What do think of a V4 Ford

MrFoxman360

Was half thinking of buying a Mk4 Zephyr, think its 1971. Good solid 1 owner car. Runs and drives well but paint is faded. Body is sound though and interior is good and mechanically its seems fine too.

Was just wondering if some one could tell me about the 2L V4 engine. I have no real experience of working on them and never owned a Ford that had one. Are they as good and as reliable as the normal inline 4? Anything in particular one would need to keep on eye or ear on?

Am I right in thinking there were two versions of the V4, an Essex engine and a Cologne engine? What's the difference between them? I would assume my Zephyr would have an Essex engine.

I'm aware that every car has its faults, but just wondering if there is anything in particular about the V4 too look out for. Thanks in advance for sharing you knowledge and advice

ianobrien

The Zephyr V4 is an Essex V4 also fitted to early Corsairs. The main issues are the fibre timing gear breaking (steel replacements available) and the cog on the bittom of the distributor drive wearing, meaning no drive to the oil pump (shared drive). There are bugger all tuning parts available and rebuild parts are getting scarce. The good thing about them is that the Essex V6 bolts straight in using the V4 mounts, clutch etc.

The Cologne V4 is a different beast altogether and was never fitted to UK built Fords.

With the mk4 Zephyr I'd be looking at body condition, trim (very scarce) and running gear. I think that some consumables like wheel bearings, calipers, shocks etc are very scarce. The engine is more easily solved by a V6 swap

corktina

V6 swap, quite easy I'm told.

Nekarsulm

I think the V4 was also fitted to the Mk1 Transit as well. And perhaps the same engine in the Corsair? But if its running fine now, no reason why it should go BANG. Change the timing gear, and enjoy!

MrFoxman360

Thanks for the advice, knowledge is power!

I must check if the timing gear has been replaced or not. I'm not a speed merchant so I would probably leave the V4 in place if its running ok, I just want a cruiser for long distance runs, and I'd rather keep it original anyway. Body is solid and the trim is pretty good.

I suppose the mk 4 Zephyr with the long bonnet and short boot isn't to everyone's taste but I showed a picture of it to my significant other (she's mainly into pre-war cars) and she said it 'wasn't terrible'.... which is approval enough for me :pac:

All depends if I can make a bit more space in the shed, you know how it goes :rolleyes:

steveone

If you want the original stock factor it would be a good buy simply because the rest possibly have had v6's, pintos, rover v8's or whatever stuck in under the bonnet

Nekarsulm

The corsair 2000E was cursed by having a gearbox that all the racers wanted. So perhaps there are still a few V4 engines lying in sheds while the box is long transplanted into an Escort, or Anglia even.

MrFoxman360

I bought the Zephyr yesterday, drove it the 150 miles home too with no problems. I had it up on the lift, its astoundingly rust free, one of the most original and solid fords I've seen. It needs tyres, a good service, and a general clean and tidy, but she drives lovely, the V4 is a unique sound!

Nekarsulm

Best of luck with her, looking great! Like a Cortina MK2 all grown up.

Max Headroom

Thats one sweet car mate....someone has done all the work for you...nice to see something thats not German on here.....:P

ianobrien

Well wear.....

MercMad

That's looks greats, seems like you got a fab car there !

I always loved those big square Fords and that brings back some memories just looking at it. I was fascinated by the Zephyrs and Zodiacs as a kid, and a local taxi driver had covers over two cars in his long driveway. All I could see was the hub cap with the little stars on them. I was dying to see the cars and eventually my mother was talking to his wife and mentioned it, and she called out her husband who was delighted to show me. One was immaculate and the other a donor even back then.

Also my father had a '71 Capri 2000GT Mk1. It had the V4 in it and my dad loved the car. It had an odd thrum, bit rough but went fairly well.

Anyway enjoy !

jimgoose

MrFoxman360 wrote: »

I bought the Zephyr yesterday, drove it the 150 miles home too with no problems. I had it up on the lift, its astoundingly rust free, one of the most original and solid fords I've seen. It needs tyres, a good service, and a general clean and tidy, but she drives lovely, the V4 is a unique sound!...

Thing a' great beauty. Well bought and well wear! :cool::cool::cool:

Nekarsulm

And Mr Foxman, an off beat engine note can be lovely to hear, just think of the Fiat 90-90!

MrFoxman360

Nekarsulm wrote: »

And Mr Foxman, an off beat engine note can be lovely to hear, just think of the Fiat 90-90!

and my little 3 cylinder 35! I'll be able to create a very unusual symphony if I keep collecting!