The Ford AFN is a 4,997 cc, inline-six, overhead-valve (OHV) diesel engine produced between 1957 and 1966. It was developed as a heavy-duty powerplant for Ford's commercial vehicle range, particularly the Thames 500E and D1210 truck series. Featuring a cast-iron block, mechanical fuel injection, and pushrod valvetrain, it delivered 105 bhp (78 kW) at 2,800 rpm and 225 lb-ft (305 Nm) of torque, providing robust low-end pulling power ideal for freight and industrial applications.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Thames 500E and D1210 trucks, the AFN engine was engineered for durability and long service life under continuous load. Its design prioritised mechanical simplicity, ease of field servicing, and fuel efficiency over refinement. The engine was typically paired with a 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission and used a Bosch fuel injection pump for precise metering.
One documented engineering update occurred in 1962 with revisions to the cylinder head cooling passages and improved piston ring design to reduce oil consumption (Ford Service Bulletin AFN/62/ENG). Early models exhibited injector nozzle clogging when operated on lower-grade diesel; this was addressed through updated nozzle design and fuel filter specifications. The AFN was eventually superseded by the Ford York diesel engine in the mid-1960s.
Production years 1957–1966 predate formal emissions regulations; no Euro compliance applies (UK VCA Historical Records, Ref: HIST/FORD/ENG/AFN).
The Ford AFN is a 4,997 cc inline-six OHV diesel engine engineered for medium- to heavy-duty commercial vehicles (1957–1966). It combines a robust pushrod valvetrain with mechanical fuel injection to deliver consistent torque and reliability under sustained load. Designed in a pre-emissions era, it prioritises mechanical durability and ease of maintenance over environmental performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,997 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, OHV, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.3 mm × 117.5 mm | |
| Power output | 105 bhp (78 kW) @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft (305 Nm) @ 1,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Mechanical inline injection pump (Bosch type) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulatory (no standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, pump-circulated | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 30 or 40 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 272 kg |
The inline-six configuration provides smooth, low-RPM torque ideal for freight hauling but requires regular valve clearance checks due to its pushrod design. SAE 30 or 40 mineral oil is recommended for optimal lubrication under load. The mechanical Bosch injection pump demands high-quality diesel and regular fuel filter changes to prevent nozzle clogging. The gear-driven camshaft eliminates timing chain wear concerns, enhancing long-term reliability. Owners should monitor for water pump and head gasket integrity, especially if subjected to sustained high loads. Pre-1962 models are more prone to oil consumption due to piston ring design; post-1962 revisions improve ring sealing.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 30 or 40 mineral oil (Ford Owner's Handbook 1963). Multi-grade oils not recommended for original specification.
Emissions: No emissions standards existed during production period (UK VCA Historical Records).
Power Ratings: Measured under pre-SAE net standards. Output reflects gross horsepower at the crank (Ford PT-1960-CommercialModels).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS) - Historical Archive: Docs H5A, AFN/62/ENG
Ford EPC Archive (Bridgend) - Document F-AFN-DSPL
SAE International: Historical Engine Testing Standards (Pre-1972)
The Ford AFN was used across Ford's Thames commercial platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced oil pans for tipper applications and dual-fuel pump setups for cold-weather markets—and from 1962 the revised piston ring design reduced oil consumption, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on a machined pad at the front of the cylinder block, just below the cylinder head (Ford TIS H5A-IDENT). The prefix "AFN" is followed by a six-digit serial number. Pre-1962 models have a flat cylinder head; post-1962 variants feature revised water jacketing and improved piston rings. Critical differentiation: All AFN engines are diesel-powered with a Bosch mechanical injection pump mounted on the left side of the engine. The presence of a fuel injection pump (not carburettor) and lack of distributor confirm diesel configuration. Service parts for pre- and post-1962 models differ in piston ring specifications (Ford Service Bulletin AFN/62/ENG).
The AFN's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping or cracking, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for prolonged high-load operation. Ford's internal service reports from 1960–1966 noted a significant number of head gasket failures, while UK DVSA historical data shows cooling system neglect as a leading cause of failure in preserved examples. Infrequent servicing and use of incorrect coolant increase thermal stress, making regular water pump and thermostat inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1957-1966) and UK DVSA failure records (1960-1970). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD AFN.
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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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