Ford Focus / St 150 1.8L QQDB / QQDA engine
R16,500.00
The Ford 1.8L QQDB is a naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder petrol engine belonging to the Duratec HE (MI4) family. Developed in collaboration with Mazda, it features an all-aluminium construction and was widely used in European Ford models during the mid-to-late 2000s.
Technical Specifications
The QQDB is a reliable “long-runner” often capable of exceeding 350,000 km with proper maintenance.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC |
| Displacement | 1,798 cc |
| Power Output | 92 kW (125 PS / 123 hp) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 165 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 83.0 mm x 83.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel System | Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) |
Key Design Features
- Timing System: Unlike many smaller Ford engines of this era, the 1.8 Duratec HE uses a timing chain rather than a belt, which typically lasts the lifetime of the engine if oil changes are frequent.
- Construction: Both the cylinder head and engine block are made of lightweight aluminium alloy with cast-iron cylinder liners for durability.
- Intake Manifold: Features “tumble flaps” (swirl flaps) designed to improve air-fuel mixing at low speeds for better efficiency.
Vehicle Applications
The QQDB engine code is most commonly associated with:
- Ford Focus Mk2 (2004–2011).
- Ford C-MAX Mk1 (2003–2010).
Common Maintenance & Issues
- Oil Consumption: High-mileage units may suffer from worn piston rings or valve stem seals, leading to increased oil consumption.
- Swirl Flap Failure: The plastic flaps in the intake manifold can become loose or brittle over time. If they break and are ingested by the engine, they can cause severe internal damage.
- Thermostat & Cooling: Plastic thermostat housings are known to crack or leak, which can lead to overheating.
- Dirty Throttle Body: Common symptoms like uneven idling or stalling are often solved by cleaning the electronic throttle body.