Ford Cortina 200ci (1977–1980)

The Ford Cortina 200ci was a practical and popular choice for New Zealand families, known for its reliability and affordability. This wiki provides information to help owners maintain and understand their Cortina 200ci.

Parts for the Ford Cortina 200ci

• Suspension Bush Front Sway Bar Mount (37)
• Engine Oil (14)
• Passenger Side Blade (12)
• Driver Side Blade (12)
• Suspension Bush Rear Sway Bar Mount (12)
• Axle Gear Oil (11)
• Gear Oil Gearbox (9)
• Coil Spring Front Standard Profile (6)
• Power Steering Fluid (5)
• Coil Spring Rear Standard Profile (3)
• Suspension Bush Rear Control Arm (3)
• Suspension Bush Rear Control Arm - Upper (3)
• Suspension Bush Rear Control Arm - Lower (3)
• Engine Mount Front (2)
• Shocks / Strut Rear (2)
• Suspension Bush Front Control Arm - Lower (2)
• Ball Joint Front (2)
• Suspension Bush Front Control Arm - Upper (2)
• Suspension Bush Sway Bar Link (2)
• Steel Washer Sway Bar Link Front (2)
• Suspension Bush Front Shock Absorber - Upper (2)
• Suspension Bush Set Rear Shock Absorber - Upper And Lower (2)
• Sway Bar Mount Bracket (2)
• Harmonic Balancer (2)
• Water Pump (2)
• Wheel Cylinder Rear (1)
• Engine Mount Rear (1)
• Tie Rod End (1)
• Thermostat Housing Gasket (1)
• Wiper Refill (1)
• Clutch Cable (1)
• Wiper Refill Front (1)
• Thermostat (1)
• Fan Clutch (1)
• Starter Motor (1)
• Alternator (1)
• Suspension Bush Shock Absorber (1)
• Automatic Transmission Fluid (1)
• Ball Joint Front Upper (1)
• Suspension Bush Radius Arm Front (1)
• Wiper Blade Front (1)
• Suspension Bush Control/Trailing Arm (1)
• Control Arm (1)
• Suspension Bush Rear Coil Spring - Spring Pad (1)
• Suspension Bush Front Control Arm (1)

Known issues

Owners often experience issues like:
• Oil Leaks: Keep an eye out for oil leaks, particularly from the rocker cover and rear main seal. These are common areas for leaks to develop.
• Steering Component Wear: Premature wear in steering components can be an issue. Regular inspections can help catch problems early.
• Radiator Blockages: The radiator can be prone to blockages due to corrosion. Regular flushing and coolant changes can help prevent this.
These issues often surface from around 80,000 to 150,000 km.

WOF tips

When taking your Cortina 200ci for a WOF inspection, be aware of the following common watch points:
• Rust: Check carefully for rust, especially around the windscreen and sills.
• Suspension: Pay close attention to suspension bushes and ball joints, as wear in these areas is common.

About the Ford Cortina 200ci

<H2>Maintaining Your Cortina 200ci</h2>

To maintain your Cortina 200ci, consider the following:
• Regular Servicing: Aim for servicing around every 10,000 km.
• Essential Fluids: The Cortina 200ci uses engine oil, power steering fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if equipped with an automatic. Regular checks and top-ups keep everything running smoothly.
• Cooling System: Ensure the thermostat and thermostat housing gasket are in good condition to prevent overheating.
• Suspension Care: Regularly inspect suspension bushes and shock absorbers, including the front control arm (upper), rear control arm (lower), front shock absorber (upper), and rear shock absorber (upper and lower).
• Drivetrain Health: Inspect and maintain the clutch cable (if manual), harmonic balancer, and fan clutch for optimal performance.
• Braking System: Regularly check and maintain the wheel cylinders (rear).
• Starting System: A functional starter motor is critical for reliable starts.
• Steering Components: Pay attention to steering components to address wear issues as they arise.
<H2>Parts Used by Cortina 200ci Owners</h2>
• CLUTCH CABLE
• SUSPENSION BUSH FRONT CONTROL ARM - UPPER
• SWAY BAR MOUNT BRACKET
• THERMOSTAT
• ENGINE OIL
• POWER STEERING FLUID
• FAN CLUTCH
• SUSPENSION BUSH REAR CONTROL ARM - LOWER
• HARMONIC BALANCER
• SUSPENSION BUSH SET REAR SHOCK ABSORBER - UPPER AND LOWER
• SUSPENSION BUSH FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER - UPPER
• THERMOSTAT HOUSING GASKET
• STARTER MOTOR
• WHEEL CYLINDER REAR
• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

Questions owners ask

How often should I service my 1977-1980 Ford Cortina?

For optimal performance and longevity of your Cortina, aim to service it approximately every 10,000 km. Regular servicing helps maintain essential fluids and identify potential issues early.

What are some common oil leak areas on the Ford Cortina 200ci?

Cortina 200ci owners often find oil leaks developing around the rocker cover and rear main seal. Keep an eye on these areas, especially as the car approaches 80,000 to 150,000 km.

What kind of fluids does my Cortina 200ci need?

Your Cortina 200ci requires regular checks and top-ups of engine oil, power steering fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if your model has an automatic transmission. Maintaining these fluids is crucial for smooth operation.

Where can I get a new thermostat for my 1977-1980 Ford Cortina in NZ?

CARFIX stocks over 150 SKUs for the Ford Cortina 1977-1980, including thermostats. Check the CARFIX website or visit a local store to find the right thermostat for your vehicle.

What should I watch out for during a WOF inspection on my Cortina?

When taking your Cortina for a WOF, pay close attention to rust, particularly around the windscreen and sills. Also, suspension bushes and ball joints are common areas of wear that will be inspected.

What are some common suspension components that wear out on a Cortina 200ci?

Cortina 200ci owners should regularly inspect suspension bushes and shock absorbers. Key areas include the front control arm (upper), rear control arm (lower), front shock absorber (upper), and rear shock absorber (upper and lower).

My Cortina's steering feels a bit loose. What could be the problem?

Premature wear in steering components is a known issue with the Cortina. Have the steering components inspected for wear, especially if your car has done between 80,000 and 150,000 km.