The Zetec Engine

Introduction

In 1992, Ford introduced the Zetec engine to Escort and Mondeo and it was later used in the mark three Fiesta. The 1·8 and 2·0 versions of the Zetec-E were used in the first and second generation Focus, but Ford have not used the design in the 2005 redesigned Focus.

The Zetec represented a departure from most previous Ford engines using sixteen valves and double overhead camshafts and the prospect of a “16v” decal on the back of the Escort caused some excitement for the British car buying public. Remember that back in 1992, sixteen valve cars were typically the higher performance or sporty variants of the range. However, the vanilla 1∙6 produces slightly less power and torque than the 1·6 CVH it replaced, although it has a nicer power delivery. These are not characteristics people expected when the same 16v models needed plenty of revs to perform.

When the Zetec was introduced into the United Kingdom, comparisons were soon made with the contemporary equivalents, including Rover’s K-series. In 1992, the K-series was only used in 1·4 litre capacity but it produced more power (up to 105 PS) than the 1·6 Zetec. It is true that the Zetec did not compare very favourably with the K-series in terms of output, but the Zetec has proven less troublesome for many owners.

In 1998 the original Zetec was modified to become the Zetec-E to eliminate sticking valve problems.

In terms of size, the Zetec head is rather larger than the CVH head (it has two camshafts) but the bottom end is reputed to be an exceptionally strong design. This is one of the reasons why the hybrid ZVH engine is used.

Variants

Both the Zetec and the Zetec-E are available in 1·6, 1·8 and 2·0 litre capacities. The 1·6 offers 90 PS, significantly less than the fuel injected 1·6 CVH engines and. The 1·8 was available in 105, 115 and 130 PS variants and finally the 2·0 litre produced 135 PS and 150 PS for the Escort RS2000.

Mechanical Reliability

Early Zetec engines suffered from sticking valve problems, a problem caused if not exacerbated by use of too thick an engine oil. The sticky valve problem is the reason for the redesign and redesignated Zetec-E engine.

Otherwise, the Zetec has been a reasonably bulletproof, if unexciting, engine.

Tuning

Further details to follow. Maybe. J