________________________________________________________________________________

Ford 2709E Engine

The Ford 2709E is a 6-cylinder, inline heavy-duty diesel engine belonging to the iconic Ford 2700 Range (commonly known as the Dorset series). Developed by Ford UK starting in the mid-1960s and 1970s, this engine was heavily utilized in industrial applications, commercial vehicles (Ford D-Series trucks), agricultural machinery, and marine conversions via companies like Ford Lehman. Architecturally, the 2709E represents the inclined version of the 2704E engine. It is engineered to sit at a 45-degree slant to the left to achieve a low-profile installation height, making it ideal for compact engine bays and under-floor layouts. The engine is highly regarded for its robust cast-iron block design, dry cylinder liners, and dependable mechanical systems.

Valve Configuration: Overhead valve (OHV) pushrod-actuated configuration with 2 valves per cylinder (12 valves total). The valve train is operated by a block-mounted, gear-driven camshaft through a robust timing gear and idler gear train. The exhaust valves are equipped with specialized rotator caps to facilitate uniform seat wear and prolong component life. The cylinder bore measures 104.77 mm (4.125 inches). The piston stroke measures 114.80 mm (4.52 inches). This configuration delivers a total displacement of 360 cubic inches (5.945 liters).

Fuel System: Direct-injection mechanical diesel infrastructure. Fuel delivery begins via a 2-bolt mechanical lift feed pump that passes low-pressure fuel through single or dual spin-on primary filter assemblies. High-pressure delivery is handled by an inline mechanical injection pump (typically Simms or Minimec) timed to the engine gear train. This pump forces precisely metered fuel through high-pressure steel lines to mechanical multi-hole fuel injectors, each containing a spring-loaded needle valve and nozzle assembly for optimal atomization directly into the piston combustion bowl.

Lubrication System: Forced-feed lubrication layout pressurized by a block-mounted, gear-driven mechanical oil pump. Oil is drawn from an inclined-specific sump pan designed to prevent aeration at a 45-degree angle. The lubricant passes through a spring-loaded pressure relief valve and a full-flow spin-on oil filter. Pressurized oil channels feed directly into the main bearings, connecting rod big-ends, camshaft journals, idler gear bushings, and the overhead rocker arm assembly.

Cooling System: Liquid-cooled, closed-loop pressurized system forced by a belt-driven centrifugal water pump. Coolant circulates precisely through cast internal channels flanking the cylinder walls and cross-flow cylinder head passages to regulate thermal distribution. Operating temperature is managed by a dedicated thermostat housing that bypasses the radiator or heat exchanger during engine warm-up phases.

General Technical Data

Engine Specifications

Engine Model ............... Ford 2709E Dorset Series
Engine Type ............... 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder direct injection liquid-cooled diesel
Number of Cylinders ............... 6
Cylinder Arrangement ............... In-line
Engine Bore, in (mm) ............... 4.125 (104.77)
Engine Stroke, in (mm) ............... 4.520 (114.80)
Displacement, cu.in (L) ............... 362.8 (5.945)
Rated Engine Power, hp (kW) ............... 115-120 (85-89)
Rated Engine Speed, rpm ............... 2500
Peak Torque ............... 248-251 lb-ft (336-340 Nm) at 1700 rpm
Idle Speed ............... 600-650 rpm
Aspiration Type ............... Naturally Aspirated
Operating Speed ............... 2500 rpm
Max No Load Speed, rpm ............... 2750-2800
Compression Ratio ............... 15.5:1-16.5:1
Firing Order ............... 1-5-3-6-2-4
Cylinder Block Type ............... Cast iron with replaceable dry liners
Cylinder Head Type ............... Cast iron crossflow single piece
Lubrication System ............... Forced pressure feed forced rotation lubrication
Oil Pump Type ............... Concentric rotor style gear-driven from camshaft
Oil Filter Type ............... Full-flow disposable spin-on canister
Cooling System ............... Liquid forced circulation thermal management
Water Pump Type ............... Belt-driven centrifugal impeller layout
Air Cleaner Type ............... Heavy duty oil bath or optional dry element setup
Starting System ............... Axial type electric starter engagement
Electrical System ............... 12V negative earth default configuration

Fuel System

Injection Pump Type ............... Minimec inline mechanical governor configuration
Governor Type ............... Mechanical flyweight or pneumatic options integrated
Injectors Type ............... Multi-hole nozzle needle valve mechanical seat
Injection Timing, deg BTDC ............... 19-23 depending on application duty cycle
Injection Pressure, psi (bar) ............... 2646-2792 (182-192)
Fuel Lift Pump Type ............... Mechanical diaphragm type cam lobe activated
Fuel Filter Type ............... Dual stage fine paper element water separator combo
Maximum Fuel Return Flow, gph (L/h) ............... 10.5 (40.0) under high load operations
Fuel Tank Vent System ............... Open atmospheric orifice path configuration
Transfer Pump Pressure, psi (bar) ............... 15-22 (1.03-1.51)

