Wanted to get another key cut as I only had one
Called a local mobile key cutting company who after speak with him gave me some great advise, very honest guy. He was based in Stoke Sub Hamdon, will not mention company names etc.
So off I went to get a price from Ford, as always over twice the price of another local company. Got the key cut and sorted, happy days. I tried it in the ignition and on the back of this key where it goes into the ignition it has like little teeth... You can feel them grab when moving the key in and out. I am sure this will be fine after a few months but none the less, it works and is a nice spare sat with the spare key fob I have for the car.
Starting to get all these little jobs sorted now which is nice, makes it less of a pain as less needs to be done and all the little things work or have been resolved.

UPDATE: BIG ONE!

Right, this photo to most is not much to look at, but to me... it is a massive weight off my shoulders and a massive relief!!!



A really long story in short form.

We had some serious floods down in the South West, on one of my travels I came across what didnt look like a massive flood, watched a couple cars go through and looked OK, so off I went. I started panicing when the water could be seen level with my bonnet Nothing I could do at that point other than keep the revs up and go. I could feel the engine being put under strain with the amount of water the front splitter was pushing! It was that much I actually swomped a car coming the otherway, water went up over her bonnet...

So after this the car was fine, thought I got lucky with that and went on my way, checked everything under the bonnet and all looked well, car ran fine as always.

Now around two weeks after, I get in the car after checking the fluids etc before setting off (all fine) and around ten miles up the road I was starting to wonder why it was not getting warm in the car, checked the temp on the heater, was set to high, checked the temp gauge for the water, was warmed up... checked the fan speed... boom, was on number 3 and no noise or life from the heater.

So I do what all Cosworth owners do, straight on the net when I got home to check what it could be. Checked the fuse and this was fine, seen a few people mention the fuse box.... I had my cousin come round and check the earths etc, power at the switch etc etc... After a chat my cousin was convinced it just had some water in and it might dry out when used... the internet however was telling me this is the first sign of the fuse box going... I seen the next thing to go was the fuel pump and didnt want to get the car stranded anywhere as I know the front splitter would have to come off to get it on the back of a lorry.

So I left it on the drive and went on the hunt for a fuse box. Didnt really fancy a second hand one as will no doubt be the same as mine, I was opting for resoldering but my cousin (electrician) didnt have the time and I didnt fancy it... So off to Ford I go to find a fuse box, I had the numbes...(BAB) and asked the ford parts guy, he came back with £323 all in but was unsure if they had any. I spoke with a mate who could get discount at Ford but was still £300. While searching for more info on this I seen someone mention Fordspartsuk.com and they came back at £281... so bit the bullet and bought it. Turned up a few days later and I managed to book half a day off work to get this fitted. Asked around the forums for tips and hints etc and set on with the task in hand.

Was a little bit worrying but it is a straight forward job when you take the worry away from it.

Before I removed the fuse box I started the car just to make sure it was still running etc and it was.

Disconnected the battery and took some photos of the three red power connectors to the back of the fuse box.





I marked these up and took photos so I could replace in the correct order, then started removing the wiring etc







On my fuse box I noticed I had two cables coming into the top and pluggin into certain places on the board... I am a complete novice when it comes to this so didnt think much of it, marked where they came from and carried on taking it out.

And this is the fuse box out





Old v New









New fuse box











So that was easy enough, put all the little copper connectors for the heater etc into the fuse board as well but didnt photo that

Then started to put the box back in, nice and easy at this point

So now I am thinking, what is this



I know it went in one of the slots in the background but none did anything.

So put the battery back on and turned the key, everything worked when the ignition was on including the heater so happy days I thought How wrong was I!!

Turned the key and nothing, not even trying to turn the starter motor over or anything.

Gutted in a understatment.

So onwards and upwards I thought, started checking relays, fuses, connections etc, checked and double checked the battery, all fine.

Looked around on the net etc and nothing pointing to this issue.

I was becoming lost and dropped a text to Mark Barber asking a question and he asked to call.

So I did

After a good chat with Mark and telling him what I have done and what I have found we started trying things, Marks first thought was the ford immobiliser, so put the key in the lock and turn left or right etc... bad news, my car is de-locked, a great security feature but terrible when you need to turn the immobiliser off.

I took both door cards off on a very cold night in super quick time and found the immobiliser part on the lock and tryed all combinations to get it to start, nothing

Called Mark and let him know, by this time its dark and bloody cold so Mark gave me some things to try etc the next time I could get at the car.

