Ford Forums

Go Back   Ford Forums > Other Ford Models > Ford Escort

Ford Escort Ford Escort ZX2 is a hot-looking compact coupe with a rakish design. Yet its handsome interior reveals a roomy back seat and surprisingly large trunk. ZX2 provides responsive handling and good road manners and its engine delivers decent power. At the same time, the ZX2 is a practical car, with plenty of room in the back seats for friends.

» Advertisement
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-11-2008, 06:18 PM   #11 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 4
SFguy will become famous soon enoughSFguy will become famous soon enough
Points: 585, Level: 8 Points: 585, Level: 8 Points: 585, Level: 8
Level up: 85% Level up: 85% Level up: 85%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tk_tabler View Post
SFguy, et al;

I've had good luck with the paper towells stuffed up between the Speedo Cable and an air duct way up there. This past week I caught my first drip on the floor mat and replaced the towels. At least that keep the oil "contained" and off the shoes. As far as the location of the vent, it's basically under the air intake hose, about 4" above the height of the sensor. Look for a good sized horizontal surface. The cap should be somewhat loose and rotatable.
Does the vent screw out or is it pressed in? I found an aluminum looking cap on the flat surface that you described. I was looking for a rubber vent hose like a vacuum hose. Is the aluminum cap the vent?

Thank You,

Mark
SFguy is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 08-14-2008, 10:17 PM   #12 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 3
planoescort will become famous soon enoughplanoescort will become famous soon enough
Points: 671, Level: 9 Points: 671, Level: 9 Points: 671, Level: 9
Level up: 72% Level up: 72% Level up: 72%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Smile This May Be The Answer!!!

I found the vent following the posts. Just take the intake hose off and it is straight below. I am uploading 3 pics 1) vent with cap 2) vent without cap and 3) cap with spring and rubber seal. This design has the cap pressed onto a raised vent (pic2). The cap will spin freely and in order to get it off, you pry with a flat screwdriver which damages the cap so it can't be put back on. That is because the cap has a spring inside it and a flat black rubber gasket. This gasket seals the vent hole until enough pressure pushes upward on the gasket compressing the spring and allowing the gasket to raise enough to let air out the edges of the cap which has small semi-circle cutouts at it's base. My cap spun freely and there wasn't anything clogging my hole. I used a guitar string to clean/check the hole for blockage holding onto it tightly. You do not want whatever you are using to drop into the tranny so put some duct tape on the end in case it slips out of your fingers.

I drove it about 50 miles with slow and fast up to 80 MPH and let it sit and it was not leaking. I think it may finally be fixed. Will post status after several more days. This vent cap is a cheaply designed check valve.

My Theory:
First, I didn't have problems with this during the cold winter months. My theory is that heat expands as we know and I live in Texas where it is hot, really hot. I suspect the heat expands the flat rubber gasket so it won't slide freely up and down in the cap OR the gasket gets cocked in the cap. The spring is very weak and wouldn't move the gasket back into place with just pressure changes.

Conclusion:
My cap was not free spinning when I first touched it, but a very light twist got it moving. I suspect the gasket was cocked in the cap. If I did it over I would just spin it and make sure there isn't any sludge around the cap. And see if the speedo still leaks due to pressure in the tranny case. If it still does, then you can do what Daniel and I did and pry it off, put a piece of tubing over the vent and secure with a cable tie wrap. Then, add a one way check valve and secure to one of the corrugated wire bundles above it.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCI0268.jpg (174.7 KB, 61 views)
File Type: jpg DSCI0271.jpg (175.1 KB, 55 views)
File Type: jpg DSCI0273.jpg (125.6 KB, 55 views)

Last edited by planoescort; 08-14-2008 at 10:25 PM..
planoescort is offline   Reply With Quote


1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.
Old 08-15-2008, 05:15 PM   #13 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 4
SFguy will become famous soon enoughSFguy will become famous soon enough
Points: 585, Level: 8 Points: 585, Level: 8 Points: 585, Level: 8
Level up: 85% Level up: 85% Level up: 85%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

THANK YOU!

