The FORD FALCON 200ci was a beloved vehicle that captivated New Zealand families throughout the 1980s, cherished for its blend of reliability and budget-friendly maintenance. To keep your classic Falcon running smoothly, it’s crucial to recognize its potential issues and adhere to regular servicing, ensuring your beloved car remains on the road for years to come.
Owners should be aware of these common issues:
• Rust: The FORD FALCON 200ci is prone to rust, especially in the lower sills and around the rear wheel arches. Regular inspection and rust prevention measures are crucial, especially around the windscreen and rear window.
• Oil Leaks: Keep an eye out for oil leaks, particularly around the rocker cover and sump. Addressing these leaks promptly will prevent more serious engine problems.
• Suspension Wear: The front suspension ball joints are known to wear, and replacing them is a common task. Radius arm bushes are also prone to wear.
These issues typically start to become apparent between 150,000 and 250,000 kilometers.
When taking your FORD FALCON 200ci for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection, pay close attention to these areas:
• Front suspension ball joints: These are a common WOF failure point due to wear.
• Rust around windscreen and rear window: Rust in these areas can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and lead to a WOF failure.
Common Maintenance & Repair Areas
To keep your FORD FALCON 200ci in excellent shape, attention to specific maintenance areas is essential:
• Cooling System: The cooling system requires proactive care, especially around 150,000 km. Water pumps, thermostats, and radiator hoses should all be inspected and serviced. Regular checks can prevent overheating—check out our Cooling parts here.
• Steering System: Don’t forget to inspect steering rack seals and oil seals. Address wear promptly for better handling. When it’s time for replacements, we offer quality parts like steering idler arms and seals.
• Braking System: Ensure safety by regularly checking the rear brake shoes. A complete front or rear brake service will keep your braking system reliable—our brake service packs make it simple.
• Suspension Parts: Front upper ball joints and suspension bushes can wear down, especially after extensive usage. Upgrading these parts improves handling and safety, and we have everything you need to keep things comfortable and safe.
• Engine Maintenance: Be vigilant about oil leaks, especially around the rocker cover and sump gasket. Regular oil changes maintain engine health and performance. Explore our oil service options for your Falcon today.
By being proactive in your maintenance habits, not only will you enjoy a more reliable drive, but you’ll also ensure your classic Falcon stays true to its heritage.
Parts to Consider
Consider these important components when maintaining your Falcon:
• AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FILTER KIT
• STEERING RACK SEAL METAL CLAD
• BRAKE SHOE REAR
• SUSPENSION BUSH RADIUS ARM FRONT
• OIL SEAL STEERING BOX
• WATER PUMP
• THERMOSTAT
• RADIATOR HOSES