So I tried a combination of things including putting the old fuse box back in and still would not start By now I am feeling worried and annoyed at the car, Mark reassured me it would be OK and worst case he would come down in his spare time and help me out!!!! WHAT A LEGEND! We do not know how lucky we are to have Mark involved with these cars and the RSOC. Best thing I ever did was sign up to the RSOC! Just the knoweldge alone Mark has is second to none, then you add in how much of a true enthusiast he is and a great bloke!

So Friday afternoon was booked off and I started going through the list of things I needed to try. While I had a spare 5 minutes I sent a photo to Mark and asked if it looked right (of the fuse box) a phone call shortly from Mark told me I was missing two relays which could be the problem.

Now the plot thickens as I start digging into the history and found out my car has a Fraser Fuel pump loom which changed things. Mark said he had some relays and would send them to me so they turn up Saturday morning (what a gent, never asked for postage or money!!!!)

So Saturday morning came and so did the post man, I was a bit down in the dumps with the car at this time and was not confident but off I went. I had to put the new fuse box back in etc and put the new relays in.... turned the key and the starter motor turned!!!!!!!!

I jumped out with a big smile on my face, we are getting somewhere.. the car would still not fire and I thought this could be related to the loom.. So I put the little black cable back into the fuse box like it was on the old box and tried again.. First time

I am not joking, I jumped out of the car and kissed it and started jumping around celebrating!!!

My mate was pissing himself and people looking out the windows thinking what the hell is he up to lol.

Such a relief! And all the thanks goes to Mark Barber! Without his know how and time this would of cost me a shed load of cash and time without the car.

This has also highlighted a massive problem I have, no one in my area can look after this car when I get issues like this.

Friday night me and the Mrs decided if it would not go with the new relays I was going to ask Mark to take it back to his workshop and make her breath again and get a few bits sorted over a period of time, was looking at buying a cheap run about while it was with him etc. Thought a few months away from the car would get the love back.

I am over the moon the car is now backup and running!

So, after I celebrated I got my head back onto this journal and started putting the car back together and taking photos

This is what she looked like taken a part











Then I started putting it back together







Someone is showing interest in becoming a member










I want to say thank you to everyone who helped as well, all suggests much appreciated.

Thank you all

Mark

One of the reasons I bought this car

The sound of it

Click the imagine below to view video



No land speed records were broken while filming this, road was empty, never broke the speed limit blah blah blah. Enjoy

Well not used the car all Christmas, seen a few of you guys saying about missing them so thought I would take her out to rekindle some love.

My god does she ever go!! Nice cold weather and dry roads opening the taps through 2nd, 3rd and 4th and it pulls like a train right the way through. Surprised me really.

Car was faultless as always. Seen a R33 GT Skyline which looked "drift ready" going down the A303 but he didnt play, he thought about it though but a quick squiert and he kept away.

Over all really pleased with the car, it is filthy though so will need to clean it at some point. No photos as it was dusk when I left and fully dark when I got back. Car is perfect at the moment

Well the Mrs has had a pretty shit 3 months and one of the reasons not much has been done on this.
Her Grandad died a couple months ago and her Dad died yesterday, roll on 2014!!!

Anyway, my car was in need of a clean and I thought I would clean hers, anything to try put a smile on her face again.

My car before

















After





















While I am here, might as well put some up of the Mrs car























This car is with no question the best car we have ever owned. It has cost us 2 tyres. Passed the last two MOT's with flying colours. For the money these cars are changing hands for these days, I would have no issue with buying another to do my dailey miles in.
This one has a decent spec, Harmon Kardon, Bluetooth handsfree, Black nappa leather, parking sensors, auto lights, auto wipers, xenon lights, steering wheel controls, cruise control, duel digital climate control, air con, electric everything, manual and rare rear folding seats which gives plenty of room to move stuff around in. Love this car, everytime I get in her and drive, I always find myself telling the Mrs how good the car is

Comments welcome
I am thinking about getting the wheels reconditioned as they let it down a little, paintwork is pretty good, not amazing but with 163,000 miles on the clock its pretty good.

Update:

OK as most will know from my posts on the forums, I was loosing coolant.

I checked after Christmas when the car was sat for 2 weeks not being used and found the header tank empty !!!! As you can imagine, this was a worry. So put the coolant back in, ran the car to full temp and checked again, put a bit more in, ran the car again and went on like this.

As the car has not been used much at the moment and its been wet all the time it is hard to pick out a water leak etc.

I noticed a small amount of coolant leaving the car and the smell of exhaust in the header tank... I found out that with the bailey header tanks you have to fill to the top of the top inlet, I was not. Once this was above this mark I couldnt smell any exhaust.