The pics were a great help. Thanks for taking the time to do them. I found the valve. Now I just want to gather the parts together before I pry the cap off. What kind of "one way valve" did you use.

Mark
SFguy is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 08-28-2008, 01:16 AM   #14 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
Escort_Phan will become famous soon enoughEscort_Phan will become famous soon enough
Points: 547, Level: 8 Points: 547, Level: 8 Points: 547, Level: 8
Level up: 47% Level up: 47% Level up: 47%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

Total Thank You! I haven't tried the fix yet. As I am currently dropping some half-shafts in. But I too have had this "oil like" substance on my floor. It got so bad that I started tracking this gunk into people's homes. (I just replaced the floor mat and haven't had too many issues since). I also replaced a clutch (as well as trans.) and noticed it happening. I thought it was brake fluid from a master cylinder.

I originally noticed these stains on my white socks and once noticed a drip from behind the dash! I sure hope this is my issue and this fixes it. Also glad this post is current. Oh joy if this works (and I have cleaned up the goo under the dash) as I'll be able to wear dress pants and shoes etc. (as well as be able to tell if it is really fixed).

I happened to stumble upon this post when I googled "escort transmission shaft seal" (without the quotes). Didn't find my answer to my question. But did find a possible solution to a problem that's been "plaguing" me for a while.

And thank you planoescort for posting those pics. I hope to locate and clean that once I've got my shafts in and tranny filled.

Last edited by Escort_Phan; 08-28-2008 at 01:20 AM.. Reason: cudos to planoescort
Escort_Phan is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-03-2008, 12:44 PM   #15 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2
dmorley3 will become famous soon enoughdmorley3 will become famous soon enough
Points: 474, Level: 7 Points: 474, Level: 7 Points: 474, Level: 7
Level up: 74% Level up: 74% Level up: 74%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

Bravo! Thanks for getting to the bottom of this.

I was just at the dealer and they said they couldn't get this breather vent cap anywhere...does anyone know where I might find one?

Thanks again.

Last edited by dmorley3; 10-03-2008 at 12:53 PM..
dmorley3 is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-03-2008, 01:07 PM   #16 (permalink)
Super Moderator

 
mark v's Avatar
 

Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Brookfield, Wisconsin
Posts: 7,710
mark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud ofmark v has much to be proud of
Points: 23,026, Level: 66 Points: 23,026, Level: 66 Points: 23,026, Level: 66
Level up: 33% Level up: 33% Level up: 33%
Activity: 99% Activity: 99% Activity: 99%
Default

Any transmission rebuild shop should help you out!


Quote:
Originally Posted by dmorley3 View Post
Bravo! Thanks for getting to the bottom of this.

I was just at the dealer and they said they couldn't get this breather vent cap anywhere...does anyone know where I might find one?

Thanks again.
__________________
Mark V

Look for me on the PS3 network, I am usually playing Uncharted 2 demo right now. My PS3 name is delorean6683

"New" Rock Auto Forum Discount

They say if you play a Microsoft CD backwards you hear satanic messages. Thats nothing cause if you play it forwards it installs Windows....

1998 Windstar GL 3.8L
1998 Explorer XLT 4.0L SOHC
2001 Corvette 6 speed 5.7L
mark v is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-17-2008, 03:25 PM   #17 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2
dmorley3 will become famous soon enoughdmorley3 will become famous soon enough
Points: 474, Level: 7 Points: 474, Level: 7 Points: 474, Level: 7
Level up: 74% Level up: 74% Level up: 74%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

I was just quoted a price of $38...the local transmission shop found one out in California...does that sound about right? Seems like a lot for such a little part.
dmorley3 is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 10-17-2008, 05:33 PM   #18 (permalink)
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SE MI
Posts: 4,481
theoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond reputetheoldwizard has a reputation beyond repute
Points: 12,141, Level: 47 Points: 12,141, Level: 47 Points: 12,141, Level: 47
Level up: 69% Level up: 69% Level up: 69%
Activity: 99% Activity: 99% Activity: 99%
Default

