Ford Escort Mk 2 (1974-77)

The **Ford Escort Mark 2** had a few common issues reported by owners:

1. **Cold Engine Problem**: The engine isn't able to warm up properly, making it harder to start and causing performance to drop. This could be due to a failed thermostat or issues with the bypass in the thermostat housing. Replacing the thermostat housing or the thermostat itself may be necessary.
2. **Metallic Grinding Noise From Engine**: If you hear a loud grinding metal sound, it might indicate a faulty valve seat drop. Unfortunately, this usually requires installing a whole new engine.
3. **Full Clunking Sound**: If there's a clunking sound from the steering wheel, it could be due to worn outer tie rod ends. These can be replaced, but proper alignment is crucia¹.
4. **Low Rear End**: If the back of the car is sitting very low, broken rear springs are likely the cause. Quick strut sets are available for the Escort.
5. **Stuck Seat Belt**: If the seat belt is stuck halfway, you'll need to manually spin the motor until it locks. It's a fiddly process but essential for safety.
6. **Stalling At Idle**: Engine stalling during idle or hesitation during acceleration may be due to a faulty idle air bypass valve. Replacing it is the solution.

Remember to address these issues if you own or plan to buy a Ford Escort Mark 2!
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Generations
The **Ford Escort** went through **six generations** over the years:

1. **Mark I/Mk.2 (1968–1980)**: The original, rear-wheel-drive models.
2. **"Erika" Mk.3/Mk.4 (1980–1992)**: Front-wheel-drive versions.
3. **CE-14 Mk.5/Mk.6 (1990–2002)**: The final iterations.

The Ford Focus succeeded the Escort in 1998. Overall, more than 4.1 million Escorts were sold in Britain during 33 years.
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Body Styles/Variants
The **Ford Escort Mark 2** was available in **four** different body styles:

1. **2-door saloon**
2. **4-door saloon**
3. **3-door estate**
4. **2-door commercial van**
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Trim Levels
The Ford Escort Mark 2, produced between 1975 and 1980, came with several trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are the main trim levels that were available:

1. **Base**: The most basic version with minimal features.
2. **L (Luxury)**: Added some comfort and convenience features over the base model.
3. **GL (Grand Luxury)**: Included more upscale features and better interior materials.
4. **Sport**: Focused on performance with sportier styling and enhancements.
5. **Ghia**: The top-of-the-line trim with the most luxurious features and finishes.
6. **RS2000**: A high-performance variant with a more powerful engine and sport-tuned components¹.

Each trim level offered different combinations of engines and features, allowing buyers to choose a model that best suited their needs and budget.
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Engine
The Ford Escort RS 2000 Mk2 was equipped with the **2.0 litre inline 4-cylinder Pinto engine**. This engine was known for its reliability and performance, producing **110 bhp (82 kW)** and **162 Nm (119 lb-ft)** of torque. It was a popular choice for both road and rally use, contributing to the car's strong following among enthusiasts.
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Performance
The Ford Escort RS 2000 Mk2 from 1974-77 is a classic performance car with some impressive specs for its time. Here are the key performance details:

- **Engine**: 2.0 litre inline 4-cylinder (Pinto engine)
- **Power**: 110 bhp (82 kW) at 5500 rpm
- **Torque**: 162 Nm (119 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 177 km/h (110 mph)
- **Acceleration**: 0-60 mph in around 8.9 seconds

The RS 2000 Mk2 was known for its distinctive "droop snoot" nose and quad headlamps, giving it an aggressive look. It was a popular choice for rallying and had a strong following among enthusiasts..
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Spares
If you're looking for **Ford Escort Mark 2** spares in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options:

1. **Gumtree**: You can find used Mk2 Escort parts on Gumtree. Search for specific components like alloy wheels, vehicle jacks, tappet screws, radiators, and more.

2. **Autodoc**: Autodoc offers a variety of auto parts and accessories for Ford Escort II Estate. You can explore their online selection and order the suitable parts for your vehicle.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND FORD SPECIALIST LIST**

Ford specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Services: Maintenance, repairs, pre-purchase inspections, full restorations.
2. ACSR Ltd
o Address: 24 Antrim Road, Crumlin BT29 4DX
o Phone: 028 9446 2841
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Services: Servicing, repairs, spares.
3. TrustFord Ballymena Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 14 Larne Rd, Ballymena BT42 3HB
o Phone: 0343 317 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 07:45 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
4. TrustFord Belfast - Mallusk Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 31 Mallusk Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4PP
o Phone: 028 9083 7700
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: Tandragee, Co. Armagh
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Services: Repairs, servicing, MOT, PSV for both Ford vans and cars.
2. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: Armagh
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Servicing and maintenance for all makes and models, including Ford.
3. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Armagh
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. TrustFord Belfast - Newtownards Road Ford Store
o Address: 391-397 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3LH
o Phone: 028 9065 4687
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
2. TrustFord Belfast Fleet Service Centre
o Address: 16 Maryland Industrial Estate, 286 Ballygowan Road, Belfast BT23 6BL
o Phone: 028 9044 9450
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:30
o Services: Fleet servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
3. The Motor Gym
o Address: 18A Balloo Avenue, Bangor BT19 7QT
o Phone: 028 9145 3310
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing and repairs, specialising in Ford.
4. The Dent Man NI
o Address: Bangor, County Down
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Dent removal and car body repairs.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Monaghan Bros
o Address: 1-3 Main Street, Lisnaskea BT92 0JB
o Phone: 028 6772 1147
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Servicing, repairs, and MOT for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. Desmond Motors
o Address: 173 Strand Road, Londonderry BT48 7PU
o Phone: 028 7136 7137
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, MOT, repairs, and maintenance2.
2. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd
o Address: 1A Drumahoe Road, Londonderry BT47 3SD
o Phone: 028 7130 1234
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Vehicle repairs, servicing, and maintenance.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in Londonderry
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.
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Racing
Yes, the Ford Escort Mark 2 was highly successful in motorsport, particularly in rallying. Here are some notable achievements:

1. **World Rally Championship (WRC)**: The Escort Mark 2, especially the RS1800 variant, was a dominant force in the WRC during the late 1970s. It won the **Manufacturers' Championship in 1979**.

2. **Rally of Great Britain**: The Escort Mark 2 secured multiple victories in this prestigious event, including wins in **1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979**.

3. **Acropolis Rally**: It also performed well in the Acropolis Rally, with notable victories in **1977 and 1979**.

4. **Safari Rally**: The Escort Mark 2 won the challenging Safari Rally in **1977**.

These victories cemented the Escort Mark 2's reputation as a formidable rally car, thanks to its robust design and powerful performance.

The Ford Escort Mark 2 was driven by several famous rally drivers who achieved great success with it. Some of the most notable drivers include:

1. **Björn Waldegård**: A Swedish rally driver who won the World Rally Championship in 1979 driving the Escort Mark 2.
2. **Ari Vatanen**: A Finnish driver who won the 1981 World Rally Championship and was known for his spectacular driving style in the Escort Mark 2.
3. **Roger Clark**: A British rally driver who won the RAC Rally (now known as Rally GB) in 1976 with the Escort Mark 2.
4. **Hannu Mikkola**: Another Finnish driver who had numerous victories with the Escort Mark 2 and was a key figure in its success.

These drivers helped to cement the Escort Mark 2's legacy in rallying history with their impressive performances and victories.