The Ford F48A is a 1,703 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 1962 and 1967 for European mid-size vehicles. It features a cast-iron block, overhead valve (OHV) configuration, and carburetted fuel delivery, producing 59 bhp at 4,800 rpm and 95 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. Its increased displacement over the F39D provided improved torque for larger saloons and commercial variants, supporting Ford’s expansion into higher-capacity family transport.
Fitted to the Ford Consul Classic and early Cortina Mark I models, the F48A was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in everyday driving conditions. It supported Ford’s transition from pre-war mechanical designs to more modern unibody platforms, offering smoother performance and better fuel delivery tuning. No emissions control systems were fitted, as the engine predates formal emissions regulations, complying instead with UK mechanical type approval standards of the era.
One documented design limitation is the use of a front-mounted, gear-driven camshaft, which while robust, contributes to higher mechanical noise and limits high-RPM efficiency. This layout, detailed in Ford Engineering Archive Ref. EA-F48A-02, was superseded by the overhead cam Kent engine in 1967 to meet increasing demands for refinement and performance.
Production years 1962–1967 predate formal emissions standards; mechanical compliance verified via UK Type Approval legacy records (VCA Archive Ref. VCA/MV/1955/UK).
The Ford F48A is a 1,703 cc inline-four OHV petrol engine engineered for mid-size saloon applications (1962–1967). It combines a simple carburetted fuel system with a gear-driven valvetrain to deliver improved low-end torque over its predecessor. Designed before emissions regulation, it prioritises mechanical reliability and serviceability over refinement or efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,703 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or Lead Replacement) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.2 mm × 93.7 mm | |
| Power output | 59 hp (44 kW) @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 95 lb·ft (129 Nm) @ 2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single Zenith carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulation (no catalytic converter or EGR) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, pump-circulated | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven (camshaft to crankshaft) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 135 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 a centrifugal water pump; pump impeller and thermostat condition are critical to prevent overheating under sustained load.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral or semi-synthetic (Ford SB/ENG/0051). 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-CONSUL).
Ford Engineering Archive: EA-F48A-02, WM-CONSUL, LS-1961-94
VCA Historical Vehicle Database (Legacy Ref. VCA/MV/1955/UK)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Ford F48A was used across Ford's Consul/Cortina platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received minimal adaptations throughout its production run, though from 1965 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-CONSUL). The prefix "F48A" is followed by a six-digit serial number. Visual identification: early models use a single Zenith 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: F48A has a gear-driven camshaft and no timing chain cover, while Kent engines (e.g., 113E) use a timing chain and OHV layout with different head design. Service parts for pre-1965 and post-1965 models may differ in distributor advance curves and carburettor jetting (Ford SB/IGN/0028).
The F48A's primary reliability concern is carburettor icing and cold-start hesitation, with elevated incidence in damp, cool climates. Ford service records from 1963–1965 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 (1962-1967) and UK VCA restoration failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD F48A.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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