The Ford 1Z is a 1,985 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1978 and 1997. It features indirect injection via a pre-combustion chamber and overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain with a timing belt drive. Designed for durability and serviceability, it delivered 42 kW (57 PS) at 4,200 rpm and 110 Nm of torque, making it suitable for commercial and utility applications.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Transit (MK2/MK3), Escort (MK3/MK4), and Sierra, the 1Z engine was engineered for economical operation and long service life under heavy use. Emissions compliance relied on basic combustion tuning and crankcase ventilation, meeting pre-Euro baseline standards typical of early diesel engines in European markets.
One documented concern is timing belt failure due to inadequate maintenance intervals or incorrect tensioning, highlighted in Ford Service Communication 78-12-01. Belt degradation could lead to valve/piston contact as the 1Z is an interference design. In 1985, Ford issued revised tensioner specifications and recommended inspection every 60,000 km to improve reliability.
Production years 1978–1997 meet pre-Euro emissions standards; no formal Euro certification applies (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford 1Z is a 1,985 cc inline-four diesel engine engineered for commercial vehicles and passenger cars (1978–1997). It combines indirect injection with an OHV valvetrain to deliver reliable low-end torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed for pre-regulatory emissions environments, it prioritizes durability over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,985 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 87.5 mm | |
| Power output | 42 kW (57 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 110 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Mechanical injection pump (Bosch VE-type) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (unregulated) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (interference design) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral (API CD/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides modest performance but excellent fuel efficiency under steady load, ideal for delivery vans and rural use. Strict adherence to 60,000 km timing belt replacement is critical due to interference geometry and documented failure risk. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API CD/CF is required to ensure injector pump lubrication and prevent premature wear. Cold starts may require glow plug pre-heating; system integrity should be verified annually. The Bosch VE pump demands clean diesel fuel to avoid injection system clogging. Post-1985 models benefit from revised tensioner design; pre-1985 units should follow Ford Service Communication 78-12-01 for adjustment.
Oil Specs: Requires API CD/CF-rated 10W-40 mineral oil (Ford Service Bulletin 78-12-01). Synthetic oils not approved for original specification.
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; pre-regulatory design (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Emissions data not formally recorded.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets and fuel grades.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B13579, 78-10-05, 78-12-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN Standards: DIN 70020 Engine Power Testing
The Ford 1Z was used across Ford's Transit, Escort, and Sierra platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter crankshaft in the Escort and reinforced mounts in the Transit-and from 1985 the updated Transit MK3 adopted revised cooling and oil filtration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS B13590). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for 1Z series). Pre-1985 models have a cast iron valve cover with "1Z" embossed; post-1985 units use a flat cover with bolt-on tag. Critical differentiation from P7 engine: 1Z uses Bosch VE injection pump with inline governor, while P7 uses distributor-type pump. Service parts require model-year verification - timing belts for pre-1985 Transit models are incompatible with Escort applications due to length differences (Ford Service Bulletin 78-12-01).
The 1Z's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure on neglected units, with elevated incidence in commercial fleets. Internal Ford field reports from 1990 noted a significant share of pre-1985 engines suffering valve damage before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show diesel mechanical failures dominate pre-1990 MOT failures. Infrequent servicing and extended oil change intervals increase belt and pump wear, making adherence to 60,000 km maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1978-1990) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985-1997). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD 1Z.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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