Hello

i'm Louis and i am new to this forum, but would like to ask a few questions about my 1989 ford escort bonus.
I bought this car about a year ago on ebay, and i love it to bits, and i have been fixing her up slowly over the past year. But there are a few things i still need to do.

First of all, the rubber that seals the boot to the car to stop water leaking in seems fine, but when it rains i get a big puddle of water in my spare wheel bay. Where can i get hold of a replacement for this rubber ?

Secondly, My Escort has the good old 1.3HCS engine. Love the engine, and goes very well for what it is. But I have a problem with horrible tappet noises. i know this is a common problem with these engines, but would really like for them to stop. Is there any way ? I have tride adjusting the valve clearences on many occasions, and it does make a difference, but i still get the same horrible tappet noise. A friend of mine suggested replacing the tappets, is that possible ?

Also i would like to some how get hold of the Ford Escort 90 Spec dash parts that surround the gearstick etc. (Like on the XR3i and RST) and the speedo with rev counter. Would anybody know where i can get hold of these parts, or do any of you happen to have these lying around in your garage somewhere ?

Finally, i would like to know if there is any modifications that can be made to the little 1.3HCS that would increase power that i can buy or do.

I love this car to bits, the mods done so far are as follows:
30mm Lowering Kit
Full Body Respray (Stratos Silver)
All Outer Trim Sprayed Black
Remote Alarm System
Wax Oiled
New Wiper arms
RS Turbo Alloy Wheels with Avon Directional Tyres on the front, and Pirelli P6000 on the rear
Full Recaro Interior
Clear Indicators
Smoked Side repeaters
Smoked rear lights
MK3 Escort 4 speed gear knob
Sony Xplod Stereo
FLi speakers front and back
JBL 1200W Sub and amp
RS Turbo Steering Wheel
K&N Air Filter
Peco Big Bore 4 Exhaust System (Soon to be replaced with full Custom Stainless)

Thanks alot for your help.

I will be posting pictures of my car when i get home from work today.

The rear light units don't seal to the body, go round the seals with a good quality mastic, this will sort thw problem of water in the boot.

As above, the boot seal is normally not the problem, either get some gaskets for the lights (hard and rare to get hold of) or some decent mastic.

Engine wise, new rappers is the only way really, not too expensive. May as well change the valve stem oil seals whilst your doing that. Unless it's really bad though I would not bother as a little noise is pretty normal for these engines.

Power wise the ussual really, exhausts etc but its not really worth it. Best thing is to drop a zetec n/a in or a cvh turbo.

For your parts give mark at medway rs centre a call on 07790195006, he normally has everything

I hope this helps, pm me for any other info, I have been working on/ owning mk4 escorts for the last 12 years

Ben

As above, the boot seal is normally not the problem, either get some gaskets for the lights (hard and rare to get hold of) or some decent mastic.

Engine wise, new rappers is the only way really, not too expensive. May as well change the valve stem oil seals whilst your doing that. Unless it's really bad though I would not bother as a little noise is pretty normal for these engines.

Power wise the ussual really, exhausts etc but its not really worth it. Best thing is to drop a zetec n/a in or a cvh turbo.

For your parts give mark at medway rs centre a call on 07790195006, he normally has everything

I hope this helps, pm me for any other info, I have been working on/ owning mk4 escorts for the last 12 years

Ben

As above really.

I'd def drop a zetec lump in there. Currently what i am doing in my 1981 Mk3 Escort Track Car.

Where abouts are you located? May help some people offer you parts