Kylie the RS1600i - 11/09/14 Off to pastures new

[overrun]

Today I got my Neil Buchan-on and splashed the manifold/front pipe, centre section and drums in this stuff:



I have had good, lasting results with similar BBQ paints in the past and this one claims to be suitable up to 600 degrees.
Here's hoping!







The drums look a lot better. They were brand new, less than a year ago. I should have lacquered them at the time.

I did actually paint the manifols off the car, even though it doesn't look that way. I touched it up in a couple of places, once fitted.

I then refitted the rad fan and shroud, starter and alternator, too. Then I ran into a problem...




As you can see, the alternator belt is literally touching the water pump outlet.
The pump is a new First Line item, provided with the Gates Powergrip belt kit. I wonder if it is the correct one?



I will have to see if I have any images of the old one, fitted. I am sure there was plenty of clearance, before.
I am also pretty sure that I put them side by side, before fitting the new one.

Someone is wrong, somewhere. I guess as usual, it is me.

[overrun]

Having checked an old pic

 

 

It looks as though the alternator belt is incorrect, as seen by the postion of the adjuster, when compared to now

 

 

Plus, searching the water pump part number on Google, seems as though it is correct.

 

 

I think I still have the old belt, but I also thought I had compared the two, side by side.

 

I definitley still have the cardboard sleeve from the new one, though.

[gordonbennet]

Don't remind me about comparing bloody drive belts.

 

Took the one off me daughters Civic and the Mrs popped round the factors to get that and the rest of the parts for the service, belt had to come in from another branch so she left the old one there for comparison, sure enough phone call 2 hours later so she pops up to get it while i'm working on the car, when i go to offer it up its 5 ribs when it should be 7 bastards and about a fuckin foot too long, fuckin blind twat.

 

He found out how short her fuse is when she went back up to retrieve the original.

[overrun]

Mine came from a usually reliable NOS Ford parts gadgie on the dreaded eBay.

 

I would much rather the belt be incorrect, than the water pump, though!

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

I had one of these 25 years ago, bought it from Witney car auctions for £2800 iirc. The cambelt cover issue is (iirc) due to the 1600 engine having a taller block than the 1100/1300 CVH. You couldn't buy exhausts from Ford in 1989.

I replaced mine a few months later with a 1985 C plate XR3i, last of the Mark 111 cars in a metallic blue similar to Caspian blue but a bit darker. I thought it was a better car tbh. Performance very similar but better ride and brakes.

[face]

I really like sporty MKIII Escorts, the RS1600i being my favourite.

 

Really enjoying this thread.

[fordperv]

Very nice, a 1600i is a motor that I havnt got my grubby mitts to work on yet, can't believe the difference in belt cover lengths between the 2 1.6's

[Essex V6]

Out of the many dozens of cars that have passed through my hands, my RS1600i would have to be one of my favourites. A33PAS in Diamond White. Swapped a Capri 2.8i for it. Highlights were those seats and the way it used to corner flat!

[overrun]

I had one of these 25 years ago, bought it from Witney car auctions for £2800 iirc. The cambelt cover issue is (iirc) due to the 1600 engine having a taller block than the 1100/1300 CVH. You couldn't buy exhausts from Ford in 1989.

I replaced mine a few months later with a 1985 C plate XR3i, last of the Mark 111 cars in a metallic blue similar to Caspian blue but a bit darker. I thought it was a better car tbh. Performance very similar but better ride and brakes.

 

 

 

 

There are differences in the cylinder head height, between the 1600 CVH models, too.

 

The RSi head is unique to the car, so I wonder if the cam belt cover also is? :/

 

Interesting info on the exhausts. It makes the chances of my ever finding a useable mild steel back box, all the slimmer!

 

The brakes aren't great in this, but it's something that all Escorts suffer from. I guess your XR3i had 8" rear drums. I wonder how much that helps? That colour sounds like Paris Blue, maybe?

 

Personally, I love the ride and how taught the car is. Ideal for a summer time toy.

