The Ford LJF is a 1,498 cc, inline-three petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It belongs to Ford's EcoBoost family, featuring direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and port fuel injection (dual injection) to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon buildup. With a compact design and low weight, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, making it ideal for compact and subcompact vehicles requiring strong low-end pull and responsive driving characteristics.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Focus ST and Puma ST models in European and North American markets, the LJF engine was engineered for high-performance driving with rapid throttle response and improved thermal efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled catalytic converter, cooled EGR, and dual injection technology, enabling Euro 6d and EPA Tier 3 standards across its production run. Its advanced combustion system contributes to lower particulate emissions and improved fuel economy.
One documented concern involves early high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly under high-load operating conditions. This issue, highlighted in Ford Service Action 20B09, is attributed to premature plunger wear due to fuel quality sensitivity and thermal stress. In 2021, Ford introduced a revised HPFP with enhanced metallurgy and cooling channels to mitigate the problem across all subsequent production units.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-Full standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Ford LJF is a 1,498 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance-oriented compact vehicles (2018–2023). It combines direct and port fuel injection with a low-inertia turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and refined drivability. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with environmental compliance and long-term reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection + port injection (dual-mode, up to 250 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett GT1549V variable-nozzle turbo with integrated wastegate | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C946-B (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 104 kg |
The turbocharged design provides strong mid-range pull ideal for spirited driving but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals to protect the turbo bearings and timing chain. Ford WSS-M2C946-B (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and anti-wear additives critical for dual-injection components. Cold starts should be followed by gentle operation for 1–2 minutes to ensure proper turbo lubrication. The HDEV6 fuel system requires regular use of high-quality petrol (RON 95 minimum) to prevent deposit formation. Post-2021 models feature revised high-pressure fuel pumps; pre-2021 units should be inspected per Ford Service Action 20B09. The catalytic converter must be monitored for thermal degradation under frequent short trips.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-B (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 20 05 16). Compatible with ACEA C2.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all models (2018–2023) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full torque available from 1,600 rpm with clean intake and correct fuel quality (Ford TIS Doc. B16935).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B15802, B16356, SIB 20 05 16
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford LJF was used across Ford's B/C-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened exhaust manifolds in the Puma ST and revised intake routing for packaging-and from 2021 the facelifted Focus ST adopted updated high-pressure fuel pump designs, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS B16023). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for LJF series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with exposed turbo inlet; post-2021 units use black valve covers with integrated ducting. Critical differentiation from non-turbo variants: LJF features a Garrett VNT turbocharger and high-pressure fuel pump on the cylinder head. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 06/2021 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 20B09).
The LJF's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip driving. Internal Ford quality reports from 2022 indicated a measurable share of pre-2021 engines requiring fuel pump service before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalytic converter failures in stop-start traffic. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase turbo and catalyst thermal stress, making oil quality and warm-up procedures 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 LJF.
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