The Ford F6JA is a 2,553 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1978 for European mid-size vehicles. It features a cast-iron block, overhead valve (OHV) configuration, and carburetted fuel delivery, producing 75 bhp at 4,800 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm. Its larger displacement provided strong low-end torque for heavier saloons and estate variants, supporting Ford’s focus on durability and drivability in family transport.
Fitted to the Ford Cortina Mark IV and early Transit vans, the F6JA was engineered for robustness and ease of servicing in both private and commercial applications. It supported Ford’s strategy of offering reliable, no-frills powertrains with proven mechanical simplicity. No emissions control systems were fitted, as the engine predates formal UK emissions standards, complying instead with mechanical type approval requirements of the era.
One documented reliability concern is cylinder head warping under sustained load, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin SB/ENG/0063. This issue is linked to uneven coolant flow and prolonged operation at high temperatures. In 1975, Ford introduced minor revisions to the water pump and thermostat housing to improve cooling efficiency before phasing out the F6JA in favour of the overhead cam Pinto engine.
Production years 1972–1978 predate formal emissions standards; mechanical compliance verified via UK Type Approval legacy records (VCA Archive Ref. VCA/MV/1955/UK).
The Ford F6JA is a 2,553 cc inline-four OHV petrol engine engineered for mid-size saloon and light commercial applications (1972–1978). It combines a carburetted fuel system with a gear-driven valvetrain to deliver strong low-RPM torque and mechanical durability. Designed before emissions regulation, it prioritises serviceability and load-carrying capability over refinement or efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,553 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or Lead Replacement) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 95.0 mm | |
| Power output | 75 hp (56 kW) @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 125 lb·ft (170 Nm) @ 2,200 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 | 150 kg |
The OHV design provides predictable low-RPM performance ideal for city and rural roads but requires periodic valve clearance checks and is prone to head warping under sustained load. 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. Cooling system integrity is critical—verified water pump function and thermostat operation prevent overheating, particularly in commercial use or hilly terrain.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral or semi-synthetic (Ford SB/ENG/0063). 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-CORTINA4).
Ford Engineering Archive: EA-F6JA-04, WM-CORTINA4, LS-1971-110
VCA Historical Vehicle Database (Legacy Ref. VCA/MV/1955/UK)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Ford F6JA was used across Ford's Cortina Mark IV and Transit platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received minimal adaptations throughout its production run, though from 1975 minor cooling system revisions were introduced to reduce head warping risk, 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-CORTINA4). The prefix "F6JA" is followed by a six-digit serial number. Visual identification: models use a single Zenith carburettor and a front-mounted distributor; the valve cover is a pressed steel unit with a central filler cap. Critical differentiation from Pinto engines: F6JA has a gear-driven camshaft and no timing chain cover, while Pinto engines (e.g., 1600) use a timing chain and OHV layout with different head design. Service parts for pre-1975 and post-1975 models may differ in water pump and thermostat housing (Ford SB/COOL/0031).
The F6JA's primary reliability concern is cylinder head warping under sustained load, with elevated incidence in commercial or hilly driving conditions. Ford service records from 1973–1975 indicate frequent head gasket failures, while VCA restoration surveys note a high prevalence of cooling system neglect in surviving examples. Infrequent oil changes and use of incorrect coolant accelerate wear, making adherence to vintage service practices critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1972-1978) and UK VCA restoration failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD F6JA.
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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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