ESCORT SERVICE

Front-wheel drive guide for Ford’s family favourite

Refreshing simplicity

‘Simple is Efficient’ was Ford’s slogan when it launched its first front-wheel drive Escort in October 1980. The company’s ‘less is more’ approach and adherence to straightforward engineering made the Escort cheap to make, but didn’t stop it becoming Britain’s best-selling car in 1982. It also made it simple to maintain at home – as demonstrated on driveways across the country throughout the Eighties.

Engine options

The 1.3- and 1.6-litre versions were powered by Ford’s new CVH (Compound Valve angle Hemispherical) engines. It was an up-to-date design with hydraulic tappets and a beltdriven overhead camshaft. The 1.1-litre version retained a ‘Valencia’ engine derived from Ford’s pushrod overhead valve ‘Kent’. The sporting XR3 received a twin-choke Weber carburettor in 1981. It became the XR3I in 1982 with the addition of Bosch K-jetronic fuel injection.

What’s it like to work on?

The Escort is enjoyably simple to work on, particularly for a relatively modern frontwheel drive car. Access to the engine and critical aspects of the running gear is good. CVH engines are undemanding, thanks to hydraulic tappets and electronic ignition. Valencia engines require valve clearance and points adjustment, but both are easy. Parts required for servicing are cheaply and readily available. Many are still stocked my mainstream motor factors.

This applies to…

The car in our photographs is a 1.6-litre Cvh-engined XR3, but our guide also applies to the 1.1-litre Valencia-engined version. It has a few differences under the bonnet and elsewhere, but we’ve highlighted these in the relevant sections. Locate a manual or handbook that provides data and specific procedures for your model.

Thanks to Jon Wood, owner of the lovely XR3 pictured, and John Farrow of J and C Motors, Bournemouth (01202 429420).