Ford XLD 416 Engines

[jimmiley]

These engines were commonly fitted to various vehicles in the UK in the 1980's and many were marinsed under the Thornycroft and Bowman brands.

The engines were not fitted to vehicles here in Oz but a limited number were imported as marine and gen set conversions. Despite extensive enquiries I have been unable to find a source of any spare parts other than belts and filters but more importantly technical/workshop/repair documentation.

I have one of the very few imported engines in my boat and whilst it has done remarkably low hours I would like to know more about them with regard to reliability, strengths, weaknesses etc.

I would really appreciate all the feedback I can get.

Regards

Jim Miley
Hobart
Tasmania
Australia

 

[tritonofnor]

I always buy parts from my local factors as if the boat was a 1985 Ford Fiesta - difficult if they weren't used in Oz I guess!

Mine came from Lancing Marine here in the uk who can supply parts.(www.lancingmarine.com)

Haynes Publishing do a manual specific to this engine ISBN 1 85960 224 X, which, although it doesn't include marinised versions, I have found quite useful.

 

[brianhumber]

Re: Ford XLD 416 Engines - Good Uns

These were the industrial version of the diesel 1.6 and 1.8 used in several European cars built by Ford.

As such spares are still dirt cheap and very easy to get.

I seem to recall Fords in Aus were called Holdens so the basic block may have been fitted to some the models badged by them.

The bottom end also has some parts same as petrol engines.

A major marinizer here in UK was and still is Mermaid Engines of Poole. They still use the latest Ford. Their spares department is very helpful and relaible but I have got the few eninge bits I needed such as Cambelt direct from Ford.

I have a 1987 1.6 in my yacht, hours nearly 5,000 and although oil pressure has dopped off 10psi over the years it is still over 50psi when running on load.

Reliability has been superb, all I have needed to do is put a new thermostat in 5 years ago, this was really a precaution as my instrument has allways read high and I also put a new set of glow plugs and changed the cambelt about 5 years ago. The special tools needed for this are easily made up from a set bolt and cut off angle iron section.

Otherwise I only change the oil and fuel filters annually, I do not change the oil but analyse it yearly. We have good quality low sulphur fuel over here and changing oil is just not required in spite of what the pratts writing in the magazines keep on about. My injectors have also lasted over 8 years and I run throughout the winter months here with no cold starting problems.

I see no reason why it should not last another 15 years.

Brian
Chichester Harbour
UK

 

[FullCircle]

Re: Ford XLD 416 Engines - Good Uns

I am digging through my Ford Customer Service contacts, will get back to you later.

 

[Rowana]

Re: Ford XLD 416 Engines - Good Uns

I thought Holdens were Vauxhall (General Motors) ???

 

[jimmiley]

Re: Ford XLD 416 Engines - Good Uns

Thanks for your replies to my post, I am greatly encouraged that those of you who have had experience with them have had good service.Here in Oz Ford is Ford and Holden is General Motors. Have made a great contact through a PM reply I received who has offered to help with obtaining technical literature and parts

Thanks again

Jim in Oz

 

[Forbsie]

Re: Ford XLD 416 Engines - Good Uns

I marinised my one with parts from ASAP Supplies they are very helpful and I'm sure would be glad to ship across to Oz.

 

[astrayspray]

Hi Jim, was searching for info myself on Ford XLD416 engine as we have one in our boat too. We found the new starter solenoid that we required, even though it is a bosch is exactly the same as the Holden Commodore. This may be a coincidence but other parts may also be similar. We have also discovered that the engine was used in Ford Escorts in the UK. Hope it helps. If you find anywhere else for parts would be interested to know. Am surfing for info atm as we have a water/oil mixture in all four cylinders, may have found the problem in the non return valve in the breather pipe from the tappet cover to the air filter. But any extra help we can get would be helpful. We have a service manual if you still need one. I am sure we can find somewhere that would be able to copy it.