The Ford LJB is a 1,998 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It forms part of Ford's Duratec family, featuring port fuel injection, naturally aspirated design, and twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT). Designed for mainstream applications, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 188 Nm of torque, offering balanced performance and fuel efficiency for daily driving.
Fitted to models including the Focus (C519), Mondeo (CD391), and S-MAX (WA6), the LJB was engineered for smooth refinement and long-term durability. 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 proven architecture supports transverse front-wheel-drive layouts with minimal complexity.
One documented concern is intake manifold runner flap failure, identified in Ford Service Action 20S09. This issue arises from fatigue cracking in the plastic actuator linkage under thermal cycling, leading to partial or full flap detachment. From 2020, revised nylon-reinforced flap arms and updated ECU diagnostics were implemented to improve longevity and prevent foreign object damage to the combustion chamber.
Production years 2018–2020 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2021–2023 models comply with full Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Ford LJB is a 1,998 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mainstream passenger vehicles (2018–2023). It combines port fuel injection with twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver smooth throttle response and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances reliability and efficiency with low maintenance demands.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 93.2 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 188 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch port fuel injection (up to 4.5 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2021–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, non-interference) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C946-B (5W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear power delivery ideal for relaxed driving but benefits from regular highway operation to maintain intake cleanliness. Ford WSS-M2C946-B (5W-20) oil is essential due to its low viscosity formulation optimized for fuel economy and cam lobe protection. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup on the EGR and intake valves, necessitating periodic inspection. The port fuel injection system is less prone to intake deposits than direct injection but still requires EGR maintenance. Post-2020 models feature revised intake runner flaps; pre-2020 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 20S09. The three-way catalytic converter requires regular load to maintain efficiency.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-B (5W-20) specification (Ford SIB 20S09). Meets ACEA A1/B1 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2020 models (VCA #VCA/EMS/5681). Full Euro 6d compliance confirmed for 2021–2023 units.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 103 kW output requires RON 95+ fuel (Ford TIS Doc. ENG-LJB-002).
Ford Technical Information Service (TIS): Docs ENG-LJB-001, FUEL-LJB-05, SIB 20S09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
ISO 8854:2021 Road vehicles — Light-duty compression- and spark-ignition engines — Gaseous emissions measurement
The Ford LJB was used across Ford's C2 and D4 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer intake manifolds in the Mondeo and revised engine mounts in the S-MAX-and from 2020 the facelifted Focus adopted updated ECU calibration and intake runner flap hardware, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the oil filter housing (Ford TIS ENG-LJB-001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('U' for LJB series). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2020 units use gloss black valve covers. Critical differentiation from EcoBoost: LJB is naturally aspirated with no turbocharger or intercooler; uses port fuel injection instead of direct injection. Service parts require production date verification - intake runner flaps for models before 04/2020 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 20S09).
The LJB's primary reliability risk is intake manifold runner flap failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent thermal cycling. Internal Ford quality reports from 2019 indicated a notable share of pre-2020 engines requiring intake manifold replacement 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 LJB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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