 

I can see it being a bit too much when in daily use, though. It's a bit of a pig at slow speeds, at times.

[overrun]

I really like sporty MKIII Escorts, the RS1600i being my favourite.

 

Really enjoying this thread.

 

A man of good taste.

 

Sorry there is nothing too exciting.

 

I would like to improve the underside, though. Nothing drastic, just a fresh coat of some horrible, but effective waxoyl stuff and scrape off years of grime in places. I will see how much time I have, before I re-tax it.

Cheers, fella.

[overrun]

Very nice, a 1600i is a motor that I havnt got my grubby mitts to work on yet, can't believe the difference in belt cover lengths between the 2 1.6's

 

Cheers, pervy. She won't win any prizes, but gradually improving it keeps me smiling!

[overrun]

Out of the many dozens of cars that have passed through my hands, my RS1600i would have to be one of my favourites. A33PAS in Diamond White. Swapped a Capri 2.8i for it. Highlights were those seats and the way it used to corner flat!

 

They do look great in white. Any colour shows the details better than black, imo. Is yours still about? It's not a reg I recognise.

 

The deep bolsters from the ("Nice Recaro's mate") Scheel seats and awesome cornering, make it a load of fun, for what it is.

 

I couldn't believe how flat it cornered and was very impressed at the speeds it is willing to, also.

 

Did you ever have any issues with a flighty rear end [insert joke here]? As I hear the earlier mk3 was notorious for it, particuarly the RS1600i, but yours was a later one, with revised rear suspension.

 

[overrun]

I called into Ford(s), today and asked the parts monkey if he could shed any light on what application my drive belt is actually for.

The part number does come back as probably being suitable, as seen here in a photo of the parts screen

 

 

Here's the part number from the belt

 

 

The '92' is a bit concerning, as is the lack of 'MFI' but computer says 'Yes'. I still think it needs a longer belt...

 

I was busy, so only had a small amount of time for some tinkering.

 

I whacked the old (XR3i?) intake pipe on, released the beastly K&N panel filter from it's protective plastic and after a couple of false starts and some wire testing, which transpired to be the earth connection loose on starter motor (forgot that I loosened this by mistake, when removing it from the 'box), she fired right up.

 

As seen here in this amazing* video not took on a Samsung Galaxy S2 with 11% battery life

 

 

I am glad, because I have not ran the engine, since replacing the timing belt and tensioner, water pump, throttle cable, doing some wiring, messing with the metering head and fuelling etc.

 

There is no coolant in atm, so it was short and sweet. I may address this tomorrow night and let it run up to temp, so I can set the idle with the throttle cable and allow the exhaust paint and gasket sealer to do it's thing.

 

Then I want to adjust the tappets.

 

When I dropped the oil, before putting it back on the road, last year, it made them much louder.

 

I hate the sound of CVH tappets!

 

At least with these ones being solid, I can adjust them back to spec.

[fordperv]

Oooh the fun of mechanical lifter adjustment I've gotta do the rs turbo soon, would you take a picture of a lifter out of the head, I want to see how the Newman ones compare (that's what's in the Turbo) I do like the chatter of solid lifters it's a reassuring sound over the sound of borked hydraulic ones. I've always thought the People who matter can tell the difference

[overrun]

Oooh the fun of mechanical lifter adjustment I've gotta do the rs turbo soon, would you take a picture of a lifter out of the head, I want to see how the Newman ones compare (that's what's in the Turbo) I do like the chatter of solid lifters it's a reassuring sound over the sound of borked hydraulic ones. I've always thought the People who matter can tell the difference

I agree, there is a difference in the sound. I still dislike both, tbh.

Too many reminders of expecting a knackered mk3 Fiesta to come rattling aroind the corner lol.

 

Will take some pics, mate.

[Essex V6]

I don't recall any issues with the rear end (fnar fnar). Sadly it was already quite rusty when I owned it so suspect it is either rusting away in a shed somewhere or has had some serious remedial work completed. I sold it to a boy in Aberdeen who wanted the log book to go in his pal's name as he was banned!

