Ford D4 Engine spares

[ilduc944]

Hi all. My yacht has a Ford D4 (or 4D, depending on what you read it seems) engine. This is a fairly elderly engine that I understand used to be fitted regularly to commercial type vessels and some yachts of the era, the yacht being from 1977. I've not had the yacht long and there's a fair bit of work to do before I get the chance to use the engine in anger, but I've had it running, not under load, and it seems okay. There's a question over the availability of spares, both in the UK and abroad. Does anyone have any knowledge of these engines and where spare parts can be sourced, preferably in the UK. I've been told about one place in Kent but the guy I spoke to couldn't remember the company name. I'd also be interested in any documents that have details of these units.

Any info would be very helpful so thanks in advance.

 

[Tradewinds]

Try Lancing Marine - they specialise in marinised Fords
Nr Brighton
01273 410025

 

[santelmo]

I suspect that it is the same engine that I have, generally known as the ford Dorset made in Dagenham. It was/is a general purpose industrial engine, many went into tractors and other agricultural uses. It has a good reputation as a robust engine. Spares for the base unit are readily available and as mentioned Lancing Marine is your best bet. this summer I had to have mine rebuilt and all the spares came from Lancing. I have a full service manual on my hard drive that I can send to you. Most of the marine ones have the Lehman marinisation but there are others, as of this summer mine is now Bowman. PM me if you like

 

[ilduc944]

Hi - PM sent.

 

[PCUK]

Bought pistons and shells for a 4D from the local engineering suppliers last year.

 

[Mermaid-Jon]

Hi - The term 4D is a bit generic and is generally used for the very early Thames Trader (592E) based engines, but these were in production between 1954 & 1965 / 1966. We then moved to the Dorset (2700E) range from 1965 to 1981 and finally to Dover (2720E) from 1982 until 1992.
If your engine is 1977 vintage then it is most likely a Dorset 2700E series - probably either a 2711E or 2712E.
We have spares and technical advice available - just call Stephen Atkins at the Poole office on 01202-677776.
All the best
Jon