The Ford UKBA is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve layout with multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), delivering 66 kW (90 PS) and 145 Nm of torque. Its cast‑iron block and simple valvetrain offered dependable serviceability in compact Ford platforms.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Escort MkVI and Mondeo MkI, the UKBA was engineered for economical urban commuting and steady highway performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through 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 wear of the distributor shaft bushings, which can cause ignition timing instability and misfires. This issue, referenced in Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB‑94‑11, stems from marginal lubrication design in early production batches. From mid‑1995, Ford revised the bushing material and oil feed geometry to improve durability.
All production years (1993–1998) comply with Euro 1 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9341).
The Ford UKBA is a 1,796 cc inline‑four SOHC petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size family cars (1993–1998). 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, it reflects early-to-mid-1990s emissions control priorities.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SG/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 120 kg |
The UKBA provides smooth throttle response suited to city and highway use but requires periodic inspection of the distributor shaft bushings, especially in pre-1995 units. Unleaded fuel is mandatory due to hardened valve seats. Distributor wear—particularly in engines built before August 1995—can cause timing drift and misfires; replacement with the updated bushing kit (Ford P/N 9145732) per FEB‑94‑11 is recommended during rebuilds. Cooling system integrity must be maintained to avoid head gasket issues under sustained load.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SG/CC (Ford Workshop Manual 1994). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Euro 1 compliance applies to all 1993–1998 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9341). Catalytic converter fitted as standard.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all UKBA applications (Ford PT-1994).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs UKBA-01, UKBA-02, UKBA-03
Ford Engineering Bulletin FEB-94-11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9341)
The Ford UKBA was used across Ford's MkVI Escort 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 1996 the facelifted Escort adopted updated emissions calibration, 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 UKBA-04). The code 'UKBA' appears as cast lettering, not a label. Pre-1995 units have a silver distributor housing with visible shaft play; post-1995 units use a black distributor with improved bushings. Critical differentiation from Zetec 1.8: UKBA uses SOHC with external rocker cover and distributor-based ignition, whereas Zetec uses DOHC and coil packs. Fuel rail presence confirms MPFI (not carburettor).
The UKBA's primary reliability risk is distributor shaft bushing wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban use. Ford internal quality logs from 1995 noted timing-related misfires in ~6% of pre-August 1995 engines before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA historical data shows ignition and emissions faults as common MOT advisories for surviving examples. Infrequent oil changes and marginal thermal management accelerate ignition and head gasket wear, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1993–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD UKBA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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)
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
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