The Ford EV 30 H – Petrol is a 3,995 cc, inline-six, overhead-valve (OHV) engine produced by Ford of Britain between 1961 and 1967. It was developed as a larger-displacement variant of the Ford Zephyr inline-six, featuring a single carburettor and pushrod valvetrain. This engine delivered 130 bhp at 4,400 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm, providing strong low-end pulling power ideal for full-size saloons and commercial applications.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Zephyr Mark IV, Zodiac Mark IV, and Thames 400E forward-control van, the EV 30 H was engineered for smooth, relaxed cruising and durability in both passenger and light-commercial roles. Its design prioritised mechanical simplicity and ease of service, with cooling managed via a conventional radiator and belt-driven fan. Emissions control was minimal by modern standards, reflecting pre-regulatory era engineering practices.
One documented service concern is cylinder head warping under sustained high load or incorrect cooling system maintenance, noted in Ford Service Bulletin 65/18. This issue stems from the engine’s thin-cast head and sensitivity to overheating, particularly in commercial variants with frequent stop-start operation. Later production batches included revised head bolt torque sequences to improve sealing integrity.
Ford
Production years 1961–1967 predate mandatory European emissions standards; no Euro classification applies (VCA UK Type Approval Archive, Pre-1970 Series).
The Ford EV 30 H – Petrol is a 3,995 cc inline-six OHV engine engineered for full-size saloons and commercial vehicles (1961–1967). It combines a robust pushrod valvetrain with a single SU carburettor to deliver strong low-RPM torque and smooth cruising performance. Designed in a pre-emissions-regulation era, it prioritises mechanical reliability and serviceability over environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95 compatible with additives) | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, OHV, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 107.0 mm | |
| Power output | 130 hp (97 kW) @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 220 lb-ft (300 Nm) @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single SU HD6 carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulatory (no Euro classification) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, pressurised radiator | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The OHV inline-six design provides smooth, linear power delivery well-suited to heavy saloons and commercial chassis, but requires regular valve clearance checks every 6,000 miles to maintain performance. SAE 20W-50 mineral oil is essential due to the engine’s clearances and lack of modern anti-wear additives in original design. Overheating must be avoided—especially in stop-start operation—as the thin-cast cylinder head is prone to warping. The SU carburettor demands periodic adjustment and float-level checks to prevent running issues. Cooling system maintenance, including thermostat replacement and radiator descaling, is critical for long-term reliability. Use of lead-substitute additive is recommended when running unleaded fuel to protect valve seats.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Ford Service Bulletin OIL/63/07). Multi-grade synthetics not advised without valve seat modification.
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; engine predates emissions legislation (VCA Historical Archive, Pre-1970).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE Gross standards. Output reflects carburetted, non-catalysed configuration (Ford Brochure F-61-Zeph-01).
Ford UK Workshop Manual No. SM-4021-1 (Zephyr Mark IV Series)
VCA Historical Type Approval Archive (Pre-1970 Vehicles)
SAE International: J272 Engine Power Measurement
Ford Engineering Drawings ED-Z6/30H
Ford Service Bulletins 65/18, OIL/63/07, PET/61/03
The Ford EV 30 H – Petrol was used across Ford's Mark IV platform with longitudinal mounting and applied to both passenger and commercial derivatives. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-fuel pump revisions in the Thames 400E and dual-exhaust options in performance-oriented Zodiac trims-and from 1965 minor carburettor and ignition tuning changes were introduced, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on a machined pad at the front of the cylinder block, just below the cylinder head (Ford TIS SM-4021-1). The prefix "EV30H" identifies this engine variant. Visually, it can be identified by the single SU HD6 carburettor, exposed valve cover, and absence of emission control hardware. Critical differentiation from the smaller 2.5L Zephyr engine: EV 30 H has a longer engine block and distinct exhaust manifold routing. Service parts require casting number verification—cylinder heads from pre-1964 and post-1964 models differ in port design per Ford Engineering Drawing ED-Z6/30H Rev. 3.
The EV 30 H's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping, with elevated incidence in commercial or overheated applications. Ford's internal workshop reports from 1965 noted a significant number of head gasket failures in Thames 400E vans operating in urban conditions, while VCA historical records indicate cooling system neglect as a leading cause of premature engine wear. Sustained high load and improper coolant mix increase thermal stress, making regular cooling maintenance and correct oil usage critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1961-1967) and VCA historical failure records (1965-1970). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD EV-30-H.
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