and fans which could explain the difference. Come to think about it, when I was changing the stat I did think the rad looked rather large, same width as the rs500 unit and only about 75mm difference in hight.

I am over the moon the temps sits like this as my only concern with cosworths was the high temps on them smile

Not driven the car since I have changed the stat but will try take her out tomorrow and see how she performs etc.
When i changed mine i was like you very happy that is was running "cooler" rather than hotter. as with any car running hot you always have that lump in your throat as to whether its safe or border line boiling over.

as you ve explained its looking like a good chance its got a bigger rad on it.

Some gentle warming up miles and some death tommoro should see it right i reckon. dont know about where you are but we ve just got back from food shopping and the dash was reading 2 degrees. Nice cold fresh air to be had.

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Saturday 17th November 2012
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I am in the South West... Only downside to this car, she is RWD so anywhere near cold or wet and its a no go with the right foot. I took her out yesterday and under part throttle in third she was spinning. Keeps you on your toes to say the least

cossy400

3,153 posts

183 months

Saturday 17th November 2012
quotequote all
mboon said:
I am in the South West... Only downside to this car, she is RWD so anywhere near cold or wet and its a no go with the right foot. I took her out yesterday and under part throttle in third she was spinning. Keeps you on your toes to say the least
yea know exactly where your coming from, and they do just snap when the boost comes on.

I let a mate drive mine only 3 miles up to the pub we were all meeting at but there is a low speed sweeping left hander which then leads to a hill, i warned him to be square on if he was going to bury it. He was square on and did bury it but there must of been diesel or something on the hill as it just spun up, he controlled it but afterwards he was like how do you drive it everyday id be scared of killing myself.

The joys of 350 brake and real wheel drive keeps you on your toes.

We should be done early next yr with the house renovations so if nothing else pops up i think ill look at having another, she might request it be 4 wheel drive thou...... but ill put paid to that.

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Sunday 18th November 2012
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Yeah they can be very snappy, I put 235 wide tyres on the back which in the dry on a good road surface sees it not spin in 2nd. In the wet it will spin in 4th frown

UPDATE:

Well today the Mrs got me with the usual "DIY Jobs"



So I got her to clean the car



This is the result!!



Please not, I told her not to bother with the tyre shine as it will be going down some lanes tomorrow so will be filthy again



























Not bad if you ask me, light was getting short hence the dark photos, could of overexposed a bit more but not really in the mood at the moment


mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Sunday 18th November 2012
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O yeah, also took her out for a bloody good drive today with a mate, car was faultless.. I am pretty sure the stat I took out was a 82 degree stat though as my temp gauge now sits a little higher, between quater and half way. Gave it the beans up through the gears and didnt rise, stuck in traffic etc spot on, no movement at all. So happy about that, checked for any leaks again today and nothing, had to top up slightly on the header tank and that was that. Checked the coolent again after a good hard drive and cool down and all still there smile

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Tuesday 20th November 2012
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Wanted to get another key cut as I only had one

Called a local mobile key cutting company who after speak with him gave me some great advise, very honest guy. He was based in Stoke Sub Hamdon, will not mention company names etc.

So off I went to get a price from Ford, as always over twice the price of another local company. Got the key cut and sorted, happy days. I tried it in the ignition and on the back of this key where it goes into the ignition it has like little teeth... you can feel them grab when moving the key in and out. I am sure this will be fine after a few months but none the less, it works and is a nice spare sat with the spare key fob I have for the car.

Starting to get all these little jobs sorted now which is nice, makes it less of a pain as less needs to be done and all the little things work or have been resolved.

4340BB

853 posts

207 months

Tuesday 20th November 2012
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Wish my Mrs would clean my Cossie.
In fact I don't know if I would trust her or not.

Anyway, looking good.

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Saturday 24th November 2012
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cheers mate, the mrs has helped me more than a few times so knows how I like it. We used to clay, wax polish my old M3 many times a year, she does not love it but will do it

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Saturday 8th December 2012
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UPDATE: BIG ONE!



Right, this photo to most is not much to look at, but to me... it is a massive weight off my shoulders and a massive relief!!!







A really long story in short form.



We had some serious floods down in the South West, on one of my travels I came across what didnt look like a massive flood, watched a couple cars go through and looked OK, so off I went. I started panicing when the water could be seen level with my bonnet frown Nothing I could do at that point other than keep the revs up and go. I could feel the engine being put under strain with the amount of water the front splitter was pushing! It was that much I actually swomped a car coming the otherway, water went up over her bonnet...



So after this the car was fine, thought I got lucky with that and went on my way, checked everything under the bonnet and all looked well, car ran fine as always.