I dipped the tank, looked nice and clean, no signs of oil. No oil on top of the water. The oil looked fine, compared to another car running the same oil and they was identical to the eye. No sludge or mayo in the tank or dip stick? the car drove spot on, no missing or poor idle from cold or hot. Pulled like a freight train as she does.

Spoke with Mark Barber who advised a few bits to check, new cap being the main thing. Searched around on the net and found one. I also had a reply back from Burton Performance who had them in stock. I ended up getting mine from Rapid Ford for £18 delivered.

Mark advised to get a pressure test on the coolant system, so I rang up during last week for someone to do this, everyone charging £50 to do this. I booked Tuesday off work so I had time to go in and stay with the car. Never bothered booking as I heard a couple bad stories from the garage and woke up Saturday with a bee in my bonnet so off I went to find a garage to do it.

First person I called and was recommended was Mike from Barge Motors. Have been told he is a ex owner of a Escort Cosworth and Sierra Cosworth, his son apparently owned a couple too. I gave him a call and asked for a coolant pressure test, he replyed yes that is fine we can do that. He asked what car it was and as soon as I said Escort Cosworth his tone changed, for the good Sounds really enthusiastic towards the car which was great, around my local area I get people telling me to take it somewhere else!! (This is what I had from the garaged I used for all my BMWS... Was not happy with that so wont be using them again)

So he said bring it up at 11 and they will do it while I wait, I asked how much and he said, just bring £20... Happy days.

So gets there at 11, walks into the reception and there is a A3 sized photo of a Escort RS Cosworth
Mike comes out and asks me to bring the car in, he had no problems with me being with the car while one of his guys setup the pressure test. They pumped the system up and looked around the bay, nothing. Pressure was holding firm. So he gave it a couple more pumps and again looked around, nothing. Mike came out and got under the bonnet and looked in every nook and cranny. He was suspecting the water pump when I spoke with him on the phone but said it was dry and holding fine.

He looked down the back of the head and said it is even dry down there which surprised him.

While this was going on we was having some small talk about his old Escort and my car. I pulled my wallet out and asked how much, he refused to take any money!!!! I couldnt let that happen. I slammed £20 in his hand and refused to take it back. What a nice guy, I have found my new garage

So I was having a chat with him and asked if we could try a leak down test after I fitted the new cap.

So today was D Day, day off, car booked in with Mike again and off I set, he asked if we could leave the car with him so he could do it between jobs, no problem for me. I usually refuse to leave my cars with garages unless I know them but for me, I trusted them. This is rare!

As I parked the car I walked passed his workshop and on the ramps was a very tidy looking Sierra 4x4 Cosworth in white! Something just feels right when you see another Cosworth on the ramps next to yours

This car turned out to be Mikes old car! The guy who owns the Sierra also owns a small turbo Escort Cosworth.

Anyway, a few hours later Mike said he would call. Nothing! I am starting to pace now lol. Anyway, I picked the Mrs up for lunch and she works near his garage so popped in, he said they have been very busy blah blah blah, no problem, he is doing me a favour getting the car in.

So I drop back to him around 3.30, I can see the car has moved and with a heavey heart I asked how it got on. He just smiled, said it passed both tests. No coolant/Oil mix, compression test on all cylinders was good! I nearly fell over! I was expecting at the very least a headgasket replace. He said to try the cap when it arrives and keep an eye on it. He got the car up on the ramps, got under her and checked, could not see anything wrong with it.

I asked what state the spark plugs was in and he said all good, he said 3 and 4 was a slightly different colour but he said this is or could be related to me not having the idle speed control valve fitted... No idea how this works etc but he was confident it was not a problem.

I went to pay and he refused! Said the money I gave him last time was more than enough to cover the costs!!

I shook his hand and thanked him! You do not get people like this anymore! What a gem of a bloke.

So off I go, get back in the car and she is driving as she was before, lovely!

Just waiting for the cap to arrive now to try this and fingers crossed, this will resolve the issue.

Out of all the things I regret, my main one is not knowing or using Mike at Barge Motors sooner on my Cosworths! I have found that local garage that loves the car, takes time and works on it like its there own. Happy to help out and nothing is too much hassle!

I told the Mrs and after the shit couple months she has had I think it was one less thing off her mind. No so much that she is bothered about the car but she knows it makes me happy and if the car is unhappy, she knows I am. Very lucky to have her

So, I am not in a dilema!

The car is advertised for sale, I have three people who want to come and view the car. I know in my head maybe it is time to let her go before it gives me a stroke... but my heart is telling me different.

