Non Jeep build - 98 Escort

[msmoorenburg]

So here is the deal I've owned this car for 3 years now. SO why would I buy a ford escort well it was $175 and I was flipping alot of cheap rides then. "The CL add said broken tbelt due to owner trying to fix"

It suffered the famous dropping a valve seat so when the head was pulled I found this (the first setback) fyi all 2.0 split port motors have this issue

http://www.carcomplaints.com/media/complaints/images/e8095db6-f7c3-102a-836a-fa990e783397r.jpg

So I picked up another head and pistons from the j-yard (and opps the pistons were .020 over) so I yanked the block to get punched out (second setback) and the picked pistons were oval (grrrrr)

results from a valve seat
http://www.carcomplaints.com/media/complaints/images/e9c505e2-f7c3-102a-836a-fa990e783397r.jpg

Oh it gets better I parked the car out back (keys in it) and they walked, it also happened to a Toyota Camary I had too. So a year later it hailed at the shop (took out 3 other cars glass) It took a few hits but no busted glass. So 2 years passed with a fresh short block sitting at the shop. So with the PT going up for sale I wanted to get back into a cheap dd with good gas mileage. So sitting all wrong in the car now (money wise) it was either dump it and take a hit or fix and drive. The wife said fix and drive and sell in a year. So here we are now. Here list of stuff I need for the car. The pics before it was relocated to the house

And yes the oil bottle has been on the windshield for 3 years
http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_2211_zpse0ecae34-1.jpg

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_2208_zps801d0df9.jpg

So after 3 years of parts laying around the shop ,and numerous motor swaps since the Escort parts got misplaced/ lost.

My first trip to Pickapart (looking for a Steering column a key tumbler for the car is 300+)

I got the following 1st trip (see a pattern)

1. oil pan with bolts
2. wind-age tray with bolts
3. oil pump bolts
4. block to tranny bolts
5. starter bolts
6. crank pulley
7. (got lucky new tbelt idler)
8. but no keys :(


So a few weeks later I had to return cores and I decided to take a peak for a column

Score I got a column, door, and trunk tumbles that match. I was also missing a dipstick and front motor mount bracket all picked from the same car :rotfl2:


So I ordered a gasket kit, new tbelt and water pump to prepair the motor to go back in. Also drug the car home.

here is my joy shot

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130328_172428_535_zps5d940a40.jpg

and it at the house after a minor bath

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130328_172358_502_zps932d4e17.jpg

So today it sits in the garage waiting for engine / tranny dowel pins to show up to install the short block (pics to follow)

On a side note the battery did take a charge after being dead for 3 years

[4.3LXJ]

Amazing on that battery

[msmoorenburg]

Amazing on that battery

Me too, it was so dead the charger needed the load to (start charging) I left the radio on all night and it kicked off :watermelon:

[XJ Wheeler]

So is this one getting turbo'd... lowered... or putting it on a blazer chassis? :D

[Brasscatz]

Don't even ask Patrick what he did whilst sitting on the front bumper of that car at the shop.....

Nice to see it moved though :D

[msmoorenburg]

Don't even ask Patrick what he did whilst sitting on the front bumper of that car at the shop.....

Nice to see it moved though :D

well it is a great shi**er to drive :poke::poke:

Well good news is the shortblock is assembled and ready to go in. The bad is the engine to block dowels are n/a so time for plan b

[msmoorenburg]

So I found new dowels on eBay and await the shipment :smiley-gen165:

So here are a few pics on how the car sits today

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173328_455_zps68ed34df.jpg

Gonna have to get the vinyl dye out to fix this

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173530_178_zpsbd136b50.jpg

The shortblock awaiting to go home

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173251_778_zps84d83a54.jpg

Ford's idea in adding more airflow at 3k

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173308_944_zps16fb6344.jpg

Converter installed with new seal

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173300_129_zps351b4b9e.jpg

the engine bay after some cleaning

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173451_370_zpsbeeeea15.jpg

Some getto work that will get fixed

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173509_134_zpsa8467e38.jpg

And yes vines everywhere

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173347_131_zps001e2cb8.jpg

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130403_173407_746_zps7d242701.jpg

