Target Audience:
Owners of 1985-1987 Ford Escort RS models seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics. Also valuable for enthusiasts and collectors.
Manual Advantage:
Provides the definitive, factory-authorized information for the specific RS performance variants, offering greater accuracy and detail than generic repair manuals.
Content Highlight:
Comprehensive coverage of the performance-oriented RS variants, including specific engine tuning, suspension upgrades, and braking systems that differentiate them from standard Escort models.
Value Proposition:
Empowers users to maintain and repair their classic Ford Escort RS efficiently, saving on labor costs and ensuring correct procedures are followed for optimal performance and longevity.
Information Access:
Well-organized with a table of contents, facilitating quick access to specific repair or maintenance procedures.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts), fuel system (carburetor/injection, fuel pump, lines), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control systems.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmissions (e.g., MTX-II, MTX-75), clutch system, drive axles, CV joints, transfer case (if applicable for AWD variants, though less common for RS in this era).
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (e.g., MacPherson struts), rear suspension (e.g., twist beam axle with trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering rack, power steering system (if equipped), wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or discs on some RS variants), hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake system, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), dashboard instruments, switches, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, ECU (Engine Control Unit) diagnostics (OBD I or similar proprietary system), sensors.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, seats, glass, body sealing, rust prevention, structural components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes, tune-ups), lubrication points, tire rotation, brake inspection.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault codes (if applicable), symptom analysis, component testing.
Repair Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation. Includes torque specifications, special tool requirements, and alignment procedures.
Overhaul Rebuild:
Comprehensive overhaul procedures for major components such as engines, transmissions, and brake systems, including clearances, tolerances, and part specifications.
Depth Of Information:
Extremely detailed, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documents, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations. Searchable text functionality.
Binding Type:
Digital Download (PDF)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Required Software:
Adobe Acrobat Reader (or compatible PDF viewer), WinZip (or compatible archive utility)
Operating Systems:
Windows (all versions), macOS (all versions)
Engine Code Examples:
342 (RS Turbo Series 1), 344 (RS Turbo Series 2), CVH 1.6L (RS 1600i - earlier model, but relevant for context), potentially early CVH 1.8L or 2.0L variants for some markets.
Engine Type:
CVH (Compound Valve Helical) - typically 1.6L turbocharged for RS Turbo variants.
Horsepower Rs Turbo S1:
132 hp (98 kW) at 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque Rs Turbo S1:
180 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 2400 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Rs Turbo S2:
135 hp (101 kW) at 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque Rs Turbo S2:
183 Nm (135 lb-ft) at 2400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic or similar multi-point fuel injection system (for RS Turbo models)
Turbocharging:
Garrett T3 turbocharger with intercooler.
ECM Type:
EEC-IV (Electronic Engine Control) or similar Ford proprietary system.
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Crash Test Data:
Limited publicly available specific crash test data for RS variants from this era, but based on general Mark III/IV Escort structure. Likely comparable to contemporary vehicles of its class.
Braking System:
Ventilated front discs (larger on RS variants), rear drums (or discs on some later RS models), anti-lock braking system (ABS) as an option on some later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones front and rear.
Oil Change:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 18,000-24,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG rated, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (viscosity depends on climate). Synthetic options were emerging.
Coolant:
Ford specification antifreeze mixture (e.g., 50/50 ethylene glycol and distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual transmission fluid (MTF) meeting Ford specifications (e.g., ESW-M2C83-C or similar).
Rs Turbo Common Problems:
Turbocharger wear, intercooler efficiency degradation, fuel injector clogging, ignition coil failure, suspension bushing wear, rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, door bottoms), electrical gremlins (corroded connectors).
Cvh Engine Considerations:
Can be prone to head gasket failure if overheated; regular coolant checks are critical. Cam belt replacement is a critical maintenance item.
Ford Performance:
Ford's long history of performance variants, building on the success of models like the Cortina and Capri, establishing the 'RS' (Rally Sport) performance pedigree.
Escort Mark Iii:
The Mark III Escort (introduced 1980) represented a significant shift for Ford in Europe, moving to front-wheel drive and a more modern design. The RS variants enhanced this platform with significant performance upgrades.
Escort Rs Turbo:
The Escort RS Turbo was a homologation special for rallying and enjoyed immense popularity as a hot hatch, particularly the Series 1 (1984-1985) and Series 2 (1986-1990) which overlap with the manual's coverage. The manual covers the transition and updates between these.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced at Ford's Halewood plant in the UK and Saarlouis plant in Germany.
