The Ford LCBA is a 1,498 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. Part of the Ford EcoBoost family, it features direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with Ti-VCT variable valve timing. It delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering strong mid-range performance and responsive throttle characteristics.
Fitted to models including the Ford Focus (Mk4), Puma, and Kuga, the LCBA was engineered for dynamic driving with improved low-end torque and thermal efficiency. Emissions compliance is achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and integrated exhaust manifold, enabling Euro 6.2 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is potential high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under extended service intervals, highlighted in Ford Service Action 19B03. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication due to fuel quality variations. From 2020, revised fuel pump calibration and updated injector sealing were introduced to improve durability and reduce leak risks.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6.2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Ford LCBA is a 1,498 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact models (2018–2023). It combines direct injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive mid-range performance and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6.2 standards, it balances sporty driving dynamics with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct fuel injection (GDI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6.2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-B (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The turbocharged design provides strong low-to-mid RPM torque ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent HPFP and turbo wear. Ford WSS-M2C949-B (5W-30) oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and protection for direct injection components. Short-trip driving increases carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of fuel washing. Post-2020 models feature updated HPFP calibration and injector seals; pre-2020 units should be inspected per Ford Service Action 19B03. The close-coupled catalytic converter requires fuel meeting EN 228 standards to prevent thermal degradation and emissions failures.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-B (5W-30) specification (Ford WSS-M2C949-B). Meets ACEA C2 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6.2 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades meeting EN 228 (Ford WSM Doc. 307-01-02).
Ford Workshop Manual (WSM): Docs 307-01-02, 307-02-02, 307-03-02, Service Action 19B03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Ford LCBA was used across Ford's C2 and CD4 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated exhaust manifold in the Focus and revised turbo mounting in the Kuga-and from 2020 the facelifted Puma adopted minor ECU recalibrations, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Ford WSM 307-01-02). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for LCBA series). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2020 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated variants: LCBA uses direct injection and a turbocharger, while older units use port injection. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 03/2020 are incompatible with later units due to calibration and seal redesign (Ford Service Action 19B03).
The LCBA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban use with frequent cold starts. Internal Ford quality reports from 2021 indicated a notable share of pre-2020 engines requiring fuel system inspection before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to catalytic converter overheating in high-mileage units. Cold-start cycles and extended oil intervals increase HPFP and turbo stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD LCBA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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