To add to this little story, I had a chat with my old boss who has offered me a job.... this means no staying away, no driving and more money! Which means I do not need the car for anything work related. It will become a weekend or evening car again.

So time for me to sit down and think it over now. If anyone has anything to add or advise or things that might help my decision, fire away. I am all ears.

One very happy owner....... at the moment

Some more photos from my shoot







Update:

Well a few weeks ago a local chap contacted me through Facebook and asked if he could take some snaps of the Escort. Today was the day we met up and took the photos.

The guys in question are Sam Potter and Shane O'Malley

Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/#!/SamPotterPhotography?fref=ts

I was unsure of what to expect as never done anything like this, we met at a local office complex which was a respectable back drop for the photos.

Shane and Sam arrived and started unloading the kit, I am not up on my cameras etc but the kind of kit these lads have is massively impressive!

Sadly the weather was not on our side much, light drizzle constant through out the day added with loads of dull and low cloud.

You will also have to excuse my battered splitter and front bumper. Really wish I got this sorted now :headbang:

Sam and Shane specialise in the car show scene and if anyone is having a local meet/show in or around the Somerset/Dorset area and want some high quality images taken of your cars and turned into prints, discs with the photos on, canvas etc then give them a shout, very helpful lads, showed me what the camera could do which was very interesting and took time to get quality.

I have had to upload the photos to photobucket which has sucked the life out of the quality but you get the idea.



Excuse the dirty engine bay







Comments welcome

Result!!!

Just been out to the car and checked the coolant and noticed some coolant had leaked onto the belts under the thermostate housing!! It has used hardly anywater since the cap has been done up tighter and I think this is where the last little bit was going.

I will nip that up at the weekend and job done

Met up with Petenofear and Leggy Pete today as we are all local.

Good to meet you guys, will have to do some local shows etc with the cars when the weather is better.
A couple snaps I took on my phone (poor quality) Petenofear, let me know if your happy for the video to go up, its not too bad as traffic was in the way?

petenofears new purchase





Very nice car

And this is Leggy Petes who is a bit of a bufty unlike me and petenofear haha





I didnt take any of mine but I am sure the other guys did. Its looking like its just rolled off a rally course.
First time I have been in any MK1 Focus RS and managed to go in a modded car and a standard car in one day back to back. Very capable car in standard form!! I can see why they hold so much respect, also very nice when you put a bit more boost under the bonnet!!! They both sounded really good, better exhaust note and engine sound than the Cossie in my eyes.
Good to meet up with you gents, post any pics you have on this if you like... I am happy for that video to go up as well Pete if you can get it on

Also, before this I removed my broken front splitter as it was trashed good and proper..

Photo of it before it was binned





All I can say is it looks hideous without a splitter. I have left the hockey sticks on as they are riveted on so just need to buy a carbon fibre splitter and get it on. I will do that when the sun comes out. Its so nice having a car that can go over anything over 1 inch in height again

Little video of the Escort. Met a few local guys with MK1 Focus RS's who wanted to see what the Cossie was all about



Trying some different shampoo out, TurtleWax liquid gold. I have washed it once before with this stuff but bottled it and dried it myself.

This time I have left it to do its thing. Not confident but does not matter much, will be dirty Monday



Front splitter has now been removed. Makes going over speed bumps and rubbish roads much better. It is a shame it looks rubbish without it otherwise I would keep it like she is now

Just got back from a run (physical) and seen the Escort looking nice in the night light so got the DSLR Out and had a little play

Results

























Comments welcome

Another massive thank you to Mark Barber!!! Put a wanted add up a week ago and Mark saved the day

Today I recieved these items



and



There is two of these but one was fitted before I took the photo.

So this now means my bumper sits alot better than it did

Drivers side



Passanger side (This was the side which was missing)



Thanks again Mark, best thing I did joining the RSOC

So as mentioned above, the splitter was removed which gave me a good view on the damage to the bumper. Not as bad as I thought and had a price of £100 to fix and spray so a cheap fix

This is a photo of the damage



Lucky for me, it was only the middle splitter that was broken, the bottom item and hockey sticks are all in good shape. I am keeping an eye out for a middle splitter and just waiting for the right time to buy.

Not sure if anyone has one of these spare? but I need one



These go on the doors, some kind of reflector

As like the rest of the UK, we had snow. I nearly got stuck out in the car which would of been a nightmare, lucky for me I got her home and safe. Took me ten minutes to get on the driveway though... was good fun





The weather has got better now and for the first time managed to get my daughters car out to play



And after a clean at the weekend, like always it rained. Noticed the paintwork bubbled up nicely so took a couple snaps of the old girl with my phone















And that is it for now.