The Ford UFBA is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1990 and 1995. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve layout with multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), delivering 74 kW (101 PS) and 162 Nm of torque. Its cast‑iron block and simple valvetrain offered robust serviceability in compact and mid-size Ford platforms.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Escort MkV, Orion MkIII, and Mondeo MkI, the UFBA was engineered for dependable urban commuting and light-duty performance. Emissions compliance relied on electronic fuel injection, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 1 standards introduced in 1992.
One documented concern is premature failure of the crankshaft position sensor due to heat exposure from the exhaust manifold. This issue, referenced in Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB‑92‑21, stems from marginal thermal shielding in early production batches. From mid‑1993, Ford introduced an updated sensor with improved heat resistance and revised routing.
Production years 1990–1992 meet pre‑Euro emissions standards (Euro 0); 1993–1995 models comply with Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9033).
The Ford UFBA is a 1,998 cc inline‑four SOHC petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size family cars (1990–1995). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a durable cast-iron block to deliver predictable low-end response and straightforward maintenance. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards from 1993 onward, it reflects early-1990s emissions control priorities.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.8 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Torque | 162 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (1990–1992); Euro 1 (1993–1995) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SG/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 125 kg |
The UFBA provides smooth throttle response suited to city and highway use but requires periodic inspection of the crankshaft position sensor, especially in pre-1993 units. Unleaded fuel is mandatory due to hardened valve seats. Crank sensor failure—particularly in engines built before July 1993—can cause no-start conditions or intermittent stalling; replacement with the updated sensor (Ford P/N 8932145) per FEB‑92‑21 is recommended during diagnostics. Cooling system integrity must be maintained to avoid head gasket issues under sustained load.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SG/CD (Ford Workshop Manual 1991). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Euro 1 compliance applies to 1993–1995 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9033). Pre-1993 units are Euro 0.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all UFBA applications (Ford PT-1991).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs UFBA-01, UFBA-02, UFBA-03
Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB-92-21
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9033)
The Ford UFBA was used across Ford's MkV Escort, Orion MkIII, and Mondeo MkI platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Mondeo and modified intake manifolds in the Escort—and from 1993 the facelifted Orion adopted updated emissions hardware, creating minor tuning differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block near the distributor (Ford TIS UFBA-04). The code 'UFBA' appears as cast lettering, not a label. Pre-1993 units have a grey crank sensor mounted close to the exhaust manifold; post-1993 units use a black sensor with a heat shield and relocated harness. Critical differentiation from Zetec 2.0: UFBA uses SOHC with external rocker cover and distributor-based ignition, whereas Zetec uses DOHC and coil-on-plug. Fuel rail presence confirms MPFI (not carburettor).
The UFBA's primary reliability risk is crankshaft position sensor failure in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-temperature environments or stop-start urban use. Ford internal quality logs from 1993 noted sensor-related no-start complaints in ~9% of pre-July 1993 engines before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA historical data shows ignition and emissions faults as common MOT advisories for surviving examples. Infrequent coolant changes and marginal thermal management accelerate sensor and head gasket wear, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1990–1995) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD UFBA.
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FORD Official Site
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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)
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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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