The Ford TV 15 HC is a 1,508 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1953 and 1964. It featured an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and cast‑iron block and head. In standard form it delivered 48 kW (65 PS) at 4,400 rpm and 108 Nm of torque at 2,200 rpm, providing dependable performance for post‑war utility vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Thames 300E van and early Ford Anglia variants, the TV 15 HC was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in commercial and light‑duty applications. Emissions controls were not applicable during this era, as Euro standards did not exist; compliance is assessed under historic vehicle exemptions (DVSA Class H).
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking under sustained high load or overheating, noted in Ford UK Workshop Manual Supplement No. 7 (1958). This issue stems from thermal stress in the cast‑iron head around the exhaust valve seats. Later production units incorporated revised coolant passages to mitigate hot spots.
Production years 1953–1964 predate EU emissions regulations and are classified as historic vehicles under DVSA Class H (Historic Vehicle Exemption).
The Ford TV 15 HC is a 1,508 cc inline‑four OHV petrol engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1953–1964). It combines a single downdraft carburettor with a robust cast‑iron architecture to deliver reliable low‑speed torque and mechanical simplicity. 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 additive) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 73.0 mm | |
| Power output | 48 kW (65 PS) @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith 26V) | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (pre‑regulation era) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, thermosiphon (early), later with pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SB) | |
| Dry weight | 136 kg |
The OHV design offers mechanical simplicity and ease of repair but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 10,000 km. Use of modern unleaded petrol is permitted but requires a lead replacement additive to protect exhaust valve seats. Overheating must be avoided—ensure the radiator and water pump (if fitted) are in good condition, as the original thermosiphon system is sensitive to coolant flow restrictions. Cylinder head integrity should be inspected if the engine has experienced overheating. The gear-driven cam ensures timing reliability with no belt or chain wear concerns.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SB or equivalent (Ford Lubrication Guide LG-1954). Modern SM/SP oils may lack ZDDP; additive recommended.
Emissions: Not subject to emissions standards; classified as historic vehicle under DVSA Class H (Historic Vehicle Exemption).
Power Ratings: Measured on Ford dynamometer under 1950s SAE gross standards (Ford DR-1508). Output varies slightly by carburettor calibration.
Ford UK Workshop Manual (1953) and Supplements
Ford Heritage Archive: HA/TV15/1955, WL/1508, DR-1508
UK DVSA Historic Vehicle Guidance (2023)
Ford Parts Catalogue PC/300E/1956
The Ford TV 15 HC was used across Ford's Thames 300E and Anglia 100E platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump in the 300E van and lighter flywheel in the 100E saloon—and from 1959 the Anglia 105E transitioned to the new Kent engine, ending TV 15 HC production. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the left-hand side of the block, just below the cylinder head (Ford Workshop Manual 1953, Fig. 2A‑4). The prefix 'TV' confirms the 15 HC variant. Visual identification: cast‑iron block with exposed pushrods, single Zenith carburettor, and distributor mounted at the front right. Differentiate from later Kent engines by the absence of a crossflow head and the presence of a side‑mounted oil filler cap. No VIN correlation—engine number is standalone.
The TV 15 HC's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under thermal stress, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for sustained load or with cooling system neglect. Ford UK internal service data from 1958 noted recurring head failures in commercial vans operating in summer conditions, while DVSA historic MOT records show cooling system faults as a common advisory item. Proper coolant maintenance and avoidance of overheating make thermal management 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-HC.
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