It is not the part, it is the willingness to get ones hands dirty and knowing where to look for the little scoundrel !
__________________
Peace, it's our only chance

1998 E150 Club Wagon, 4.6L Modular, E4OD
2007 Milan. 3.0L Duratec, Aisin 6 speed AW-F21
others I look out for
2007 Escape 2wd (the mini Pumpkin), 3.0L Duratec, CD4E
2008 Mazda3 5 door, 2.3L, 5 speed manual

My advice is worth every cent you pay for it !
theoldwizard is online now   Reply With Quote


Old 10-24-2008, 07:37 AM   #19 (permalink)
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1
electriceaze will become famous soon enoughelectriceaze will become famous soon enough
Points: 434, Level: 7 Points: 434, Level: 7 Points: 434, Level: 7
Level up: 34% Level up: 34% Level up: 34%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Wink related question

I just bought my 96 escort three weeks ago from an auction. Receipts show new clutch kit installed in '06. I too have the leak from the same place. At first I thought it was power steering fluid, but I'm a girl and I figured because of the color of the fluid my power steering had a leak. I registered to this forum to get to the bottom of the problem. So thanks for all the above info, as now, at least I know what is wrong....now I just have to find someone to help me fix it. My question though is this - my factor radio has a short somewhere, sometimes, at no particular time, one or two or none of my speakers will work. Could the leak behind the dash being a cause for this short? And how long before this leak will cause major troubles for me if I don't get it fixed right away?
Thanks for any additional help!!
electriceaze is offline   Reply With Quote


Old 12-04-2008, 07:47 AM   #20 (permalink)
LAJ
Junior Member
 

Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 2
LAJ will become famous soon enoughLAJ will become famous soon enough
Points: 364, Level: 6 Points: 364, Level: 6 Points: 364, Level: 6
Level up: 64% Level up: 64% Level up: 64%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Default

I have a 2000 Taurus. Intermittently it would pour all the transmission fluid on the ground. It went to the transmission shop. A month or so later it started pouring out the fluid again. I found the post about the clogged vent and just knew that was the answer because the fluid was being forced out the top of the dip stick. I took it to a neighborhood repair shop and was told it needed a radiator and the transmission flushed at least twice to the tune of about $600+. I said ok the car isn't doing any me any good the way it is. With credit card in hand I went to pick up the car. The good news is the bill was $176 for a filter kit. The car is fine. The shop could have charged me the $600+ and I would have never known the difference. Many thanks to A1 Automotive in Metropolis, IL.
LAJ is offline   Reply With Quote


Reply

Tags
instrument cluster, leak, transmission

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Forum Jump

» Online Users: 186
12 members and 174 guests
01expedition, AdriacticSun, blueguze, Cuda_Jim, daniel8419, pillsbury01, qwik66ss, Raptor22, robotynon, t22456, Texan, theoldwizard
Most users ever online was 509, 07-28-2009 at 01:07 AM.
» Stats
Members: 60,987
Threads: 38,225
Posts: 147,717
Top Poster: mark v (7,710)
Welcome to our newest member, daniel8419
» Partner Sites
Shopping for new Ford can be a stressful experience especially if you don't have the right information. Our new car research center at CarEverything.com can help relieve this stress and bring the joy back to new car buying!

The Car Blog, or TCB for those who are acronymically inclined, is alive because some of today's top Web designers needed a place to drool and bitch about their motor vehicle obsessions.

Read the auto blog at Automotive.com to get the latest news and opinions, view the newest concept cars, and join discussions with auto experts from around the world.

Read the auto blog at Motor Trend Online for the latest auto industry news, expert opinions, vehicle photos, and more.

View Ford recalls online; don't get caught off guard with a breakdown, learn about the latest official new and used car recalls at autorecalls.us

Join other Envoy Enthusiasts and chat about your GMC Envoy SLE, SLT, Denali and XUV. We are a growing community and would like to here from you.
» Advertisement
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.1.0


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0