The Ford TV 15 H is a 1,508 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1950 and 1964. It features an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and delivers 48 kW (65 PS) at 4,400 rpm. This engine powered Ford’s post‑war commercial and passenger vehicles, offering dependable low‑speed torque for urban and rural use.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Prefect EOTA, Anglia A54A, and Thames 300E van, the TV 15 H was engineered for economical operation and ease of maintenance in Britain’s recovery era. Emissions controls were not mandated during its production, but the engine complies with pre‑Euro historical vehicle exemptions under UK law.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking near the exhaust ports, particularly in engines subjected to frequent overheating or coolant neglect. This issue, referenced in Ford UK Service Bulletin No. 12/1958, stems from thermal stress in the cast‑iron head design. Later service replacements used revised casting patterns to improve durability.
Production years 1950–1964 predate EU emissions regulations; the engine qualifies for historic vehicle exemption under UK DVSA guidelines (DVSA Historic Vehicle Class H).
The Ford TV 15 H is a 1,508 cc inline‑four OHV petrol engine engineered for compact passenger cars and light commercial vans (1950–1964). It combines a single carburettor with robust cast‑iron construction to deliver reliable low‑rpm performance and straightforward serviceability. Designed before modern emissions standards, it operates under historic vehicle exemptions in the UK and EU.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,508 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded compatible with additives) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.4 mm × 76.2 mm | |
| Power output | 48 kW (65 PS) @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 102 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith 26T or Ford 26V) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulation (historic vehicle exemption) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, thermosiphon (early) / pump‑assisted (post‑1955) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft (front mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SB/SC) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The OHV design provides simple maintenance and robust low-end torque but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 8,000–10,000 km. Use of modern unleaded fuel is permitted only with lead-replacement additives to protect valve seats. Overheating must be avoided—ensure radiator and coolant pump integrity, especially in pre-1955 thermosiphon models. Cylinder head gasket failure or cracking is common if coolant is neglected; replacement heads should be stress-relieved castings per Ford Bulletin 12/1958. Original Zenith carburettors benefit from ethanol-resistant kits due to modern fuel composition.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SB/SC (Ford Lubrication Guide LG-1953). Modern synthetics not recommended.
Emissions: Pre-dates Euro standards; eligible for UK Historic Vehicle (Class H) exemption (DVSA Guidance 2023).
Power Ratings: Measured under BS AU 147b (1950s UK standard). Output verified via Ford dyno logs PDS-15H.
Ford UK Workshop Manual (1952 Edition), Sections 2A–4C
Ford Service Bulletins: No. 5/1956, No. 8/1960, No. 12/1958
UK DVSA Historic Vehicle Approval Guidance (2023)
Ford Engineering Drawing E-1147 and Report ER-15H-01
The Ford TV 15 H was used across Ford UK's Anglia/Prefect passenger platforms and Thames light commercial range with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump baffling in the Thames 300E van and revised cooling shrouds in the Anglia A54A—and from 1955 the Prefect EOTA received a water pump upgrade, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block adjacent to the generator mount (Ford Workshop Manual 1952, Fig. 2A‑3). The casting number begins with 'TV15H' followed by a serial prefix (e.g., '1AB'). Early units (1950–1954) lack a water pump boss and use thermosiphon cooling; post‑1955 blocks feature an integrated water pump housing. The cylinder head casting number 'C15H' confirms TV 15 H compatibility. Do not confuse with the smaller 1172 cc E1A engine—TV 15 H has a longer block and larger carburettor flange.
The TV 15 H's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under thermal stress, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips or with degraded cooling systems. Ford UK service data from 1958 noted a significant portion of warranty claims involved head or gasket failure before 60,000 km, while DVSA historic vehicle inspections highlight coolant leaks as a common MOT advisory item. Infrequent use and modern ethanol-blended fuels increase corrosion and valve seat wear, making additive use and cooling system integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Ford UK technical bulletins (1953–1964) and UK DVSA historic vehicle inspection data (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TV-15-H.
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