The Ford L4B is a 1,497 cc, inline-three petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's EcoBoost family, featuring direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT). Designed for compact and subcompact applications, it delivers 88 kW (120 PS) and 170 Nm of torque, balancing urban efficiency with responsive daily drivability.
Fitted to models including the Fiesta (Mk8), Focus (C519), and Puma (P459), the L4B was engineered to offer strong low-end torque and smooth throttle response for city driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling Euro 6d-TEMP compliance across its production run. Its compact size and modular design support transverse front-wheel-drive architectures.
One documented concern is intake manifold carbon buildup, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent short-trip operation. This issue, identified in Ford Service Information Bulletin 19S15, arises from oil vapour accumulation due to PCV system design and reduced EGR cleaning cycles. From 2021, revised EGR valve calibration and updated intake port geometry were implemented to reduce deposit formation.
Production years 2018–2020 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2021–2023 models comply with full Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Ford L4B is a 1,497 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact vehicles (2018–2023). It combines direct injection with twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver responsive throttle characteristics and strong low-RPM torque. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with improved fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,497 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 1,400–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2021–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI VF34 variable-vane turbo with internal wastegate | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, non-interference) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 116 kg |
The IHI VF34 turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent bearing and wastegate wear. Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection of the direct injection system. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup on the EGR and intake valves, necessitating periodic cleaning. The HDEV5 fuel pump demands high-octane (RON 95+) petrol meeting EN 228 standards to prevent knock and maintain performance. Post-2021 models feature updated EGR calibration; pre-2021 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 19S15. The three-way catalytic converter requires regular highway runs to maintain efficiency.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19S15). Meets ACEA C2 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2020 models (VCA #VCA/EMS/5679). Full Euro 6d compliance confirmed for 2021–2023 units.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 88 kW output requires RON 95+ fuel (Ford TIS Doc. ENG-L4B-002).
Ford Technical Information Service (TIS): Docs ENG-L4B-001, FUEL-L4B-05, SIB 19S15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
ISO 8854:2021 Road vehicles — Light-duty compression- and spark-ignition engines — Gaseous emissions measurement
The Ford L4B was used across Ford's C2 and CV platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Fiesta and revised engine mounts in the Puma-and from 2021 the facelifted Focus adopted updated ECU calibration and EGR valve design, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS ENG-L4B-001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('X' for L4B series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2021 units use gloss black valve covers. Critical differentiation from L1F: L4B produces 88 kW (120 PS) vs 103 kW (140 PS); ECU calibration and turbo boost maps differ. Service parts require production date verification - EGR valves for models before 06/2021 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 19S15).
The L4B's primary reliability risk is intake manifold carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2020 indicated a notable share of pre-2021 engines requiring intake cleaning before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related MOT failures linked to EGR clogging in city-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and low-speed operation increase carbon accumulation, making oil quality and driving pattern awareness critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD L4B.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
