I need to know the length of the dipstick from an escort zetec engine from the point that meets the top of he tube to the top line . mine is an 1800 but suspect the 1600 is the same .I am having some oil consumption problems which seem better when the level is low, but dont want to drive on low oil level if the dipstick is correct, I modified mine as the plastic handle snapped and want to make sure I didnt shorten it at the same time.
Paul.

My dipstick (1.8 1994 Escort) is 19" to the top line (full) and 19 5/8" to the bottom (empty). Its then 20 3/4" to the very end point.

Thats all measured from under the cap where it sits on top of the outer tube.

Steve

Thanks for that , just checked and mine is correct so looks as if i need to think about another engine soon, ive given it a hard run out today and used from the top line to just below half way in about 60 miles.
Paul.

Thats a fair amount of oil per mile, i've done just over 100 miles since the zetec went in(ruddy weather) with a loss of 3/4" of oil in the catch tank.

To be honest i'm not sure thats good or bad

How have you got the engine breathing??

Losing that sort of oil id expect it to be smoking quite noticably.

Its breathing to a catch tank via the original breather box on the block.It never has any oil in the tank and doesnt smoke to badly once warmed up apart from when it is flat out, which is quite often .If I drive it gently it doesnt use as much oil. The worst it smokes is on first starting from cold if I give it some throttle before its fuly warm, I suspect the valve guide seals are worn and the rings may be sticking as it was very coked up inside when i got the engine, a bit like the 4age pictures on another posting.
I have to decide whether its worth stripping the head and fitting rings or to just look for a known good engine and fit that .
Paul.

quote:

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Originally posted by Danozeman
How have you got the engine breathing??

Losing that sort of oil id expect it to be smoking quite noticably.

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Paul,

Personally I would pull the head off and have a look.
Gasket set, rings, sump gasket, oil and filter will be less than another engine but you will have a decent setup and can check the shells while you are at it.

I have now stripped out three Zetec heads with fairly low miles and all three have needed the valve seats recutting as they have been badly pitted.

A day spent flowing the head, a seat recut and skim will be well worth the effort. A set of rings and maybe shells and you will not need to worry about it for some time.

If you get another engine you may just have the same problem.

If you go for another engine my only advice would be get a 2.0. You now have all the required bits so the extra 200cc will be free.

If you want a spare 1.8 head to practice on I have one with no cam caps which you can have. I am in Corby next week so could drop it down.

I will also be selling a set of 2.0 cams and followers on ebay shortly that you can have at a sensible price if you are interested.

Thanks for the offer of the head etc but have a spare avilable and it is already fitted with 2.0 cams. I have decided to keep using it whilst the weather is good and have the head off at a latter date to look at it I realised today that it is loosing a lot of oil from the front crank seal , i had forgot that it is leaking so will change that .If the bores are ok I will re ring it and do the head as suggested or if not swap it for a 2 litre.
Paul.

quote:

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Originally posted by TangoMan
Paul,

Personally I would pull the head off and have a look.
Gasket set, rings, sump gasket, oil and filter will be less than another engine but you will have a decent setup and can check the shells while you are at it.

I have now stripped out three Zetec heads with fairly low miles and all three have needed the valve seats recutting as they have been badly pitted.

A day spent flowing the head, a seat recut and skim will be well worth the effort. A set of rings and maybe shells and you will not need to worry about it for some time.

If you get another engine you may just have the same problem.

If you go for another engine my only advice would be get a 2.0. You now have all the required bits so the extra 200cc will be free.

If you want a spare 1.8 head to practice on I have one with no cam caps which you can have. I am in Corby next week so could drop it down.

I will also be selling a set of 2.0 cams and followers on ebay shortly that you can have at a sensible price if you are interested.

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