Murray Yacht Sales | Boater’s Engine Guide
Date: September 25, 2026
Author: Murray Yacht Sales Technical Team
Subject: Engine Model Review: Ford Lehman 2725E / Super 135
When discussing classic, dependable marine diesel engines that powered the golden era of modern cruising trawlers, the Ford Lehman 2725E (popularly known as the Super 135) sits near the top of the list. Built on a heavy-duty, industrial Ford British Dorset/Dover block and marined by Lehman Power Corporation, these engines earned a reputation for bulletproof reliability, simple mechanical engineering, and incredible fuel efficiency at hull speeds.
Whether you are repowering, maintaining a classic Albin, Grand Banks, Marine Trader, or Krogen, or evaluating a pre-owned vessel, here is everything you need to know about the Ford Lehman 2725E / Super 135.
Decoding the Ford Lehman 2725E / Super 135
2725E / Super 135
││││ │ └── Crank Horsepower Rating (135 BHP @ 2,600 RPM)
││││ └─────── “Super” Lehman Generation (Upgraded cooling & oiling systems)
│││└────────── Marine / Industrial Export Specification Code
││└─────────── Block Configuration Code ( naturally aspirated 6-cylinder)
└┴──────────── Ford “Dover” Industrial Engine Family (272 Series)
- 272 (Engine Family): Identifies the heavy-duty Ford “Dover” industrial 6-cylinder block family (produced in Dagenham, UK).
- 5 (Configuration): Specifies the naturally aspirated 6.22-liter (380 cu. in.) direct-injection variant.
- E (Specification): Designates the industrial/marine base engine specification delivered to Lehman Power Corporation for marinization.
- Super 135 (Marine Trade Name): Applied by Lehman Power Corp to distinguish this upgraded, marinized high-output version (135 HP) from the earlier 120 HP (Ford 2715E / Dorset block) engines.
Overview & Performance Specifications
The Ford Lehman 2725E / Super 135 is a naturally aspirated, 6-cylinder inline marine diesel engine delivering up to 135 horsepower at 2,600 RPM.
Key Technical Specifications
- Engine Model: Ford Lehman 2725E (Super 135)
- Base Engine: Ford Dover 2725E Industrial Block
- Configuration: In-line 6 Cylinder, 4-Stroke Diesel
- Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
- Displacement: 6.22 Liters (380 cu. in.)
- Bore & Stroke: 4.22 in x 4.52 in (107 mm x 115 mm)
- Horsepower Rating: 135 BHP @ 2,600 RPM
- Cooling System: Fresh Water / Heat Exchanger cooled
- Combustion System: Direct Injection
- Rotation: Counter-Clockwise (viewed from flywheel)
- Dry Weight: Approx. 1,450 lbs (658 kg)
Maintenance & Spare Parts Guide (Ford Lehman 2725E / Super 135)
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping a Ford Lehman 2725E running smoothly for tens of thousands of hours. Below is a quick-reference chart for routine service items, part numbers, and aftermarket cross-references.
| Maintenance Item | Original Ford Lehman Part # | Fram / WIX Cross Ref | Sierra / Marine Ref | Recommended Service Interval |
| Oil Filter | 221-0003 / 5012351 | Fram PH8A / WIX 51515 | Sierra 18-7872 | Every 100 Hours or Annually |
| Primary Fuel Filter (Racor) | 2010PM-OR (10 Micron) | WIX 33379 | Sierra 18-7910 | Every 200 Hours or Bi-annually |
| Secondary Fuel Filter (Engine) | 221-0002 / 5000200 | Fram C1191A / WIX 33166 | Sierra 18-7800 | Every 200 Hours or Annually |
| Raw Water Impeller (Jabsco) | Jabsco 1210-0001-P | Johnson 09-1027B | Sierra 18-3081 | Inspect Annually / Replace 2 Yrs |
| Zinc Anode (Heat Exchanger) | 221-0006 (E-1Z) | N/A | Sierra 18-6001 | Inspect Every 3 Mo / Replace at 50% |
| Drive Belt (Alternator/Pump) | 221-0008 | Gates XL 7430 | N/A | Inspect Annually / Replace 500 Hrs |
| Air Cleaner Element | 221-0010 | Fram CA160 | N/A | Clean Annually / Replace as Needed |
Expert Summary & Verdict
The Ford Lehman Super 135 (2725E) remains an absolute workhorse in the marine industry. Its low-RPM operation, mechanical simplicity, and lack of sensitive electronics make it a favorite for long-range cruisers. So long as fresh water cooling systems, oil changes, and heat exchanger zincs are routinely maintained, these engines routinely surpass 10,000+ operating hours before requiring major overhauls.