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

There are differences in the cylinder head height, between the 1600 CVH models, too.

 

The RSi head is unique to the car, so I wonder if the cam belt cover also is? :/

 

Interesting info on the exhausts. It makes the chances of my ever finding a useable mild steel back box, all the slimmer!

 

The brakes aren't great in this, but it's something that all Escorts suffer from. I guess your XR3i had 8" rear drums. I wonder how much that helps? That colour sounds like Paris Blue, maybe?

 

Personally, I love the ride and how taught the car is. Ideal for a summer time toy.

 

I can see it being a bit too much when in daily use, though. It's a bit of a pig at slow speeds, at times.

Wasn't Paris blue the light blue?

 

The 1600i head was lightly different but the belt was the same.

The RS was developed a year before the 3i and based on the LHD 1100/1300. There is a brake cross linkage for which Ford sold a bulkhead reinforcing kit and the RHD 3i was totally different. Like the 1600-2000 Pintos and 1100/1300 to 1600 Crossflows, the 1600 and 1800 CVH had a taller block. Iirc, the RS1600i used the 1600 Escort van gearbox with taller intermediate ratios but a lower final drive making it less suitable for the revvy nature of the 1600i.

 

Mine was black too, and I replaced the troublsome coils with the Ford conversion kit of a Bosch distributor and a special conversion loom. The exhaust was different because of the rear anti roll bar which prevented an XR3i system from fitting.

I don't think the RS was any better than the 3i but they're a very neat and interesting car.

[fordperv]

I agree, there is a difference in the sound. I still dislike both, tbh.

Too many reminders of expecting a knackered mk3 Fiesta to come rattling aroind the corner lol.

 

Will take some pics, mate.

I remember the 1st m.o.t after it was built, the know it all told me the lifters needed changing as they were shagged because of the chatter they make at low revs, this was after we talked about the spec of the engine which I told him it had solid lifters, I ended up taking the oil filler off and shining a light down to show him he then told me they don't make mechanical lifters for cvh's after seeing it in front of him.

[overrun]

I don't recall any issues with the rear end (fnar fnar). Sadly it was already quite rusty when I owned it so suspect it is either rusting away in a shed somewhere or has had some serious remedial work completed. I sold it to a boy in Aberdeen who wanted the log book to go in his pal's name as he was banned!

It may have recieved a stay of execution, mate. Most of the ones that actually get used have had a friendly tickle with the MIG, at some stage!

[overrun]

Wasn't Paris blue the light blue?

The 1600i head was lightly different but the belt was the same.

The RS was developed a year before the 3i and based on the LHD 1100/1300. There is a brake cross linkage for which Ford sold a bulkhead reinforcing kit and the RHD 3i was totally different. Like the 1600-2000 Pintos and 1100/1300 to 1600 Crossflows, the 1600 and 1800 CVH had a taller block. Iirc, the RS1600i used the 1600 Escort van gearbox with taller intermediate ratios but a lower final drive making it less suitable for the revvy nature of the 1600i.

Mine was black too, and I replaced the troublsome coils with the Ford conversion kit of a Bosch distributor and a special conversion loom. The exhaust was different because of the rear anti roll bar which prevented an XR3i system from fitting.

I don't think the RS was any better than the 3i but they're a very neat and interesting car.

I always thought Paris was the lighter blue, but some boyo I know, was adamant when correcting me.

I don't claim to know, tbh.

 

The head is a strange one. It has larger valves, different lifters, cam and is ported, plus has a different part number, although I agree it is probably the same casting.

 

I am surprised that you suffered twin coil trouble, so long ago.

It makes me laugh when people are amazed to see mine still running them. I am glad I have spares, though!

 

 

Good point on belt length. That makes the cover situation even stranger, then.

 

 

The RSi is flawed, no question. It doesn't really have an effect when the car is not a daily driver though, imo.

 

Does the exhaust not go over the rear wishbone on a XR3/i? I assume this is why an RSi ARB is supposedly different?

