Planning To Buy This Mk Iv .. Can Anybody Help Me With Its Details.

[Guest Yasir Nisar]

Hi,

 

I am new to this forum and am planning to buy a MK IV Escort. I have checked it and it requires a lot of attention and restoration to bring it on road.

 

Its engine needs to be rebuild completely. I am sharing couple of images and would request if someone can give me details on engine parts that I would require and paint that I should go for?

 

 

[Guest Pink mk5 xr3i]

hi

I have a MK 5 for sale check out the classified- could save you a fortune

[Guest ANDYA]

The VIN plate shows the following;

 

Digits 2 to 4 WFO = West Germany

Digits 5 & 11 LL = Cabriolet

Digit 8 G = Product Source Company (Cologne)

Digit 9 K = Assembly Plant (Rheine)

Digit 10 A = Model Range (Escort)

Digit 12 & 13 LJ = Build Date year and month (1990 May)

 

I can also see that it's RHD and the axle ratio? is 4.27. Fairly sure the colour code is white.

 

Hope this info might be of help.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[gingergman]

Now that's what you call good info! Gunna take a look at my vin now lol

[Guest Yasir Nisar]

The VIN plate shows the following;

 

Digits 2 to 4 WFO = West Germany

Digits 5 & 11 LL = Cabriolet

Digit 8 G = Product Source Company (Cologne)

Digit 9 K = Assembly Plant (Rheine)

Digit 10 A = Model Range (Escort)

Digit 12 & 13 LJ = Build Date year and month (1990 May)

 

I can also see that it's RHD and the axle ratio? is 4.27. Fairly sure the colour code is white.

 

Hope this info might be of help.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

Thanks Andy ..

 

I was actually looking for this info.

 

From where I could search the color code is white and its still in that original color.

 

My second query is that, the owner says the engine has gone. As I have still not opened it hence no idea but do you guys suggest me rebuilding the engine or swaping a newer engine ?

[Guest Stephenvos@icloud.com]

Hi - I can't see how you encode 1990 May from the vin plate, can you explain a bit more?

 

Sorry!

[Guest ANDYA]

Hi - I can't see how you encode 1990 May from the vin plate, can you explain a bit more?

 

Sorry!

Stephen,

 

I have an old printout from a website that doesn't appear to exist any more. It was specific to Ford Escorts. Within the printout there is a section which details the 'Build Date'. The year letters, (digit 12, run from R through to P where R is 1975 and P is 1993, this is in code and does not represent the suffixes on UK registration. Similarly, the month (digit 13) is represented by 12 letters, specific to the year.

This makes good sense when you have the Build date table in front of you !

 

I suppose it would be useful if Yasir could confirm if I've translated the VIN code correctly and it is May 1990.

 

Over to you Yasir.......

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[Guest ANDYA]

Yasir,

 

What have you tried with the engine? Does it turn over? Is it siezed? Tell us a bit more...

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[Guest Yasir Nisar]

Andy,

 

Yes you have translated the VIN code correctly.

 

I have not tried anything with the engine as yet. The guy I am buying it from says its dead, there is no battery in the car as well hence can't confirm what he means by that. Thats why I am asking what would be a complete rebuild cost and where can I get the spares if I am rebuilding it again.

[Guest ANDYA]

Yasir,

 

Sorry, full rebuild cost would be outside my knowledge. I've replaced a few valves after a broken timing belt, that's my limit. There will be some folks here who should be able to give you the benefit of their experience.

I would still explore what the seller means by 'engine gone', take jump leads with you, see if it might turn over. This will also let you see if the ignition/ fuel injection is functional. You might also consider walking away. There must be other cars available without these problems.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[Guest Yasir Nisar]

Andy,

 

Thanks for your suggestion.

 

Well. in my country .. you don't find much options for such cars as I have been looking for one since long, I finally found one and I will try my level best to restore it to original.

[Guest ANDYA]

Yasir,

 

Sorry, didn't realise you weren't 'local'. It's even more important then, that you find out what the engine can do. Old Ford parts are not that expensive and there are internet sales sites that can offer used and other factor parts. But, you need to see if the engine can run, or turn over before you can start to explore the way forward.

 

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

Andy

[Guest Yasir Nisar]

Thanks Andy. I will try to start the engine over the weekend and will keep you guys posted.

[danmk4escort]

yasir what country are you in?

[Guest Yasir Nisar]

Danmk4escort, I am from Pakistan.

[Guest ANDYA]

Yasir,

 

Any outcome with your engine tests. I get the feeling you might have already bought this. It really has a great engine. I've had mine for 8 years, give it petrol, fuel and a battery and it starts. I hope you are as lucky. Let us know. Any pics?

 

All the best,

 

Andy

[Guest Yasir Nisar]

Andy,

 

you guessed it right. I have but still have not got it in my hands as its in another city and I will be able to have it by next week. So then will start and see whats the issue with the engine.