The heart of things

The engine bay, showing the Ford Zephyr 2553cc engine derived from the 4 cylinder 1703cc Consul.

The motor in this Mk3 is undoubtably the original. No obvious works have been carried out, yet it starts first turn every time ( so long as the battery is strong enough) A slight tappet noise is the only detraction - an easy fix that will be attended to when it goes for a tune up after everything else is sorted.

Note the "T" on the vacuum pipe for the trailer vacuum pipe mentioned earlier. This is one of the few parts to be replaced to return the car to original. There is still an intermitant vacuum leak some where though...

It is tempting to get in and clean, renew, polish and paint all the tired parts in here. That won't happen while I own it. Ralph will be preserved as is for future generations. Easy I guess. Easier than countless hours of cleaning and repainting, etc. Still there are many dilemnas. Do I, for example, change to a spin on oil filter conversion?

The radiator hoses are in poor condition. I have 2 new sets, so I will replace them - pointless preserving the car if you seize the motor by ignoring basic maintenance and then have to change a heap of parts.

The spark plugs have been replaced and the leads and distributor cap will also need renewing. I will, however, keep the perished rubber caps.

Ford Zephyr mk3 motor

The horns on the right were full of wasps nests and don't work. Does anyone have a couple of spares for sale? A set of tacky air horns will have to suffice for now.