The Ford EY is a 1,597 cc, inline-four, overhead-valve (OHV) petrol engine produced between 1980 and 1993. It was designed as a durable, cost-effective powerplant for Ford's mass-market vehicles during the early 1980s. Featuring a carburetted fuel system and distributor-based ignition, it delivered modest outputs of 60–65 kW (82–88 PS), with 130–138 Nm of torque, providing reliable performance for everyday driving.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Cortina Mark V and Mark VI (TC), the EY engine was engineered for economical family transportation and dependable service in both urban and rural environments. Its design prioritized ease of maintenance and mechanical simplicity, making it a favourite among fleet operators and private users alike. Emissions control was achieved through basic measures including an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and air injection, allowing compliance with early Euro emissions standards (pre-Euro 1).
One documented service update involves the cylinder head gasket design, addressed in Ford Service Action 87M01. Early variants were prone to head gasket degradation under sustained load or elevated temperatures due to thermal expansion mismatches between block and head. In 1987, Ford introduced an improved multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket with enhanced sealing geometry, significantly improving long-term reliability across the Cortina and Granada applications.
Ford
Production years 1980–1986 meet pre-Euro emissions benchmarks; 1987–1993 models comply with Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford EY is a 1,597 cc inline-four OHV petrol engine engineered for family sedans and fleet applications (1980–1993). It combines carburetted fuel delivery with robust cast-iron construction to deliver dependable mid-range torque and ease of serviceability. Designed to meet evolving emissions regulations, it balances durability with acceptable urban performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,597 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 60–65 kW (82–88 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 130–138 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 32/34 twin-barrel carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro to Euro 1 (1987+) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, thermostat-controlled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SG | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The OHV design provides smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for city and highway cruising but requires regular valve clearance checks to maintain performance. SAE 10W-40 oil is essential for camshaft and lifter lubrication, particularly in high-temperature operation. Carburettor tuning and choke adjustment are critical for cold-start reliability. The cast-iron block is durable but susceptible to core plug corrosion in poorly maintained cooling systems. Post-1987 models benefit from the improved MLS head gasket per Ford Service Action 87M01, reducing risk of coolant leakage into combustion chambers. EGR system maintenance prevents carbon buildup in the intake manifold.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG-rated 10W-40 (Ford Owner Handbook MK6). Non-synthetic oils acceptable with biannual changes.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1987–1993 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Pre-1987 units meet national pre-regulation standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020. Output varies slightly by carburettor calibration and altitude (Ford PT-1980 Series).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-EY-205, Svc. Bull. 85E12, 87M01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 - Power Measurement Standard for Road Vehicles
The Ford EY was used across Ford's TC platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised carburettor tuning for automatic transmission models and enhanced cooling for taxi variants-and from 1987 the facelifted Cortina Mark VI adopted the Euro 1-compliant variant with updated EGR and ignition timing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS ENG-EY-205). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('E' for EY series). Pre-1987 models use a silver cam cover with a Ford script badge; post-1987 units feature a black cam cover. Critical differentiation from Pinto engines: EY uses a front-mounted distributor and chain-driven cam, while early Pinto units use gear drive. Service parts require model year verification—head gaskets before 1987 are not compatible with post-87 MLS units (Ford Svc. Bull. 87M01).
The EY's primary reliability risk is cylinder head gasket failure on pre-1987 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly cooled applications. Ford's internal field reports from 1988 indicated over 15% of pre-upgrade engines required head work before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA historic data shows cooling system neglect as a top contributor to engine-related MOT failures. Infrequent oil changes and thermostat faults increase thermal cycling stress, making coolant maintenance and timely gasket upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1980-1993) and UK DVSA historic failure statistics (1985-1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD EY.
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FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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