Steering rack bellows and fuel guage

[dave36]

noticed today my bellows are shot through, so how do I tell whether the rack is mk1 or mk2, in order to chase up the correct ones please.
Also the fuel guage, can anyone tell me how the guage can be tested (escort dual clock, speedo left,ind,top cr, oil and ig wl bottom cr fuel and temp right), 2nd sender unit (thanks Ian) gives the same readings as the old one ie empty shows as 1/2 a tank, put in one gallon and it's off the clock! any advice most welcome

[IanA]

Hi Dave
I THINK the rack boots will be the same however we'll soon know the truth...

On the fuel gauge- does the temp gauge do strange things as well- if so, the voltage regulator (usually bolted to back of speedo) may be loose. Mine did that on the way back from the MOT, stopped because I thought it had overheated!!! Just had to tighten up the little bolt (actually a self-tapper with a hex head).
Cheers
Ian

[little jago]

i have a bit of a problem with my water temp gauge it reads well it dont even if i take it off the engine and put it straght to earth it reads well same again it dont lol but when i put the fuel gauge to earth it reads so can any1 tell me how to fix the water temp and if there is a way thanx and sorry about the spelling.

[Club.Ed.TONKA]

Unipart list 2 rack boots

Escort mk 1 + mk 2 and Capri mk 1, 2 + 3 Burman rack - Unipart GRG209 or QH QG1001 or Firstline FSG 3033

Escort mark 1 and 2 and Capri mk 1 2 + 3 Cam Gears rack - Unipart GRG210 or QH QG1002 or Firstline FSG 3034

GRG210 also fits Cortina 8/70-5/83

Capri/Cortina are obviously non pas versions , they might be easier to find than asking for Escort ones!

Hope this helps

Mark

[drseg]

i remember having similar guage problems years ago on a cortina mk 2 and the voltage stabiliser was faulty - not the easiest thing to get hold of a new one but seems like a possible answer. have these guages ever worked properly? if not are the senders stabiliser and guages compatible? just a thought.

[IanA]

Cheapest rack boots I ever found (IIRC £3 a pair) were on a trader's stand at Stoneleigh. I don't know their name but they're from Newcastle-on-Tyne and they specialise in replacement distributors and other bits for Fords. They had some really flash USA NASCAR tee-shirts (printed both sides) for only £3 each as well last year.
Cheers
Ian

PS just bought a 4.1 diff- drseg- please email me your slide hammer !!!

[drseg]

trying to get slide hammer in floppy drive struggling though
lol
if ya really wanna borrow it i'm sure i could get it you some how

[dave36]

Temp guage performs normaly, I had thought about the voltage stabilizer and changed that too, no good.
perhaps its time I sorted the wiring again, don't know?
fuel guage is the only component that still does not work, when I got yellow peril none of the electrics worked. Perhaps the time has come to make that custom dash with the pretty array of functional but useless clocks and smart switches.

[Adythewindow]

I would susupect your fuel tank sender if you say it`s been tested with another dash.........or perhaps a dead short to/nonexistent earth on the fuel tank. There are universal steering rack gaiters available including one that does NOT require removal of any parts. Can`t remember where I saw them ut I`ll have a dig.

[dave36]

just bought a set of gaitors for £6.25, think I got a bargain.
the seller also has: Steering Rack Gaiters (Burman Steering) - QH
Track Control Arm Bush Kits - QH
Track Rod Ends -
so if anyone wants the email of the seller, just give me a call

Dave

[little jago]

there is this number i have that is for a guy that brecks mk2 escorts and i got a new wiring loom for my yellow beast from him.i will ring him and ask if i could give it out ok hope he says yes.

[IanA]

The gaiters that fit without dismantling are from BAILCAST. I've used their driveshaft gaiters before now. Need to be a dab hand with the superglue though.
Cheers
Ian

[Mister frosty]

I used some of these 'glue together' gaters a few years back and the glue held fabulously well. it's a pity that the 'rubber' split in next to no time.

The moral is, what seems to be a quick fix is only putting off the inevitable.......use the proper parts.

[Adythewindow]

Done a little digging and the gaiters are Mecatech and they are stretched over the ball joint with a cone. Seems to work and my mot tester says they`re good quality too. Only problem seems to be suppliers. In suffolk and Essex only one outlet, which is Jayar. Might be worth trying motor factors in your area.

[IanA]

Cheapest rack boots I ever found (marked at £7 but sold for £4 a pair) were on a trader's stand at Stoneleigh. The boots were marked as:

STEERING RACK
GAITER KIT
(MANUAL RACK)

CAPRI MK1-2-3...ALL...1969>87
ESCORT MK1-2...ALL...1967>80

The outfit is called GMS Capri Spares and they're from Newcastle-on-Tyne and they specialise in replacement distributors and other bits for Fords. They had some really flash USA NASCAR tee-shirts (printed both sides) for only £3 each as well last year. They may well be back this weekend but if not their phone number is 0191 377 1718
Cheers
Ian