[msmoorenburg]

So I got a little work done to the turd

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130411_211605_704_zpsf705e0c0.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130411_211605_704_zpsf705e0c0.jpg.html)

not bad for 3hrs

[Mudderoy]

So I got a little work done to the turd

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130411_211605_704_zpsf705e0c0.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130411_211605_704_zpsf705e0c0.jpg.html)

not bad for 3hrs

Them pistons look nice.

[ArmyGuy45]

Looks awesome!! Mechanic by trade?

[msmoorenburg]

Looks awesome!! Mechanic by trade?

nope gonna quote "bigjim" you do that nerdy stuff for a living you know that computer stuff!!!

[ArmyGuy45]

nope gonna quote "bigjim" you do that nerdy stuff for a living you know that computer stuff!!!

I am an Army nerd and I wish I had the knowledge on how to do this stuff.

[msmoorenburg]

I am an Army nerd and I wish I had the knowledge on how to do this stuff.

its nothing more than a big boy jigsaw puzzle

[4.3LXJ]

Yup, you pick that stuff as you go through life

[bigjim350]

Yup, you pick that stuff as you go through life

That is true. Im surprised sometimes when people ask me about problems with cars ive never even owned before and somehow i know what the common problems are. Seriously dont know where ive learned some of the stuff i know.

[ArmyGuy45]

Yup, you pick that stuff as you go through life

I understand that, but I have never dug into an engine or diff before so this stuff is all new to me. I have done the basic 'bolt ons' to an engine but never inside but how air lockers work is way beyond me.

[4.3LXJ]

You don't have to know how they work. You just install them. Outside of the air line, just like any other carrier. When it doesn't work, then you dig into it

[msmoorenburg]

Well I finally got the head out of hawk and had a few hours to play

here is my final result

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130416_201106_325_zps57ba5605.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130416_201106_325_zps57ba5605.jpg.html)


So not much more to go before the killer 2.0 starts

[msmoorenburg]

Items I need to address (my to do list)

1. locate water pump bolts
2. bolt up cat
3. install oil pressure sensor
4. locate timing cover
5. locate power steering reserve bottle
6. install EGR valve
7. install timing belt
8. buy new thermostat & acc belt
9. torq head (add another 90degrees to the torq specs)

[msmoorenburg]

So I cranked out the "to do list" and it starts:cheerleader: bad news is it runs like crap :(. I think I have a mass air flow meter that is on it way out.

[Mountain Goat]

So I got a little work done to the turd

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130411_211605_704_zpsf705e0c0.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130411_211605_704_zpsf705e0c0.jpg.html)

not bad for 3hrs


You mean 3 YEARS!.....lol

[msmoorenburg]

So I fixed a few more things like the intake temp sensor wiring, and found a bad vacuum line. The car now idles (still rough) so i will put some fresh gas in the car and see if it smooths out. The power steering pressure line developed a leak so i will tend to that before cranking again.

[msmoorenburg]

Not much has happened since my dd backup lost a radiator (so I've replaced that) and i need to locate some crows feet wrenches to get the power steering line fixed. I guess I should get it fixed pretty quick, I now have a oil line in the garage floor

[msmoorenburg]

So it's running a little better still surging at a idle. I have one more vacuum leak to tackle (darn egr valve) I've ordered a new O2 and power steering high pressure line. They should arrive today. I'll give it a go and see what the outcome will be. Currently I've torn the headliner out (no fabric left) and plan to gut the interior to clean it up.

[msmoorenburg]

Well good news the running like crap has been resolved. :bang: The dam egr valve was stuck open ( I found valve seat debree in it) so next is get the headliner fixed and the interior cleaned. Also while I did my first test drive I found the outer tie rods are not tight.

