The Ford TYMA is a 1,597 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1993. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor or throttle-body injection depending on market and year. In standard form it delivered 55–60 kW (75–82 PS) at 5,250 rpm with 123–130 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, offering economical performance for compact hatchbacks and saloons.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Escort MkIV, Orion, and early Fiesta MkIII, the TYMA was engineered for affordability, ease of maintenance, and fuel-efficient urban driving. Emissions compliance began under pre-Euro national frameworks and later met Euro 1 standards in updated variants from 1992 onward.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear, particularly in high-mileage or infrequently serviced units. This issue, referenced in Ford Engineering Bulletin FE‑89/07, stems from marginal lubrication in the camshaft-driven distributor assembly. From 1990, revised metallurgy and oil gallery routing were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 1985–1991 meet pre-Euro national type approval; 1992–1993 models comply with Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/TC/8517).
The Ford TYMA is a 1,597 cc inline‑four SOHC petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (1985–1993). It combines a cast-iron block with either carburettor or throttle-body fuel injection to deliver predictable performance and mechanical simplicity. Designed initially under national type approval, later variants were adapted to meet Euro 1 emissions standards.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,597 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded from 1989 onward) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.3 mm | |
| Power output | 55–60 kW (75–82 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Torque | 123–130 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel carburettor (early) or throttle-body injection (TBI, late) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1985–1991); Euro 1 (1992–1993) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (mineral, API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The TYMA offers straightforward serviceability and forgiving drivability but requires consistent oil changes to protect the cam-driven distributor gear. Use of correct 10W-40 mineral oil is essential for lifter and cam longevity, as the flat-tappet design lacks modern anti-wear additives. Carburettor-equipped variants should be tuned to OEM jetting specs to avoid lean running; TBI models need clean throttle bodies and intact vacuum lines. Engines from 1992 onward include catalytic converters—use only unleaded fuel to prevent damage. Avoid extended idling in hot climates to reduce thermal stress on the exhaust manifold.
Oil Specs: Requires mineral-based 10W-40 meeting API SF/CC (Ford Lubricants Guide 1987). Modern synthetics may cause lifter noise due to viscosity shear differences.
Emissions: Euro 1 applies only to 1992–1993 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/TC/8517). Earlier units certified under national regimes.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on Ford dynamometer test cell TC-7 (Ford PT-1990).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F-TIS/85-412, F-TIS/89-118
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/TC/8517)
Ford Engineering Specification ES-TYMA (1985)
The Ford TYMA was used across Ford's Escort/Orion platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Orion Ghia and updated intake manifolds in the Escort MkIV Facelift—and from 1992 the Euro 1-compliant variants featured catalytic converters and TBI, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the block near the timing cover (Ford TIS F-TIS/85-412). The code 'TYMA' appears as cast lettering. Pre-1992 units use a black-painted rocker cover and lack a catalytic converter; post-1992 variants have a silver rocker cover and O2 sensor bung on the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from CVH engines: TYMA uses SOHC with distributor at rear; CVH uses belt-driven DOHC with front-mounted distributor. TBI-equipped engines have a single fuel injector mounted above the throttle body.
The TYMA's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained engines. Ford internal logs from 1990 noted increased warranty claims for timing-related misfires in pre-1990 builds, while UK DVSA historical data shows ignition faults were common in MOT advisories for surviving examples. Infrequent oil changes and use of incorrect viscosity accelerate cam and gear wear, making proper lubrication critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1985–1993) and UK DVSA historical MOT data (1990–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TYMA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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FORD Official Site
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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
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