The Ford F41A is a 1,596 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2002 and 2008. It formed part of the Ford Duratec HE engine family, designed for compact and mid-size applications. Featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16-valve configuration, and sequential multi-point fuel injection, it delivered 85 kW (115 PS) with 155 Nm of torque, providing balanced performance and fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus Mk2, C-Max, and Mondeo Mk3, the F41A was engineered for urban and mixed driving conditions with an emphasis on smoothness and reliability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and integrated engine management, allowing it to meet Euro 3 standards across its production run, with later builds optionally compliant to Euro 4 depending on market-specific calibration.
One documented concern is premature camshaft wear observed in certain early production units, highlighted in Ford Service Action 05B07. This issue was linked to marginal oil flow to the cam journals under sustained high-load operation. In 2005, Ford implemented revised oil gallery machining and updated camshaft profiles, improving durability in post-facelift models.
Production years 2002–2004 meet Euro 3 standards; 2005–2008 models may have Euro 4 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford F41A is a 1,596 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and family vehicles (2002–2008). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with sequential multi-point fuel injection to deliver responsive mid-range performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 (and market-specific Euro 4) standards, it balances drivability with emissions efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.3 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (SFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (pre-2005); Euro 4 (market-dependent, 2005–2008) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (single-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C913-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft wear and timing chain stretch. Ford WSS-M2C913-A (5W-30) oil is essential due to its high-temperature shear stability and anti-wear additives protecting the DOHC valvetrain. Extended idling and frequent short trips can accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves. The SFI system is robust but sensitive to low-quality fuel; use of minimum 95 RON petrol is required to maintain ignition timing and prevent knock. Post-2005 models feature improved oil galleries; pre-2005 units should be inspected for cam lobe wear per Ford SIB 05B07. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent lambda sensor performance and avoidance of oil consumption.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C913-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 05B07). Supersedes ACEA A1/B1 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to pre-2005 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Some 2005–2008 models meet Euro 4 depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output varies with intake temperature and fuel quality (Ford TIS Doc. DUR-HE-05).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs DUR-HE-01, DUR-HE-02, DUR-HE-04, SIB 05B07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford F41A was used across Ford's C1/CD3 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Focus and revised exhaust routing in the Mondeo-and from 2005 the facelifted Focus Mk2 and C-Max adopted updated engine management software, creating minor calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS DUR-HE-06). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for 1.6L Duratec HE). Pre-2005 models have silver cam covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2005 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from Zetec-SE: F41A uses a timing chain with front-mounted sprockets, while Zetec-SE uses a belt. Service parts require model-year verification—camshafts for pre-2005 engines are incompatible with post-2005 revisions due to profile and oil feed changes (Ford SIB 05B07).
The F41A's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2006 indicated a measurable share of pre-2005 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures linked to lambda sensor degradation in high-mileage units. Short-trip driving and delayed oil changes increase valvetrain stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2004-2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD F41A.
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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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