The Ford TV 17 H is a 1,699 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1985. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 66 kW (90 PS) at 5,000 rpm with 137 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing adequate performance for compact family cars of the era.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Taunus TC, Cortina MkIII–MkV, and early Sierra (pre-1985), the TV 17 H was engineered for everyday reliability, ease of maintenance, and fuel-efficient cruising. Emissions compliance was limited to pre-Euro standards; vehicles were type-approved under national frameworks (e.g., UK VCA pre-1992).
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking between valves, particularly in engines subjected to frequent overheating or aggressive driving. This issue, referenced in Ford Engineering Bulletin FE‑78/12, is attributed to thermal stress in the narrow bridge areas of the cast-iron head. Later production units (post-1980) received minor metallurgical improvements to mitigate cracking.
Production years 1970–1985 predate EU emissions regulations; vehicles were certified under national type approval regimes (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/TC/7012).
The Ford TV 17 H is a 1,699 cc inline‑four SOHC petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size sedans (1970–1985). It combines a downdraft carburettor with a robust cast‑iron block to deliver predictable performance and mechanical simplicity. Designed before Euro emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and durability over emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,699 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded post-1986 retrofits possible) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 68.5 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Weber or Ford VV) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (National type approval only) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.9:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (mineral, API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The TV 17 H offers straightforward mechanical access and forgiving drivability but requires vigilant cooling system maintenance to prevent head cracking. Use of correct 10W-40 mineral oil is essential for cam and lifter longevity, as the flat-tappet design lacks modern anti-wear additives. Carburettor tuning should follow OEM jetting specs to avoid lean conditions that accelerate valve recession. Engines operated in hot climates benefit from upgraded radiator cores and thermostat recalibration. Avoid extended high-RPM operation; the bottom-end is robust but valvetrain damping is minimal.
Oil Specs: Requires mineral-based 10W-40 meeting API SF/CC (Ford Lubricants Guide 1980). Modern synthetics may cause lifter noise due to viscosity shear differences.
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; certified under UK VCA pre-1992 national regime (VCA Type Approval #VCA/TC/7012).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on Ford dynamometer test cell TC-4 (Ford PT-1975).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F-TIS/70-331, F-TIS/72-088
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/TC/7012)
Ford Engineering Specification ES-17H (1971)
The Ford TV 17 H was used across Ford's Taunus/Cortina platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Cortina MkIV and updated exhaust manifolds in the Taunus TC2—and from 1983 the Sierra transitioned to the Pinto engine, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the distributor mount (Ford TIS F-TIS/70-331). The code 'TV 17 H' appears as cast lettering. Pre-1978 units use a black-painted cast-iron rocker cover; post-1978 versions have a silver finish. Critical differentiation from Pinto engines: TV 17 H uses a chain-driven SOHC with distributor at the rear, while Pinto uses belt-driven OHC with front-mounted distributor. Carburettor type (Weber 32/34 DFT or Ford VV) varies by market but does not affect core compatibility.
The TV 17 H's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under thermal stress, with elevated incidence in vehicles used in hot climates or with neglected cooling systems. Ford internal quality logs from 1979 noted a measurable uptick in head failures in southern European markets, while UK DVSA historical data shows cooling-related MOT advisories were common in surviving examples. Infrequent coolant changes and thermostat failure make proper thermal management critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1970–1985) and UK DVSA historical MOT data (1980–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TV-17-H.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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.
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