The Ford FHA is a 3,272 cc, inline-six overhead-valve petrol engine produced by Ford UK between 1957 and 1962. It was designed as a robust, low-revving powerplant for commercial and utility vehicles, featuring a cast-iron block and head, a single downdraft carburettor, and a six-bearing crankshaft for improved durability under load. In standard tune, it delivered 70 bhp (52 kW) at 3,800 rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 Nm) of torque at 1,900 rpm, prioritising pulling power over high-speed performance.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Thames 400E and Fordson E83W vans and trucks, the FHA was engineered for operators requiring dependable, long-life service in delivery, utility, and light freight roles. It met pre-Euro emissions standards through simple, well-proven combustion control and was often paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The engine's design emphasised ease of maintenance and tolerance of lower-octane fuels common in the period, making it a staple of British municipal and commercial fleets.
One documented operational limitation is sensitivity to modern unleaded fuels, which can lead to valve seat recession in unrestored units. This issue, referenced in Ford UK Engineering Bulletin 57-ME-1, arises from the use of soft, non-hardened exhaust valve seats in original production. From 1959, some export-market variants received upgraded valve materials, but UK domestic models retained the original specification throughout production.
Production years 1957–1962 meet pre-Euro emissions standards; no Euro compliance applies (VCA UK Type Approval not applicable for vehicles of this era).
The Ford FHA is a 3,272 cc inline-six petrol engine engineered for light commercial vehicles (1957–1962). It combines a simple OHV valvetrain with a durable six-main-bearing crankshaft to deliver strong low-end torque and mechanical reliability. Designed for pre-regulatory emissions standards, it prioritises operational longevity and ease of field service.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,272 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Lead replacement required for unleaded fuel) | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, OHV, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.7 mm × 94.6 mm | |
| Power output | 70 bhp (52 kW) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 140 lb·ft (190 Nm) @ 1,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single Zenith 36WDP carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulatory (no Euro compliance) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Thermosiphon water-cooled (no pump in early models) | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven (camshaft to crankshaft) | |
| Oil type | SAE 30 or 20W-50 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The low-revving inline-six provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for loaded van operation but requires adherence to 3,000–5,000 mile oil change intervals to maintain bearing and camshaft longevity. SAE 30 or 20W-50 mineral oil is essential for proper valve train lubrication and wear protection. Operation on modern unleaded fuel without hardened valve seats leads to accelerated exhaust valve recession, resulting in loss of compression and misfire. Use of lead replacement petrol additives or cylinder head modification with hardened seats is required for sustained use. Original thermosiphon cooling (no water pump) limits high-speed operation; upgraded pump-equipped variants from 1959 onward improve reliability in sustained use. Compression ratio of 7.0:1 allows tolerance of low-octane fuels but limits efficiency and output by modern standards.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 30 or 20W-50 mineral oil (Ford UK Workshop Manual WM-FHA-1957). No synthetic oil compatibility in original specification.
Emissions: No Euro compliance applies; pre-1970 vehicles are exempt from modern emissions standards (VCA Historic Vehicle Guidelines).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE Gross standards. Output is lower under modern SAE Net standards due to accessory and exhaust losses.
Ford UK Engineering Archive: Docs FHA-ENG-001, VTR/FHA/1957, ES/FHA/1957
Ford UK Service Bulletin 57-ME-1
SAE International: SAE J245 Engine Power Measurement Standards (Historical)
The Ford FHA was used across Ford's Thames and Fordson commercial platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated generator and starter mounting points for van and truck body variants and revised cooling for tropical export markets-and from 1959 the updated Thames 400E adopted a water pump-equipped cooling system, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code cast into the right-hand side of the cylinder block, just below the cylinder head (Ford UK Engineering Archive Doc. FHA-ENG-001). The engine number prefix "FHA" indicates the model series. Pre-1959 models have a thermosiphon cooling system (no water pump); post-1959 units feature a belt-driven water pump mounted at the front. Critical differentiation from 2.2L inline-four: FHA is a 3.3L inline-six with six exhaust manifold ports and a longer block. Service parts require production date verification - cylinder heads for pre-1959 models lack water pump provisions and are incompatible with later units (Ford UK Service Bulletin 57-ME-1).
The FHA's primary reliability risk is exhaust valve seat recession when operated on unleaded fuel, with elevated incidence in unrestored historic vehicles. Ford UK field reports from 1960 indicated a significant number of pre-1959 models required valve jobs before 50,000 miles, while UK VOSA historic vehicle inspection records show related compression loss contributing to operational failures. Extended use without fuel additives or modifications increases valve wear, making fuel adaptation and oil quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford UK technical bulletins (1957-1962) and UK VOSA historic vehicle inspection data (1960-1975). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD FHA.
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