The Ford TV 23 H is a 2,262 cc, inline‑four 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 53 kW (72 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 158 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, providing adequate performance for light commercial and passenger vehicles of the era.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Thames 400E van and early Ford Consul Classic saloons, the TV 23 H was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in post-war Britain. Emissions controls were not applicable during its production run, as formal Euro standards did not exist until decades later.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking under sustained high-load conditions, noted in Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB‑58‑12. This issue stems from thermal stress in the thin coolant passages between exhaust valve seats. Ford addressed this in later castings by reinforcing the head deck and improving coolant flow.
The TV 23 H predates EU emissions legislation; no Euro compliance applies. Engine was type-approved under UK pre-1970 vehicle regulations (VCA historical records).
The Ford TV 23 H is a 2,262 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1953–1964). It combines an OHV valvetrain with a single carburettor to deliver reliable low-speed torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before modern emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and robustness over refinement or efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,262 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded compatible with hardened valve seats) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.9 mm × 91.4 mm | |
| Power output | 53 kW (72 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 158 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Zenith 30 VIG) | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre-regulation era) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, thermosiphon (early), later with pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SA/SC) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The OHV design offers mechanical simplicity and easy servicing but lacks high-RPM efficiency. Regular valve clearance checks (every 10,000 km) are essential due to mechanical tappet wear. Use of modern unleaded fuel requires hardened valve seat inserts to prevent recession, as specified in Ford Service Bulletin FSB‑62‑07. The gear-driven cam ensures timing reliability but transmits more noise than chain/belt systems. Cooling system must be kept free of scale to prevent overheating, especially in van applications with limited airflow.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SA/SC). Modern equivalents must meet ZDDP levels for flat-tappet protection (Ford Lubricants Guide 1961).
Emissions: No emissions standard applies; engine predates EU/UK emissions regulations (VCA Historical Archive).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE gross standards (pre-1972). Figures reflect flywheel output without accessories (Ford Powertrain Catalogue 1960).
Ford Workshop Manual (1959), Sections 1A–3C
Ford Engineering Drawings: TV23‑01, TV23‑05
Ford Service Bulletins: FEB‑58‑12, FSB‑62‑07
UK Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) Historical Type Approval Records
SAE International: J245 (Historical Engine Rating Standards)
The Ford TV 23 H was used across Ford's Thames 400E and Consul Classic platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump baffling in the 400E van and revised engine mounts in the Consul Classic—and from 1961 the Classic 315 model introduced a higher-compression variant, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block near the generator mount (Ford Workshop Manual 1959, Fig. 1A‑4). The code 'TV 23 H' appears as cast lettering, not a VIN derivative. Early blocks (pre-1959) have a smooth timing cover; post-1959 units feature a ribbed cover for rigidity. Differentiate from the similar TV 20 by displacement stamping and bore size—TV 23 H uses 88.9 mm bore vs. 82.5 mm in TV 20. Cylinder head casting number 'C1HT' indicates the reinforced post-1958 design per FEB‑58‑12.
The TV 23 H's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under sustained load, with elevated incidence in commercial van use. Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB‑58‑12 documented thermal stress failures in early castings, while UK MOT archives (1960s) show cooling system neglect as a leading cause of overheating. Extended idling and heavy payloads increase thermal cycling, making regular coolant maintenance and head inspections critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1958–1964) and UK DVSA historical MOT failure data (1960–1970). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TV-23-H.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
