The Ford OHC TL 20 H is a 1,993 cc, inline‑four overhead camshaft petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1982. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) layout, 8‑valve architecture, and a twin-choke downdraft carburettor. In standard European specification it delivered 66 kW (90 PS) and 148 Nm of torque, prioritising durability and serviceability in an era before electronic engine management.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Taunus TC, Cortina MkIII–MkV, and early Granada, the OHC TL 20 H was engineered for reliable family transport and light commercial use across European markets. Emissions compliance was rudimentary by modern standards, relying on mechanical ignition timing and basic exhaust after-treatment, allowing compliance with early national regulations but not formal Euro standards (pre-Euro era).
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking between valve seats, particularly in high-mileage or overheated units. This issue, referenced in Ford Engineering Bulletin EB-74-12, is often linked to thermal shock from coolant loss or aggressive driving in hot climates. Ford later revised casting procedures and recommended improved coolant mixture ratios to mitigate thermal stress.
Production years 1970–1982 predate formal EU emissions legislation; engine complies with national standards of era (e.g., UK BS AU 144a, German TA-Luft pre-1983).
The Ford OHC TL 20 H is a 1,993 cc inline‑four SOHC petrol engine engineered for mid-size sedans and estates (1970–1982). It combines a robust cast-iron block with an aluminium alloy cylinder head and twin-choke carburetion to deliver predictable power and ease of repair. Designed before Euro emissions standards, it prioritises mechanical simplicity and longevity over refinement or fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,993 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Leaded/Unleaded, depending on market) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 90.0 mm × 78.2 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 148 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin-choke downdraft carburettor (Weber or Ford VV) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (National standards only) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.9:1 (leaded), 9.2:1 (unleaded variants) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven overhead camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The OHC TL 20 H delivers smooth, torquey performance ideal for highway cruising but requires vigilant cooling system maintenance to prevent cylinder head cracking. Use of correct coolant mixture (50/50 ethylene glycol/water) is critical to avoid thermal shock. Carburettor tuning must be performed with mechanical tachometer and vacuum gauge—modern diagnostics are incompatible. The engine is non-interference; timing chain failure will not cause piston-to-valve contact. Leaded-fuel variants require valve seat inserts if run on modern unleaded without additives.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Ford Owner Handbook 1975). Modern synthetics may cause seal incompatibility.
Emissions: Pre-Euro engine; complies with 1970s national standards (e.g., UK BS AU 144a). No VCA type approval for Euro standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across Taunus, Cortina, and Granada applications (Ford TIS Doc. ENG-OHC-TL-01).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-OHC-TL-01, FUE-OHC-TL-03, TIM-OHC-TL-04
Ford Engineering Bulletin EB-74-12
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Historical Archive
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement standards (1970)
The Ford OHC TL 20 H was used across Ford's Taunus/Cortina platform with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump baffling in the Granada and revised engine mounts in the Cortina MkIV—and from 1976 the facelifted Taunus TC2 retained the same engine with minor carburettor jetting updates, maintaining full interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block beneath the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS ENG-OHC-TL-01). The casting number 'TL20H' appears on the head near the thermostat housing. Visual identification: aluminium head with single cam cover and twin-choke carburettor; no distributor vacuum advance on later models. Critical differentiation from Pinto 2.0: OHC TL uses chain-driven overhead cam, while Pinto uses pushrods. All OHC TL 20 H engines share identical bellhousing pattern and motor mount points across Taunus, Cortina, and Granada.
The OHC TL 20 H's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking due to thermal cycling, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to coolant loss or desert climates. Ford internal quality reports (1976) noted a subset of pre-1975 castings prone to failure before 150,000 km, while workshop data shows timing chain stretch and carburettor wear as common age-related concerns. Proper cooling system integrity and fuel system maintenance make long-term operation feasible.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1970–1982) and European workshop failure statistics (1980–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD OHC-TL-20H.
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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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