The 1.7-liter Ford MHA / MHB or 1.7 Zetec SE 125ps engine was assembled from 1997 to 2001 and was installed only on the original Puma sports coupe, based on the Fiesta hatchback. A limited series of 500 units came out boosted to 155 hp and 162 Nm version of the engine.
Zetec SE family:
1.25 L – DHA, FUJA;
1.4 L – FHA, FHD, FXDA, FXJA;
1.6 L – L1V, L1W, FYDA, FYJA;
1.7 L – MHA.
Specifications
| Production years | 1997-2001 |
| Displacement, cc | 1679 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 125 |
| Torque output, Nm | 157 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 80 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.5 |
| Compression ratio | 10.3 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | VCT, intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Ford Puma 2001) — city — highway — combined |
9.7 6.1 7.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 93 |
The engine was installed on:
- Ford Puma Mk1 in 1997 – 2001.
Disadvantages of the Ford MHA/MHB engine
- This motor does not tolerate bad fuel, spark plugs, and then the coils quickly deteriorate;
- Quite often, owners have to clean the throttle and idle valve;
- Also, the filter mesh in the tank is regularly clogged and the fuel pump fails;
- Sometimes the timing belt and its bypass roller do not live up to the scheduled 120,000 km;
- Due to the lack of hydraulic lifters, it is necessary to adjust the valves every 100,000 km.
Frequently asked questions about the Ford MHA/MHB
How much power does the Ford MHA/MHB make?
The Ford MHA/MHB develops 125 hp and 157 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Ford MHA/MHB take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.3 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Ford MHA/MHB have a timing belt or chain?
The Ford MHA/MHB uses a timing belt.
Is the Ford MHA/MHB turbocharged?
No, the Ford MHA/MHB is naturally aspirated.
Does the Ford MHA/MHB need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Ford MHA/MHB last?
The typical lifespan of the Ford MHA/MHB is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Ford MHA/MHB?
Ford Puma 2001: city 9.7, highway 6.1, combined 7.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Ford MHA/MHB installed on?
Ford Puma Mk1 in 1997 - 2001.
What are the common problems of the Ford MHA/MHB?
This motor does not tolerate bad fuel, spark plugs, and then the coils quickly deteriorate. Quite often, owners have to clean the throttle and idle valve. All known problems.
