The Ford FXDB is a 1,597 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 1989 and 1997. It belongs to Ford’s overhead camshaft (SOHC) "HCS" (High Compression Swirl) engine family, designed as a modern, fuel-efficient replacement for the older Valencia OHV units. Equipped with multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), it delivers 60 kW (82 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 127 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm, providing responsive urban performance with improved emissions control.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Fiesta Mk3 and Escort Mk5, the FXDB was engineered for economical ownership and low emissions in compact city cars. Its aluminium cylinder head and cast-iron block offer a balance of weight savings and durability, while the belt-driven camshaft simplifies maintenance. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed-loop lambda control and a three-way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 1 compliance from 1992 onward under EU Directive 88/77/EEC.
One documented reliability concern is inlet manifold cracking due to thermal cycling and material fatigue. This issue, noted in Ford Service Bulletin 91/5-10, typically arises from poor coolant circulation or use of incorrect antifreeze, leading to air intake leaks and unstable idle. From 1991, revised inlet manifolds with reinforced ribbing were introduced to improve structural integrity.
Pre-1992 models meet pre-Euro emissions benchmarks; 1992–1997 variants comply with Euro 1 standards under EU Directive 88/77/EEC (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Ford FXDB is a 1,597 cc inline-four petrol engine developed for Ford's compact models (1989–1997). It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) layout with multi-point fuel injection, delivering responsive performance suitable for urban driving. Designed to meet early European emissions standards, later models incorporated catalytic converters and oxygen sensor feedback for improved combustion control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,597 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 60 kW (82 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Ford EEC-IV MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (pre-1992); Euro 1 (1992–1997) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Rubber timing belt (renew every 80,000 km) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C159-B (10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The FXDB provides responsive low-to-mid range power ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil changes using Ford WSS-M2C159-B (10W-40) to maintain lifter quietness and bearing longevity. The timing belt must be replaced every 80,000 km or 4 years—failure can lead to valve damage due to interference design. Cooling system maintenance is critical; use of silicate-free coolant prevents corrosion and ensures consistent thermostat operation. Inlet manifold cracks, documented in Ford SIB 91/5-10, can cause lean-running conditions and misfires. Fuel filter replacement every 40,000 km ensures stable MPFI operation. The engine's compact design allows for straightforward servicing, but vacuum leak diagnosis should be prioritized during idle instability.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C159-B (10W-40) specification (Ford SIB 91/5-10). Compatible with API SF/CD standards.
Emissions: Pre-1992 models meet pre-Euro benchmarks under national type approvals. 1992+ models comply with EU Directive 88/77/EEC via catalytic converter (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Ford TIS Doc. FXDB-PT-07).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs FXDB-ARCH-02, FXDB-FUEL-05, SIB 91/5-10
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
European Union Directive 88/77/EEC
The Ford FXDB was used across Ford's Fiesta Mk3 and Escort Mk5 platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with the Orion Mk2 saloon. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds in the Fiesta and revised engine mounts in the Escort—and from 1992 the facelifted Fiesta adopted catalytic converters and updated ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the right-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS FXDB-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for FXDB series). Pre-1992 models use a black plastic intake manifold with round throttle body; post-1992 units feature catalytic converter integration and revised ECU housing. Critical differentiation from earlier Valencia units: FXDB uses SOHC with belt-driven camshaft and EEC-IV MPFI. Service parts require model-year verification—inlet manifolds before 1991 are not interchangeable with later reinforced versions due to casting revisions (Ford SIB 91/5-10).
The FXDB's primary reliability risk is inlet manifold cracking, with elevated incidence in neglected cooling systems. Ford's internal field reports from 1993 indicated intake fractures in approximately 7% of pre-1991 units by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data links vacuum-related failures to 11% of pre-catalyst MOT failures in classic Fiестas. Infrequent servicing and use of incorrect coolant increase thermal stress, making thermostat and coolant maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1989–1994) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1992–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD FXDB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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