Mk5 Escort 1.3CFi - replacement engine options, please

[Andystarks]

Hi there,

 

I am fairly new to here and have just taken delivery of a 1994 disabled Escort van - the one with the glazing and high top added for wheelchair users.

 

Anyway, I bought it sight unseen through fleabay and knew it had an engine fault. It has arrived with engine split between the engine bay and the back floor.

 

So, as I am planning to convert this to a micro camper and sell it on (it's a hobby I have as I am a medically retired nurse), I don't want this engine issue to cost a fortune.

 

Do I replace like for like?

 

Would a 1.4 from the same era slip straight in?

 

Would it be more logical to fit a 1.8D for economy and sellability?

 

I am not mechanical but have a friend who works on Minis (the real ones!) who can help.

 

I have asked similar before but I didn't have all the information or access to the vehicle at that time.

 

Any advice would be great, thank you.

 

Andy

[horizon]

Hi Andy,

 

For cost effectiveness and ease of fitting I would recommend fitting another 1.3. The options your state will physically fit and connect to the gearbox absolutely fine, but it's things like the exhaust and inlet as well as the engine management system that could cause a headache. With the diesel you would have to also replace fuel tanks, pumps and lines and isnt worth the hassle

 

Another 1.3 should be easy to source from EBAY as they were fitted to the Fiesta and the Escort of that era and are regarded as bomb proof (Except the one in your boot!). Do you know what the issue is with your current engine, maybe just a head problem....in which case, a replacement head could be the ultimate, easy fix

[Andystarks]

Hi,

 

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

 

Will any of the Fiesta/Escort 1.3 engines do the job? I read somewhere that they changed from HCS to CFi but I'm not sure if that's just a rebadge or more significant.

 

The problem with the engine I have is, to quote the seller, "the shells are scored". I'm not mechanical but I'm guessing it's nothing to do with pasta or a trip to the beach.

 

Also, now the car has been towed 190 miles with the lower part of the engine exposed to road debris so I reckon it's a goner.

 

I've found a few 1.3 engines and a bundle of 1.4 8v engines on eBay. I just want to make sure I get the right thing.

 

Again, thank you for your help.

 

Andy

[Mex]

A carb fed CVH 1.4 should go straight in but an injected 1.4 will need a bit more from the donor vehicle.  Wiring, ECU and fuel tank/pump combo.  Diesel is a similar story but you have the option of the 90bhp TDI engine which has a lot more torque, which could be more appealing to anyone looking to tow a trailer behind their mini camper.

[Mex]

I didn't realise that some of the 1.3 Escorts are injected.

 

Info I found on wiki suggests that the Endura E is an evolution of the HCS with a thicker block and other modifications to reduce NVH.

 

They were used in the KA until 2008 so that might be a good source of a lower mileage engine. 

 

If the inlet on a donor engine is different just swap it for the setup you currently have.

[horizon]

Thing is, I suspect at that age it is the Single Point injection which is kinda a hybrid between EFi and Carb. Not sure if the inlet ports on the later 1.3s or indeed the early ones will accept the CFi. My bet would be, you need to go carb or CFi and ignore efi as it will probably have injector cut outs