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length, in (mm) ............... 41.2 (1045)
Overall Width, in (mm) ............... 26.4 (670)
Overall Height, in (mm) ............... 36.8 (935)
Dry Weight, lbs (kg) ............... 980-1015 (445-460)
Wet Weight, lbs (kg) ............... 1060-1100 (481-500)

Maintenance Data

Service Information

Compression Pressure Minimum, psi (bar) ............... 350.0 (24.13)
Minimum Oil Pressure at Low Idle, psi (bar) ............... 15.0 (1.03)
Normal Oil Pressure at Rated Speed, psi (bar) ............... 40.0-60.0 (2.75-4.13)
Lubricating Oil Temperature, Normal, F (C) ............... 194.0-230.0 (90.0-110.0)
Thermostat Opening Temperature, F (C) ............... 165.2-172.4 (74.0-78.0)
Thermostat Full Open Temperature, F (C) ............... 192.2-197.6 (89.0-92.0)
Coolant Temperature, Maximum, F (C) ............... 204.8 (96.0)
Intake Valve Clearance, Cold, in (mm) ............... 0.012 (0.30)
Exhaust Valve Clearance, Cold, in (mm) ............... 0.015 (0.38)

Engine Oil and Coolant

Engine Oil Type .................. SAE 30, SAE 15W-40
API Service Classifications ......................... CD or CE
Engine Oil Capacity with Filter, qt (L) ............... 13.7-15.8 (13.0-15.0)
Engine Oil Capacity without Filter, qt (L) ............... 12.1-14.3 (11.5-13.5)
Cooling System Fluid Capacity, qt (L) ............... 19.0-22.2 (18.0-21.0)

Service Intervals

Change oil and filter ............... Every 150 hours
Inspect air cleaner ............... Every 50 hours
Replace air cleaner ............... Every 600 hours
Replace fuel filter ............... Every 300 hours
Valve clearance adjustment ............... Every 600 hours
Fuel system inspection ............... Every 600 hours
Change coolant ............... Every 1000 hours
Compression test ............... Every 600 hours
Belt inspection ............... Every service cycle

Service Specifications

Cylinder Bore Standard Diameter, in (mm) ............... 4.1245-4.1255 (104.762-104.788)
Cylinder Bore Maximum Out of Round, in (mm) ............... 0.0015 (0.038)
Cylinder Bore Maximum Taper, in (mm) ............... 0.0025 (0.063)
Cylinder Block Tappet Guide Bore, in (mm) ............... 0.6246-0.6256 (15.865-15.890)
Main Journal Standard Diameter, in (mm) ............... 3.249-3.250 (82.525-82.550)
Main Bearing Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0022-0.0045 (0.056-0.114)
Main Journal Maximum Wear Limit, in (mm) ............... 0.0030 (0.076)
Main Bearing Bore in Cylinder Block, in (mm) ............... 3.4370-3.4380 (87.299-87.325)
Crankshaft End Play, in (mm) ............... 0.0020-0.0100 (0.051-0.254)
Crankpin Journal Diameter, in (mm) ............... 2.499-2.500 (63.475-63.500)
Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0018-0.0040 (0.046-0.102)
Connecting Rod Twist Max Limit, in (mm) ............... 0.0020 (0.051)
Connecting Rod Bend Max Limit, in (mm) ............... 0.0010 (0.025)
Connecting Rod Small End Bore, in (mm) ............... 1.5005-1.5012 (38.113-38.130)
Connecting Rod Big End Bore, in (mm) ............... 2.6250-2.6255 (66.675-66.688)
Piston Skirt Clearance in Liner, in (mm) ............... 0.0055-0.0067 (0.140-0.170)
Piston Pin Diameter, in (mm) ............... 1.4997-1.5000 (38.092-38.100)
Piston Pin Clearance in Small End, in (mm) ............... 0.0003-0.0007 (0.008-0.018)
Top Ring End Gap, in (mm) ............... 0.0110-0.0220 (0.279-0.559)
Second Ring End Gap, in (mm) ............... 0.0090-0.0180 (0.229-0.457)
Oil Ring End Gap, in (mm) ............... 0.0110-0.0220 (0.279-0.559)
Top Ring Side Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0025-0.0045 (0.063-0.114)
Second Ring Side Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0020-0.0040 (0.051-0.102)
Cylinder Head Flatness Tolerance, in (mm) ............... 0.0030 (0.076)
Cylinder Block Deck Flatness, in (mm) ............... 0.0020 (0.051)
Intake Valve Stem Diameter, in (mm) ............... 0.3723-0.3733 (9.456-9.482)
Exhaust Valve Stem Diameter, in (mm) ............... 0.3710-0.3720 (9.423-9.449)
Intake Valve Stem to Guide Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0015-0.0035 (0.038-0.089)
Exhaust Valve Stem to Guide Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0028-0.0048 (0.071-0.122)
Valve Guide Installed Height, in (mm) ............... 0.590-0.610 (14.99-15.49)
Valve Face Angle, deg ............... 45
Valve Seat Angle Block Head, deg ............... 45
Valve Spring Free Length, in (mm) ............... 1.940 (49.28)
Camshaft Journal Diameter, in (mm) ............... 2.247-2.248 (57.074-57.099)
Camshaft Journal Clearance, in (mm) ............... 0.0015-0.0035 (0.038-0.089)
Camshaft End Play, in (mm) ............... 0.0010-0.0070 (0.025-0.178)
Flywheel Face Runout Maximum, in (mm) ............... 0.0050 (0.127)
Tappet Clearance in Block Bore, in (mm) ............... 0.0006-0.0021 (0.015-0.053)
Tappet Body Outside Diameter, in (mm) ............... 0.6235-0.6240 (15.837-15.850)
Rocker Arm Bushing Inside Diameter, in (mm) ............... 0.8755-0.8765 (22.238-22.263)
Rocker Shaft Outside Diameter Support, in (mm) ............... 0.8739-0.8747 (22.197-22.217)
Rocker Shaft Clearance on Bushing, in (mm) ............... 0.0008-0.0026 (0.020-0.066)