[Mudderoy]

Well good news the running like crap has been resolved. :bang: The dam egr valve was stuck open ( I found valve seat debree in it) so next is get the headliner fixed and the interior cleaned. Also while I did my first test drive I found the outer tie rods are not tight.

So what's it's nickname? Dimples, or wobbles?

[Brasscatz]

He told me he liked the name "Tony" :poke: rofl

[msmoorenburg]

So in preparation in replacing the headliner in my Jeep I practiced on the escort.

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130513_193637_952_zps4d27e499.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130513_193637_952_zps4d27e499.jpg.html)

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130513_193631_677_zps11c90c02.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130513_193631_677_zps11c90c02.jpg.html)

the rest of the car came out nice well minus the airbag (still looking for a way to fix that)

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130513_193646_659_zps162338fd.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130513_193646_659_zps162338fd.jpg.html)

[Brasscatz]

Looks good. I'm going to miss that CARS license plate mod in the Jeep though

[Mudderoy]

So in preparation in replacing the headliner in my Jeep I practiced on the escort.

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130513_193637_952_zps4d27e499.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130513_193637_952_zps4d27e499.jpg.html)

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130513_193631_677_zps11c90c02.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130513_193631_677_zps11c90c02.jpg.html)

the rest of the car came out nice well minus the airbag (still looking for a way to fix that)

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130513_193646_659_zps162338fd.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130513_193646_659_zps162338fd.jpg.html)

Windows need tint and add some 22" wheels.

[msmoorenburg]

Windows need tint and add some 22" wheels.

pick them out and have them shipped to the house

Thanks

[Mudderoy]

pick them out and have them shipped to the house

Thanks

Hmmm COD, cool!

[msmoorenburg]

Hmmm COD, cool!


well still no rims at the door step :mad0029: you get stumped on locating 15in don't stops?

[msmoorenburg]

I spent some time today and polished the turd

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130601_201211_104_zpsd7282163.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130601_201211_104_zpsd7282163.jpg.html)

[XJ Wheeler]

Snazzy :D

[msmoorenburg]

Ordered the last major part before it get insurance and inspection.

the major must here in Texas A/C



http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/f11/35118/image/2/

[msmoorenburg]

Made some progress today on the turd :D

Installed the new a/c hose and started to pull the vacuum

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130604_200021_208_zpsedf96aef.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130604_200021_208_zpsedf96aef.jpg.html)

And yes I have a few cars laying around :bang: 2 have homes they just haven't made the way home


the new hose install and somewhat clean valve cover

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130604_200034_706_zps8321b64d.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130604_200034_706_zps8321b64d.jpg.html)

and this can happen when you pull a 45 min vacuum with a empty freon can attached

http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m639/sellitx/IMG_20130604_200042_541_zps9e683b08.jpg (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/sellitx/media/IMG_20130604_200042_541_zps9e683b08.jpg.html)

[msmoorenburg]

So I guess its time for a update.

Its legal and on the road now with about 350 miles

items fixed since last update

1. new struts all the way around
2. new down stream 02
3. new power sterring pump

[msmoorenburg]

So day number two driving it to the bus stop.

It's doing great, I'll post it up for sale by the end of the week if no bites i'm gonna do the following.

1. Tint the windows
2. replace the 3 other motor mounts
3. replace the windsheild
4. Find a arm rest not having one sucks and roll the car for a bit

[Mudderoy]

So day number two driving it to the bus stop.

It's doing great, I'll post it up for sale by the end of the week if no bites i'm gonna do the following.

1. Tint the windows
2. replace the 3 other motor mounts
3. replace the windsheild
4. Find a arm rest not having one sucks and roll the car for a bit

I was wondering what happened to this one.

[msmoorenburg]

I was wondering what happened to this one.

Well it has been sold onto the next victim