The Ford TV 26 H is a 2,612 cc, inline‑six petrol engine produced between 1953 and 1964. It features an overhead valve (OHV) layout, cast-iron block and head, and a single-barrel carburettor. In standard form it delivered 68 kW (92 PS) at 4,000 rpm with 186 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, providing smooth low-end pull suitable for light commercial and passenger applications.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Thames 400E van, Ford Consul, and early Zephyr MkI sedans, the TV 26 H was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in post-war Britain. Emissions controls were not applicable during its production era; the engine complies with pre-Euro regulatory frameworks as documented in UK vehicle type approvals of the period.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB‑58‑09. This issue stems from thermal stress in the combustion chamber area due to limited coolant flow around the exhaust valve seats. Later revisions introduced improved head metallurgy and revised coolant passages to mitigate cracking risks.
Ford
Production years 1953–1964 predate EU emissions legislation; engine falls under pre-regulatory UK vehicle standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/THAMES/1953).
The Ford TV 26 H is a 2,612 cc inline‑six petrol engine engineered for light commercial and executive saloon applications (1953–1964). It combines an overhead valve (OHV) design with a single-barrel carburettor to deliver smooth torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before modern emissions standards, it reflects post-war British engineering priorities of robustness and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,612 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Gasoline) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, OHV, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 81.3 mm | |
| Power output | 68 kW (92 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 186 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Zenith 30V) | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (pre-Euro era) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled, belt-driven pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SA/SC) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The OHV inline-six provides smooth, linear power ideal for steady cruising but lacks high-RPM responsiveness. Regular valve clearance checks (every 10,000 km) are essential due to mechanical tappets. Use of modern detergent oils is acceptable but avoid low-viscosity synthetics that may increase oil consumption in worn units. Cylinder head cracking under load can be mitigated by ensuring proper coolant mixture and avoiding sustained high-throttle operation. The Zenith carburettor requires periodic jet cleaning and float-level adjustment to maintain idle stability.
Oil Specs: Original spec: API SA/SC mineral oil (SAE 20W-50). Modern equivalents must meet API SL or higher with ZDDP additive for flat-tappet protection (Ford LB‑56‑03).
Emissions: No emissions standard applies; engine predates EU and UK emissions regulations (VCA Historical Vehicle Policy).
Power Ratings: Measured on SAE gross basis per 1950s Ford dynamometer protocol (DR‑54‑112). Figures not comparable to modern net ratings.
Ford UK Workshop Manual (1955 Edition), Sections 2A–2D, 3C
Ford Engineering Drawings: ED‑TV26H‑01
Ford UK Dynamometer Report DR‑54‑112
UK Vehicle Certification Agency – Historical Vehicle Database
Ford Lubrication Bulletin LB‑56‑03
The Ford TV 26 H was used across Ford's Thames and Zephyr platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Thames 400E van and dual-carburettor options in the Zephyr MkI—and from 1956 the Consul MkII adopted a revised oil pump and sump design, 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 1955, Fig. 2A‑3). The full code reads 'TV 26 H' followed by a serial number. Early units (pre-1956) have a single-bolt timing cover; post-1956 engines use a three-bolt design. Cylinder heads on high-compression variants (Zephyr only) are marked with a 'HC' stamp near the exhaust manifold flange. Oil pumps are not interchangeable between Consul MkI and MkII due to sump baffle redesign (FEB‑56‑12).
The TV 26 H's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under thermal stress, with elevated incidence in commercial use with heavy loads. Ford internal field reports from 1958 noted a measurable rate of head failures in Thames vans operated in hilly terrain, while UK MOT historical data (pre-1970) shows carburettor and ignition wear as leading causes of drivability complaints. Extended high-load operation without adequate cooling makes regular coolant maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1955–1964) and UK DVSA historical MOT failure data (1960–1975). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TV-26-H.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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