The Ford SEA is a 998 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2021. It features direct fuel injection, a single‑scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 74 kW (100 PS) and 170 Nm of torque, prioritizing urban efficiency with responsive low-end performance.
Fitted to entry-level models such as the Fiesta Mk8, Puma (early base variants), and Ka+, the SEA was engineered for city driving and cost-effective ownership. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and precise fuel metering, meeting Euro 6 and Euro 6b standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, leading to chain rattle and potential misalignment. This issue, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 17S09, affects early-production SEA engines (2015–2017) and stems from marginal lubrication design at the tensioner pivot. From 2018, Ford introduced a revised tensioner with improved oil feed to resolve the defect.
Production years 2015–2017 meet Euro 6 standards; 2018–2021 models comply with Euro 6b (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/SEA2018).
The Ford SEA is a 998 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for compact city cars (2015–2021). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low-end response and class-leading fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6 and Euro 6b emissions standards, it balances urban agility with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (single‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 71.9 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (100 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 1,400–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 (2015–2017); Euro 6b (2018–2021) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Honeywell TD025 single‑scroll | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B1 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The single-scroll turbo provides immediate torque ideal for stop-start urban driving but demands strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using Ford‑specified 5W‑30 to protect the timing chain tensioner. Extended oil life or incorrect viscosity accelerates tensioner wear, risking chain rattle and misalignment. The Bosch HDP5 system requires EN 228‑compliant petrol with ≤10 ppm sulfur. Post‑2018 engines include a revised tensioner per Ford SIB 17S09; pre‑2018 units should be inspected during major service. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to low specific output but may occur in high-mileage urban use.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B1 (5W‑30) specification (Ford SIB 17S09). Not interchangeable with older Ford oil specs.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to 2015–2017 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/SEA2018). Euro 6b compliance confirmed for 2018–2021 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on EU‑spec Fiesta Mk8 chassis.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs SEA‑A02, SEA‑A04, SIB 17S09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/SEA2018)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford SEA was used across Ford's B‑platform derivatives with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Fiesta and simplified cooling routing in the Ka+—and from 2018 the updated tensioner specification created minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Ford TIS SEA‑A01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('A' for SEA series). Pre-2018 models use black cam covers with silver coolant pipes; post-2018 units feature gloss-black covers and updated tensioner markings. Critical differentiation from Sigma 1.0L: SEA has turbocharger and direct injection; Sigma is naturally aspirated with port injection. Service parts require production date verification—tensioners before 01/2018 are incompatible with updated oil galleries (Ford SIB 17S09).
The SEA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or cold-climate use. Ford internal data from 2018 indicated a measurable rate of chain rattle complaints before 70,000 km in pre-2018 builds, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust EGR design. Short-trip urban driving and extended oil intervals increase tensioner stress, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2017–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD SEA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FORD or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FORD Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFORD documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
