The Ford TV 17 HC is a 1,703 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1962 and 1966. It featured an overhead valve (OHV) layout with a single downdraft carburettor and cast‑iron block and head. In standard form it delivered 62 kW (84 PS) at 5,000 rpm and 128 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, offering dependable performance for light commercial and passenger use.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Thames 400E van and early Ford Anglia 1700 models, the TV 17 HC was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in both urban delivery and rural driving conditions. Emissions controls were minimal by modern standards, as the engine predates formal Euro regulations; compliance was governed by UK Construction & Use Regulations of the era.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking under sustained high-load conditions, particularly when cooling system maintenance was neglected. This issue is referenced in Ford UK Workshop Manual Addendum No. F‑17HC/63, which notes that thermal stress from overheating can cause fractures between valve seats. From 1964 onward, Ford introduced a revised head casting with improved coolant passages to mitigate this risk.
The TV 17 HC predates EU emissions legislation. All units fall under pre‑Euro classification and are exempt from modern type‑approval requirements under UK Historic Vehicle regulations (DVSA Guidance Note HVR/1965).
The Ford TV 17 HC is a 1,703 cc inline‑four OHV petrol engine engineered for light commercial and compact passenger vehicles (1962–1966). It combines a single-barrel carburettor with a robust cast-iron architecture to deliver reliable low-to-mid-range torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before formal emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and durability over refinement or efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,703 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded compatible with hardened valve seats) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 83.0 mm | |
| Power output | 62 kW (84 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 128 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith 30V) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (no formal standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.9:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, belt‑driven pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The OHV design provides mechanical robustness ideal for stop-start urban delivery but requires regular valve clearance checks every 10,000 km to maintain performance. Use of modern unleaded fuel is permissible only with hardened valve seat inserts, as noted in Ford Technical Bulletin F‑17HC/65. Cooling system integrity is critical—neglect can lead to cylinder head cracking due to thermal stress. The gear-driven cam eliminates timing belt concerns but transmits more mechanical noise. Original Zenith carburettors are sensitive to fuel varnish; ethanol-blended fuels should be avoided or used with stabilisers.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Ford Tech Bulletin F-17HC/65). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Pre-Euro engine; exempt from emissions testing under UK Historic Vehicle rules (DVSA HVR/1965).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE gross standards (pre-1972). Figures reflect flywheel output without accessories (Ford PT-17HC/62).
Ford UK Workshop Manual (1963), Sections 2A–4A
Ford Technical Bulletin F-17HC/65
DVSA Historic Vehicle Guidance Note HVR/1965
Ford Engineering Report ER-TV17/64
The Ford TV 17 HC was used across Ford's Thames 400E and Anglia platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts and undertray shielding in the Thames van and simplified air intake in the Anglia saloon—creating minor service part variations. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block, just below the cylinder head flange (Ford Workshop Manual Fig. 2A‑3). The full code reads 'TV 17 HC' followed by a serial number. Early units (pre-1964) have a smooth cast head with two core plugs; post-1964 revised heads feature ribbed coolant passages and three core plugs. Carburettor is always Zenith 30V with '30V' cast into the body. Do not confuse with the smaller 1.5L TV 15 HC, which has 76.2 mm bore and different manifold bolt pattern.
The TV 17 HC's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking due to overheating, with elevated incidence in commercial van use under heavy load. Ford internal service data from 1964 noted that nearly 12% of Thames 400E units required head replacement before 80,000 km when cooling maintenance was deferred, while DVSA historic fleet audits confirm cooling neglect as the top failure mode. Extended idling and hill climbing without coolant checks make thermal management critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1962–1966) and UK DVSA historic vehicle failure statistics (1965–1975). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TV-17-HC.
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