[overrun]

I remember the 1st m.o.t after it was built, the know it all told me the lifters needed changing as they were shagged because of the chatter they make at low revs, this was after we talked about the spec of the engine which I told him it had solid lifters, I ended up taking the oil filler off and shining a light down to show him he then told me they don't make mechanical lifters for cvh's after seeing it in front of him.

Gotta love 'experts' eh, mate?

 

Another example of why most of us prefer to have a go, ourselves, when we can!

[red5]

The RSi is flawed, no question. It doesn't really have an effect when the car is not a daily driver though, imo.

Does the exhaust not go over the rear wishbone on a XR3/i? I assume this is why an RSi ARB is supposedly different?

 

Goes underneath it iirc

[overrun]

Not had much car mojo lately and have been otherwise engaged, helping my dad with the kitchen and bathroom, so haven't done much. It's all in hand, though. I only have a few things left on my list and plan to re-tax the car for May, so should be fine.

 

I managed to shoe horn the correct* OE aux belt on. I had to lever the alternator right the way forward to only just achieve enough clearance between the belt and water pump outlet, to squeeze in a folded sheet of paper.

 

 

Still dunno why this is the case, but after wasting a fiver on another belt, that was way too long, I will see how this does.

 

I connected a few water pipes and ran the car up to temp and as I can't drive it atm, decided to rev it like a bellend.

I am pleased with the sound of the exhaust, can't wait to hear it under load.

 

 

As can be heard in the video, the alternator belt is a touch too tight. Hopefully I can back it off without it fouling the water pump.

 

I fiddled about with (cleaned) the PCB on the back of the clocks and it resulted in my battery light acting as it should.

Hopefully the occasional flat battery and lack of charging will now cease.

 

After a brand new battery, brand new alternator and tested and re-terminated cables, it better!

 

My DMB Graphics dealer set finally arrived

 

 

So I fannied on like a tart and measured the fixing holes in the plates until I was happy they were central.

I wasn't sure where to place the sticker, but I think it looks alright.

 

 

I am very pleased with the quality of these. Well worth the very reasonable cost.

 

What else?... I bought a NOS green electronic dipstick on eBay, for what I think was a fair price. It saves me having to repair mine, now. Unless I attempt it for a spare/to sell. Either way, I bought some new plugs for it.

 

I hope to have my retrimmed steering wheel back, shortly. The trimmer is being held up by a late delivery of thicker type thread. This should be with him, tomorrow.

 

After jikovron giving me some pointers, I was going to adjust the solid lifters, but I have currently mislaid my recently bought feeler gauges. :/

 

So this is as far as I got

 

 

I would be pissed off if I lost these

 

 

I took a couple of pics for ford perv. Dunno how useful they actually are lol.

[Essex V6]

Paris Blue was the lighter hue. The darker one of this era was Mineral Blue. IIRC, 3i's came in the latter blue

[greengartside]

Are you still planning to reinstate the TWO 80Y registration? Great work by the way, looking marvellous!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[overrun]

Paris Blue was the lighter hue. The darker one of this era was Mineral Blue. IIRC, 3i's came in the latter blue

Mineral Blue, of course!

[overrun]

Are you still planning to reinstate the TWO 80Y registration? Great work by the way, looking marvellous!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cheers GGS.

I would love to have the original plate back, but I have hit a brick wall with the DVLA, who will only tell me that 'it is on retention'. I have my doubts.

 

If I can get it back, some day, having another set of plates made up is a price I will happily pay.

[HMC]

Those plates look fantastic!

[overrun]

Those plates look fantastic!

Yeah, top drawer stuff. All for about £38, posted.

 

Considering I provided him with a low res pic of a plate from another car and a pic of a window sticker, complete with reflections, I am very impressed.

[philsford]

Love the UBM dealer bits. Who are you using to retrim your wheel? How much is it costing? I have a 4 spoke here that I may fit to mine if I can get a decent trimmer on it that doesn't mix prices up with his lottery numbers.