The Ford LCT is a 2,698 cc, twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's GTDI EcoBoost engine family, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection, and advanced thermal management. In standard tune, it delivers 265 kW (360 PS) with peak torque of 500 Nm available from 2,500 rpm, enabling high-performance driving characteristics across large SUVs and performance sedans.
Fitted to models such as the Explorer ST, Edge ST, and Taurus SHO, the LCT was engineered for drivers seeking robust power delivery and towing capability without sacrificing refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual close-coupled three-way catalytic converters and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing Euro 6d compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump wear under sustained high-load operation, noted in Ford Service Action 20S18. This issue arises from prolonged high-rail-pressure demand during aggressive driving or towing. From 2021, Ford revised the pump internal plunger design and updated engine calibration to reduce peak pressure spikes, improving durability in later production units.
All production years (2019–2023) meet full Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Ford LCT is a 2,698 cc twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine engineered for high-performance applications (2019–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with sequential turbocharging to deliver strong mid-range torque and rapid throttle response. Designed to meet full Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with regulated efficiency and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,698 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 73.5 mm | |
| Power output | 265 kW (360 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 2,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin Garrett GT1544Z variable-nozzle turbochargers (sequential) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (dual-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-B2 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The twin-turbo setup provides strong low-end torque ideal for towing and performance driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent fuel pump and turbo bearing wear. Ford WSS-M2C949-B2 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its high-temperature stability and detergency formulation protecting the high-pressure fuel system. Extended high-load operation increases thermal stress on the intercoolers and EGR system, necessitating periodic inspection. The HDEV6 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel quality; use of premium unleaded (RON 98) is recommended for sustained performance. Post-2021 models feature revised fuel pump plunger design; pre-2021 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 20S18. EGR and catalytic converter longevity depend on complete regeneration cycles.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-B2 (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 20S18). Replaces ACEA C2 in Ford applications.
Emissions: All LCT engines (2019–2023) comply with full Euro 6d standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output maintained with RON 95 fuel; RON 98 recommended for optimal throttle response and thermal management (Ford TIS Doc. D20500).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D19800, D20105, SIB 20S18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford LCT was used across Ford's CD6 and UN platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced cooling in the Explorer ST and revised torque delivery in the Edge ST-and from 2021 the updated Taurus SHO adopted the revised fuel pump and calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the oil filter housing (Ford TIS D19800). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for LCT series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2021 units use gloss black valve covers. Critical differentiation from base 2.7L EcoBoost: LCT features larger displacement, twin turbochargers, and revised intake manifold. Service parts require production date verification - high-pressure fuel pumps for engines before 05/2021 are incompatible with later units due to internal plunger redesign (Ford SIB 20S18).
The LCT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in towing and high-performance use. Internal Ford quality reports from 2022 indicated a notable share of pre-2021 engines requiring pump replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to EGR clogging in city-driven vehicles. Frequent high-load operation and low-quality fuel increase stress on the fuel system, making fuel quality and driving pattern considerations critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD LCT.
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