Now around two weeks after, I get in the car after checking the fluids etc before setting off (all fine) and around ten miles up the road I was starting to wonder why it was not getting warm in the car, checked the temp on the heater, was set to high, checked the temp gauge for the water, was warmed up... checked the fan speed... boom, was on number 3 and no noise or life from the heater.



So I do what all Cosworth owners do, straight on the net when I got home to check what it could be. Checked the fuse and this was fine, seen a few people mention the fuse box.... I had my cousin come round and check the earths etc, power at the switch etc etc... After a chat my cousin was convinced it just had some water in and it might dry out when used... the internet however was telling me this is the first sign of the fuse box going... I seen the next thing to go was the fuel pump and didnt want to get the car stranded anywhere as I know the front splitter would have to come off to get it on the back of a lorry.



So I left it on the drive and went on the hunt for a fuse box. Didnt really fancy a second hand one as will no doubt be the same as mine, I was opting for resoldering but my cousin (electrician) didnt have the time and I didnt fancy it... So off to Ford I go to find a fuse box, I had the numbes...(BAB) and asked the ford parts guy, he came back with £323 all in but was unsure if they had any. I spoke with a mate who could get discount at Ford but was still £300. While searching for more info on this I seen someone mention Fordspartsuk.com and they came back at £281... so bit the bullet and bought it. Turned up a few days later and I managed to book half a day off work to get this fitted. Asked around the forums for tips and hints etc and set on with the task in hand.



Was a little bit worrying but it is a straight forward job when you take the worry away from it.



Before I removed the fuse box I started the car just to make sure it was still running etc and it was.



Disconnected the battery and took some photos of the three red power connectors to the back of the fuse box.











I marked these up and took photos so I could replace in the correct order, then started removing the wiring etc















On my fuse box I noticed I had two cables coming into the top and pluggin into certain places on the board... I am a complete novice when it comes to this so didnt think much of it, marked where they came from and carried on taking it out.



And this is the fuse box out











Old v New



















New fuse box























So that was easy enough, put all the little copper connectors for the heater etc into the fuse board as well but didnt photo that frown



Then started to put the box back in, nice and easy at this point



So now I am thinking, what is this







I know it went in one of the slots in the background but none did anything.



So put the battery back on and turned the key, everything worked when the ignition was on including the heater so happy days I thought frown How wrong was I!!



Turned the key and nothing, not even trying to turn the starter motor over or anything.



Gutted in a understatment.



So onwards and upwards I thought, started checking relays, fuses, connections etc, checked and double checked the battery, all fine.



Looked around on the net etc and nothing pointing to this issue.



I was becoming lost and dropped a text to Mark Barber asking a question and he asked to call.



So I did



After a good chat with Mark and telling him what I have done and what I have found we started trying things, Marks first thought was the ford immobiliser, so put the key in the lock and turn left or right etc... bad news, my car is de-locked, a great security feature but terrible when you need to turn the immobiliser off.



I took both door cards off on a very cold night in super quick time and found the immobiliser part on the lock and tryed all combinations to get it to start, nothing frown



Called Mark and let him know, by this time its dark and bloody cold so Mark gave me some things to try etc the next time I could get at the car.



So I tried a combination of things including putting the old fuse box back in and still would not start frown By now I am feeling worried and annoyed at the car, Mark reassured me it would be OK and worst case he would come down in his spare time and help me out!!!! WHAT A LEGEND! We do not know how lucky we are to have Mark involved with these cars and the RSOC. Best thing I ever did was sign up to the RSOC! Just the knoweldge alone Mark has is second to none, then you add in how much of a true enthusiast he is and a great bloke!



So Friday afternoon was booked off and I started going through the list of things I needed to try. While I had a spare 5 minutes I sent a photo to Mark and asked if it looked right (of the fuse box) a phone call shortly from Mark told me I was missing two relays which could be the problem.



Now the plot thickens as I start digging into the history and found out my car has a Fraser Fuel pump loom which changed things. Mark said he had some relays and would send them to me so they turn up Saturday morning (what a gent, never asked for postage or money!!!!)



So Saturday morning came and so did the post man, I was a bit down in the dumps with the car at this time and was not confident but off I went. I had to put the new fuse box back in etc and put the new relays in.... turned the key and the starter motor turned!!!!!!!!



I jumped out with a big smile on my face, we are getting somewhere.. the car would still not fire and I thought this could be related to the loom.. So I put the little black cable back into the fuse box like it was on the old box and tried again.. First time



I am not joking, I jumped out of the car and kissed it and started jumping around celebrating!!!



My mate was pissing himself and people looking out the windows thinking what the hell is he up to lol.



Such a relief! And all the thanks goes to Mark Barber! Without his know how and time this would of cost me a shed load of cash and time without the car.



This has also highlighted a massive problem I have, no one in my area can look after this car when I get issues like this.



