The Ford LCS is a 1,796 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1989. Part of the Ford Pinto engine family, it features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration, and carburettor fuel delivery. Designed for compact and mid-size applications, it produces 67 kW (91 PS) and 143 Nm of torque, offering balanced performance for economical driving.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Sierra (pre-LCI), Ford Escort (Mk3), and Ford Capri (final revisions), the LCS was engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising. Emissions control is achieved via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and catalytic converter, enabling compliance with early Euro 1 precursor standards in West Germany and the UK by 1986.
One documented concern is intake manifold cracking near the thermostat housing, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin 87-19-05. This issue arises from thermal cycling stress and inconsistent coolant flow, particularly in stop-start driving conditions. Later production units incorporated a revised manifold casting with thicker ribbing to improve durability.
Production years 1985–1986 meet domestic emissions standards; 1987–1989 models comply with Euro 1 equivalent regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).
The Ford LCS is a 1,796 cc inline-four SOHC petrol engine developed for compact and family vehicles (1985–1989). It combines carburettor induction with a cast-iron block to deliver predictable performance and serviceability. Designed to meet evolving emissions standards, it balances economy with reliability in high-volume applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.8 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 67 kW (91 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 143 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 32 TLA twin-barrel carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 equivalent (1987–1989) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral (API SH) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The SOHC carburetted design provides predictable power delivery ideal for city driving, but requires regular carburettor adjustment and choke maintenance in cold climates. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SH is required due to the engine's design and bearing clearances. Overheating or inconsistent coolant flow increases the risk of intake manifold cracking, particularly near the thermostat housing. The Weber 32 TLA carburettor is sensitive to fuel quality and should be cleaned annually to prevent mixture imbalance. Vehicles used in urban environments should have cooling system inspections every 24,000 km to maintain longevity. Post-1987 models feature improved manifold castings; pre-1987 units should be inspected for hairline fractures under thermal stress.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SH (Ford Owner's Manual 1986). Synthetic blends not advised for original-spec preservation.
Emissions: Euro 1 equivalent certification applies to 1987–1989 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680). Pre-1987 models met national standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies with carburettor calibration and ambient temperature (Ford Group PT-1987).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PNT-ENG-87, PNT-1796-03, SIB 87-19-05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5680)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Ford LCS was used across Ford's Sierra, Escort, and Capri platforms with transverse mounting in hatchbacks and longitudinal in coupes, with no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-fuel mixture tuning for automatic transmission variants and revised exhaust manifolds for estate models-and from 1988 the facelifted Sierra adopted fuel injection (LCS-i), creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front lower edge of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Ford TIS PNT-87-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for 1.8L Pinto). Pre-1986 units have a chrome valve cover with "Pinto" script; post-1986 models use black paint. Critical differentiation from LCS-i: Original LCS uses a Weber 32 TLA carburettor with manual choke, while LCS-i has Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Service parts require casting number verification - intake manifolds before 09/1986 (casting #1118122) are prone to cracking and should be inspected.
The LCS's primary reliability risk is intake manifold cracking near the thermostat housing, with elevated incidence in high-cycle or poorly maintained vehicles. Ford internal reports from 1988 indicated a significant number of pre-1987 engines required manifold replacement before 130,000 km, while VCA field data shows cooling-related failures were a leading cause of emissions non-compliance in vintage vehicle inspections. Thermal cycling and incorrect coolant mixture amplify stress, making cooling system maintenance and proper warm-up procedures critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1985-1989) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD LCS.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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.
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