The Ford TZGB is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1990. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve layout with a carburetted fuel system, delivering 63 kW (86 PS) and 140 Nm of torque. Its cast‑iron block and simple valvetrain offered robust serviceability in compact Ford platforms.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Escort MkIV and Orion MkII, the TZGB was engineered for dependable urban commuting and light-duty performance. Emissions compliance relied on basic carburettor metering and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 0 standards typical of mid‑1980s European vehicles.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobe profile, which can cause valve lift reduction and rough idle. This issue, referenced in Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB‑87‑09, stems from marginal surface hardening in early production batches. From late 1987, Ford introduced a revised camshaft material specification to mitigate the problem.
All production years (1985–1990) meet pre‑Euro emissions standards (Euro 0); no Euro 1 compliance was required (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8521).
The Ford TZGB is a 1,796 cc inline‑four SOHC petrol engine engineered for compact family cars (1985–1990). It combines a single-barrel carburettor with a durable cast-iron block to deliver predictable low-end response and straightforward maintenance. Designed before formal Euro emissions standards, it reflects mid-1980s engineering priorities.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or Lead Replacement) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 63 kW (86 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Weber or Ford VV) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (Euro 0) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 122 kg |
The TZGB provides predictable throttle response suited to city and highway use but requires periodic carburettor balancing and ignition point replacement (on pre-electronic models). Use of lead-replacement petrol is essential in non-hardened valve-seat variants to prevent recession. Camshaft lobe wear—especially in engines built before October 1987—can cause reduced valve lift and misfires; replacement with the updated camshaft (Ford P/N 7124589) per FEB‑87‑09 is recommended during rebuilds. Cooling system integrity must be maintained to avoid head gasket issues under sustained load.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SF/CC (Ford Workshop Manual 1986). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Pre-Euro (Euro 0) classification applies to all 1985–1990 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8521). No catalytic converter fitted.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all TZGB applications (Ford PT-1986).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TZGB-01, TZGB-02
Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB-87-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8521)
The Ford TZGB was used across Ford's MkIV Escort and Orion MkII platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Orion and modified air cleaner ducting in the Escort Van—and from 1988 the facelifted Escort adopted minor carburettor recalibrations for smoother idle, creating minor tuning differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block near the distributor (Ford TIS TZGB-03). The code 'TZGB' appears as cast lettering, not a label. Pre-1988 units have a silver distributor housing with a brass cam gear; post-1988 units use a black distributor with a hardened steel camshaft. Critical differentiation from CVH 1.8: TZGB uses a chain-driven SOHC with external rocker cover, whereas CVH uses belt-driven DOHC. Carburettor type (Weber vs. Ford VV) varies by market but does not affect core compatibility.
The TZGB's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or hot-climate use. Ford internal quality logs from 1987 noted premature cam failure in ~7% of pre-October 1987 engines before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA historical data shows carburettor-related drivability faults as the second-most common MOT advisory for surviving examples. Infrequent oil changes and use of incorrect fuel accelerate valve train and timing component wear, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1985–1990) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD TZGB.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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