Segment:
Compact Hot Hatch / Performance Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists
Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, Vauxhall Astra GTE, Renault 5 GT Turbo
Vehicle Focus:
Performance, Handling, Motorsport Heritage (Group A/B Rallying)
Manual Purpose:
To provide detailed technical information for the maintenance and repair of the Ford Escort RS models from 1985-1987.
Engine:
1.6L CVH Turbocharged (various configurations, e.g., RS Turbo S1, S2, S3), Fuel Injection (Bosch KE-Jetronic or similar), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Transmission:
Manual Transaxle (e.g., IB5 or equivalent), Clutch System, Driveshafts, Differential
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped, Brake System Hydraulics, Parking Brake
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Twist Beam Axle with Watt's Linkage, Springs, Shock Absorbers, Bushings, Wheel Alignment Specifications
Steering:
Rack and Pinion, Power Steering System (if equipped), Steering Column Components
Electrical:
12V Battery System, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Fuse Box Layouts, Wiring Diagrams, ECU (Engine Control Unit) Functionality
Bodywork:
Body Panel Removal and Installation, Exterior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass Replacement, Interior Trim, Upholstery, Body Repair Procedures
Climate Control:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System, Heater Core, Blower Motor, A/C Compressor and Refrigerant System (if applicable)
Engine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Timing Belt/Chain Inspection and Replacement, Compression Testing
Fuel System Repair:
Fuel Pump Testing, Injector Cleaning/Replacement, Fuel Filter Replacement, Fuel Pressure Diagnosis
Brake Service:
Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Caliper Overhaul, Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed, Master Cylinder Replacement
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Ball Joint and Tie Rod End Replacement, Power Steering Pump/Hose Repair
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Electrical Faults using Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Alternator and Starter Motor Diagnosis
Engine Rebuild:
Engine Disassembly, Component Inspection (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), Cylinder Head Reconditioning, Torque Specifications for Reassembly
Transmission Overhaul:
Manual Gearbox Disassembly, Gearset Inspection, Bearing Replacement, Clutch Assembly and Adjustment
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic Flowcharts for Common Problems (e.g., starting issues, poor performance, overheating)
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete mechanical and electrical overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Code Example:
LOO4 (1.6L CVH Turbo)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, 8-valve, Overhead Cam (OHC)
Displacement:
1598 cc (1.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 79.5 mm (typical for CVH)
Compression Ratio:
8.3:1 (typical for RS Turbo)
Horsepower Net:
132 PS (97 kW; 130 bhp) at 6000 rpm (RS Turbo Series 1/2)
Torque Net:
180 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 2700 rpm (RS Turbo Series 1/2)
0-60 Mph:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.0 seconds
Top Speed:
Approx. 125 mph (201 km/h)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or KE-Jetronic Fuel Injection, Turbocharged (Garrett T2 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95-98 RON / 91-93 AKI)
Turbocharger Boost Pressure:
0.7 bar (10 psi) nominal (typical)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless or Distributor based)
ECU Type:
EEC-IV (Electronic Engine Control)
Length:
Approx. 4023 mm (158.4 inches) for 3-door hatchback
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 inches) for 3-door hatchback
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2525 mm (99.4 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1060-1100 kg (2337-2425 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Check vehicle VIN plate
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4 x 108 mm
Standard Tire Size:
205/60 VR 15 (typical for RS Turbo)
Standard Wheel Size:
15 x 6.0J or 15 x 7.0J (alloy wheels)
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings from this era are limited and often not directly comparable to modern standards. Manual does not typically contain safety ratings.
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on later RS Turbo variants.
Braking System:
Powerful front and rear disc brakes designed for performance driving.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, potentially optional rear seatbelts.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced chassis structure for improved rigidity and safety.
Fuel Tank Protection:
Integral to chassis design, with emphasis on minimizing fire risk.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months (typical for this era).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 18,000 miles (typical for specific plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 40,000-60,000 miles or 4 years (critical for CVH engines).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24 months (regardless of mileage).
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (e.g., Ford Super Plus 2000 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford Spec ESK-M2C195-A or equivalent (typically ATF Dexron II/III is also mentioned).
Cvh Engine:
Timing belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage; head gasket leaks; turbocharger wear; oil consumption.
Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points.
Electrical Gremlins:
Failing relays, corroded connections, instrument cluster issues.
Suspension Wear:
Worn bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers due to age and performance usage.
Ford Performance:
Ford has a long history in motorsport, with the Escort nameplate being a significant participant in rallying and touring car championships.
Escort Mk3 Rs:
The Mk3 Escort represented a significant departure from previous generations with its front-wheel-drive layout and aerodynamic design. The RS variants were developed to leverage this platform for performance and homologation.
Rs Turbo Variants:
The RS Turbo was a homologation special for Group A rallying, featuring a potent 1.6L CVH turbocharged engine, upgraded suspension, brakes, and distinctive styling (spoilers, body kits).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily UK (Dagenham, Halewood) and continental Europe.
Production Run:
The Ford Escort Mk3 RS Turbo was produced from 1984 to 1986, with the Mk4 RS Turbo following from 1986 to 1990. This manual specifically covers the transition/early Mk4 models.