Tightening Torques

Cylinder Head Bolts (Stage 1), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 55 (75)
Cylinder Head Bolts (Stage 2), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 85 (115)
Cylinder Head Bolts (Stage 3), lb-ft (Nm) ............... 110-115 (149-156)
Main Bearing Cap Fasteners, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 115-120 (156-163)
Connecting Rod Big End Nuts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 70-75 (95-102)
Flywheel Bolts Retaining Mounts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 80-85 (108-115)
Crankshaft Damper Center Pulley Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 240-250 (325-339)
Camshaft Thrust Plate Retaining Screw, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Camshaft Timing Gear Drive Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 45-50 (61-68)
Rocker Shaft Pedestal Support Bracket, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 25-30 (34-41)
Cylinder Head Rocker Cover Retainer, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 5-8 (7-11)
Oil Pan Sump Perimeter Bolts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 12-15 (16-20)
Oil Pan Sump Center Drain Plug, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 35-40 (47-54)
Timing Gear Housing to Block Screw, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Timing Gear Front Cover Small Screws, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 7-9 (10-12)
Water Pump Assembly Body Fasteners, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Inlet Manifold Attaching Fasteners, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Exhaust Manifold Attaching Nuts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Fuel Injection Pump Drive Gear Nut, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 45-50 (61-68)
Fuel Injection Pump Mounting Flange, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Fuel Injector Clamp Hold Down Nuts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Fuel High Pressure Line Union Nuts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 18-22 (24-30)
Fuel Low Pressure Feed Banjo Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 10-13 (14-18)
Oil Pump Body to Cylinder Block Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Oil Pressure Relief Valve Body Plug, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 25-30 (34-41)
Starter Motor Mounting Flange Bolts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 35-40 (47-54)
Alternator Pivot Adjustment Link Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 20-25 (27-34)
Thermostat Housing Retaining Stud Nuts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-18 (20-24)
Glow Plug Installation Body Threads, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 15-20 (20-27)
Flywheel Housing to Block Large Bolts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 45-50 (61-68)
Flywheel Housing to Block Small Bolts, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 25-30 (34-41)
Oil Filter Adaptor Housing Base Bolt, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 20-25 (27-34)
Exhaust Pipe Downpipe Connection Flange, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 25-30 (34-41)
Fan Drive Pulley Hub Retaining Nut, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 60-70 (81-95)
Alternator Mounting Base Bracket Block, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 35-40 (47-54)
Starter Solenoid Electrical Terminal Nut, lb-ft (Nm) ............... 4-5 (5-7)

________________________________________________________________________________________

• Ford Engines Specs
  
• Ford 2701E Specs
  
• Ford 2703E Specs
  
• Ford 2704E Specs
  
• Ford 2704ET Specs
  

______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________