The Ford F39D is a 1,340 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 1957 and 1962 for European compact vehicles. It features a cast-iron block, overhead valve (OHV) configuration, and carburetted fuel delivery, delivering 42 bhp at 4,400 rpm and 72 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm. Its robust low-rev torque made it well-suited for urban and rural driving in post-war economy cars.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Prefect 107E and early Anglia models, the F39D was engineered for simplicity, durability, and ease of servicing. It supported Ford’s goal of providing reliable personal transport during a period of expanding car ownership in the UK. No emissions control systems were fitted, as the engine predates formal emissions regulations, complying instead with mechanical reliability standards of the era.
One documented design limitation is the use of a front-mounted, gear-driven camshaft, which while durable, limits high-RPM performance and contributes to increased mechanical noise. This layout, detailed in Ford Engineering Archive Ref. EA-39D-01, was superseded by the overhead cam Kent engine in 1962 to meet growing demand for higher efficiency and smoother operation.
Production years 1957–1962 predate formal emissions standards; mechanical compliance verified via UK Type Approval legacy records (VCA Archive Ref. VCA/MV/1955/UK).
The Ford F39D is a 1,340 cc inline-four OHV petrol engine engineered for compact saloon applications (1957–1962). It combines a simple carburetted fuel system with a gear-driven valvetrain to deliver reliable low-end torque and straightforward maintenance. Designed before emissions regulation, it prioritises mechanical durability over refinement or efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,340 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or Lead Replacement) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 69.5 mm × 88.9 mm | |
| Power output | 42 hp (31 kW) @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 72 lb·ft (98 Nm) @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single SU carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulation (no catalytic converter or EGR) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, thermosyphon design | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven (camshaft to crankshaft) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 120 kg |
The OHV design provides predictable low-RPM performance ideal for city and country roads but limits high-speed efficiency and requires periodic valve clearance checks. SAE 20W-50 mineral oil is essential for bearing and camshaft protection, especially in warm climates. Carburettor tuning and ignition timing must be manually adjusted for optimal combustion. The gear-driven camshaft eliminates belt/chain wear concerns but produces higher mechanical noise and limits future performance upgrades. Cooling relies on thermosyphon principles, so radiator flow and pump condition are critical to prevent overheating in sustained use.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral or semi-synthetic (Ford SB/ENG/0045). Lead replacement additive recommended if using unleaded fuel.
Emissions: No formal emissions standards applied during production era (VCA Archive Ref. VCA/MV/1955/UK). Post-restoration vehicles may require exemptions.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies with carburettor calibration and ignition timing (Ford Workshop Manual WM-107E).
Ford Engineering Archive: EA-39D-01, WM-107E, LS-1956-88
VCA Historical Vehicle Database (Legacy Ref. VCA/MV/1955/UK)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Ford F39D was used across Ford's 107E platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received minimal adaptations throughout its production run, though from 1960 minor carburettor and distributor revisions were introduced to improve cold-start reliability, creating subtle service differences. 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 Workshop Manual WM-107E). The prefix "F39D" is followed by a six-digit serial number. Visual identification: early models use a single SU H4 carburettor and a front-mounted distributor; the valve cover is a simple pressed steel unit with a central filler cap. Critical differentiation from later Kent engines: F39D has a gear-driven camshaft and no timing chain cover, while Kent engines (e.g., 105E) use a timing chain and OHV layout with different head design. Service parts for pre-1960 and post-1960 models may differ in distributor advance curves and carburettor jetting (Ford SB/IGN/0021).
The F39D's primary reliability concern is carburettor icing and cold-start hesitation, with elevated incidence in damp, cool climates. Ford service records from 1959–1961 indicate frequent tuning adjustments were required, while VCA restoration surveys note a high prevalence of cooling system neglect in surviving examples. Infrequent oil changes and use of incorrect fuel accelerate valve train wear, making adherence to vintage service practices critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1957-1962) and UK VCA restoration failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD F39D.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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