Friday night me and the Mrs decided if it would not go with the new relays I was going to ask Mark to take it back to his workshop and make her breath again and get a few bits sorted over a period of time, was looking at buying a cheap run about while it was with him etc. Thought a few months away from the car would get the love back.



I am over the moon the car is now backup and running!



So, after I celebrated I got my head back onto this journal and started putting the car back together and taking photos wink



This is what she looked like taken a part























Then I started putting it back together















Someone is showing interest in becoming a member wink





















I want to say thank you to everyone who helped as well, all suggests much appreciated.



Thank you all



Mark

rumple

11,671 posts

150 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
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Jesus Mark that looked a complete nightmare, have you got a Clifford alarm on it, i have on mine and i friggin hate it, cute girl i remember mine at that sort of age, loads of fun.......however the OCD in me couldnt help notice the amount of dust around your steering column and clockspaperbag

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Sunday 9th December 2012
quotequote all
Yeah it has been a stressful couple weeks bud, but happy it is all over.
Daughter is at a great age mate, loving being a dad, best thing I ever done.
Yeah it is dusty, it has been sat for a while not being used and being worked on, it shall be getting a clean at some point, I will get some pics up for you wink

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Monday 10th December 2012
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One of the reasons I bought this car smile

The sound of it

Click the imagine below to view video



No land speed records were broken while filming this, road was empty, never broke the speed limit blah blah blah. Enjoy

PS car was not being ragged, just enough to get the noise smile

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Tuesday 1st January 2013
quotequote all
Well not used the car all Christmas, seen a few of you guys saying about missing them so thought I would take her out to rekindle some love.

My god does she ever go!! Nice cold weather and dry roads opening the taps through 2nd, 3rd and 4th and it pulls like a train right the way through. Surprised me really.

Car was faultless as always. Seen a R33 GT Skyline which looked "drift ready" going down the A303 but he didnt play, he thought about it though but a quick squiert and he kept away.

Over all really pleased with the car, it is filthy though so will need to clean it at some point. No photos as it was dusk when I left and fully dark when I got back. Car is perfect at the moment

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Friday 4th January 2013
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Well the Mrs has had a pretty st 3 months and one of the reasons not much has been done on this.

Her Grandad died a couple months ago and her Dad died yesterday, roll on 2014!!!



Anyway, my car was in need of a clean and I thought I would clean hers, anything to try put a smile on her face again.



My car before



































After











































While I am here, might as well put some up of the Mrs car















































This car is with no question the best car we have ever owned. It has cost us 2 tyres. Passed the last two MOT's with flying colours. For the money these cars are changing hands for these days, I would have no issue with buying another to do my dailey miles in.

This one has a decent spec, Harmon Kardon, Bluetooth handsfree, Black nappa leather, parking sensors, auto lights, auto wipers, xenon lights, steering wheel controls, cruise control, duel digital climate control, air con, electric everything, manual and rare rear folding seats which gives plenty of room to move stuff around in. Love this car, everytime I get in her and drive, I always find myself telling the Mrs how good the car is smile



Comments welcome

RumbleOfThunder

3,546 posts

202 months

Friday 4th January 2013
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Christ that's a body blow for the Mrs, hope she's doing much better now.

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Friday 4th January 2013
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Cheers mate, not really but she is a very strong cookie and is keeping a brave face on things. Anyone reading this who still has there parents... Enjoy them while they are with you, if you have something to say to them, say it. Never be shy or scared to tell them you love them.

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Sunday 6th January 2013
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Update:



Well a few weeks ago a local chap contacted me through Facebook and asked if he could take some snaps of the Escort. Today was the day we met up and took the photos.



The guys in question are Sam Potter and Shane O'Malley



Facebook page



http://www.facebook.com/#!/SamPotterPhotography?fr...



I was unsure of what to expect as never done anything like this, we met at a local office complex which was a respectable back drop for the photos.



Shane and Sam arrived and started unloading the kit, I am not up on my cameras etc but the kind of kit these lads have is massively impressive!



Sadly the weather was not on our side much, light drizzle constant through out the day added with loads of dull and low cloud.



You will also have to excuse my battered splitter and front bumper. Really wish I got this sorted now



Sam and Shane specialise in the car show scene and if anyone is having a local meet/show in or around the Somerset/Dorset area and want some high quality images taken of your cars and turned into prints, discs with the photos on, canvas etc then give them a shout, very helpful lads, showed me what the camera could do which was very interesting and took time to get quality.



I have had to upload the photos to photobucket which has sucked the life out of the quality but you get the idea.







Excuse the dirty engine bay frown















Comments welcome

mboon

Original Poster:

955 posts

201 months

Sunday 6th January 2013
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Some more photos from my shoot