The Ford XUJF is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1989 and 1998. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 8‑valve layout with a cast‑iron block and aluminium head, delivering 85 bhp (63 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 145 Nm (107 lb·ft) of torque at 2,500 rpm. Its robust pushrod‑free valvetrain design offered improved efficiency over earlier Kent engines while maintaining serviceability.
Fitted primarily to the Ford Escort Mk4, Orion, and early Fiesta Mk3 models, the XUJF was engineered for economical urban and mixed‑use driving with modest performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a basic electronic fuel injection system (Bosch Mono‑Jetronic) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing Euro 1 compliance from 1992 onward under EU Directive 91/441/EEC.
One documented concern is head gasket failure under sustained high load or overheating conditions, noted in Ford Engineering Service Bulletin ESB‑89‑XUJF. This issue stems from thermal expansion mismatch between the cast‑iron block and aluminium head, particularly in engines lacking proper coolant maintenance or thermostat function.
Production years 1989–1992 meet pre‑Euro standards; 1992–1998 models comply with Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2089).
The Ford XUJF is a 1,796 cc inline‑four SOHC petrol engine engineered for compact economy cars (1989–1998). It combines electronic fuel injection with a lightweight aluminium cylinder head to deliver reliable low‑speed torque and improved fuel economy over carburetted predecessors. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards from 1992, it balances drivability with service simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded compatible) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 85 bhp (63 kW) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 145 Nm (107 lb·ft) @ 2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Mono‑Jetronic single‑point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (from 1992); pre‑Euro (1989–1991) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with thermostat and electric fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 semi‑synthetic (API SG/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The XUJF provides smooth low‑rev torque ideal for city driving but requires strict 60,000 km timing belt replacement to prevent catastrophic valve/piston contact. Use of correct 10W‑40 oil is essential to protect the aluminium head and hydraulic lifters. Coolant must be refreshed every 2 years to prevent corrosion and head gasket failure, especially in pre‑1995 builds. The Bosch Mono‑Jetronic system is sensitive to fuel pressure and air leaks—inspect vacuum hoses and fuel regulator regularly. Engines built before 1992 lack EGR and catalytic converters, affecting emissions legality in regulated zones.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W‑40 semi-synthetic meeting API SG/CD (Ford Lubrication Guide LG‑XUJF, 1991).
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1992–1998 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2089). Pre-1992 units are non-compliant with post-1992 EU standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE gross standards (pre‑1992) and DIN 70020 (post‑1992). Figures reflect flywheel output (Ford Spec Sheet XUJF‑89).
Ford UK Workshop Manual Escort Mk4 (1989)
Ford Engineering Service Bulletin ESB‑89‑XUJF
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Historic & Current Vehicle Database (VCA/EMS/2089)
Ford UK Parts Catalogue (1990)
EU Directive 91/441/EEC (Euro 1 Implementation)
The Ford XUJF was used across Ford's Escort/Orion and Fiesta platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Orion Ghia and updated ECU maps in post‑1992 Euro 1 models—and from 1995 the coolant passage design was slightly modified to reduce thermal stress, creating interchange considerations for head gaskets. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the block near the timing belt cover (Ford Workshop Manual Escort Mk4). The XUJF is distinguished by its 1,796 cc displacement, SOHC 8‑valve head, and Bosch Mono‑Jetronic throttle body with single injector. Pre‑1992 units lack a catalytic converter and EGR valve; post‑1992 engines feature a lambda sensor and cat. Do not confuse with the 1.6 CVH (CCT) or Zetec engines, which use DOHC or different belt covers.
The XUJF's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure due to thermal stress between dissimilar metals, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or coolant neglect. Ford internal reports from 1991 noted a significant number of warranty claims related to coolant mixing with oil, while UK DVSA MOT data shows elevated failure rates in pre‑1995 examples lacking updated gasket materials. Infrequent maintenance and incorrect oil or coolant accelerate wear, making periodic inspection and fluid changes critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (1989–1998) and UK DVSA MOT failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD XUJF.
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