Common Ford 3.5 Ecoboost engine problems

Understanding the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost Engine Problems

The Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engine, introduced in 2009, has experienced some common issues over the years. While many of these problems can be managed with proper maintenance and timely repairs, owners and potential buyers need to be aware of these concerns. Ford make changes to the 2nd generation EcoBoost in 2017. Most of the 1st generation Ford 3.5 Ecoboost engine problems shown below can be avoided by changing your oil more often than the factory schedule. This engine cannot handle extended oil changes! If you go the recommended 10,000, 12,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes, be prepared to put thousands of dollars into major repairs.

#1 Problem with the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost Engine— Stretched timing chain,

One of the most commonly reported issues with the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost engine is related to the timing chain. timing chain guides, tensioners, and cam phasers. Over time, the timing chain in the 3.5L EcoBoost can stretch, leading to several potential problems. These vehicles are equipped with the Ford Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM). The IOLM monitors engine use and tells you when to change the oil. The oil change interval can be up to one year or a maximum of 10,000 miles. But the range is 7,500 at the low end and 10,000 at the high end. HOWEVER, that’s for “normal” driving. Unfortunately, the vast majority of drivers meet the “severe” category, which requires oil changes between 5,000 and 7,499 miles. In other words, the majority of Ford 3.5 Ecoboost engine problems result from going too long between oil changes.

Ford 3.5 Ecoboost engine problems #2— Carbon Buildup on the intake valves

This problem can occur in all direct injection engines. However, it’s especially common in the 1st generation Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engines. In the 2nd generation, Ford incorporated dual-injection

Buildup on the back face of an intake valve

systems combining both direct and port injection to help keep the intake valves clean.

To avoid carbon buildup problems in your 3.5 EcoBoost engine, change your oil more often and conduct an air induction cleaning every 30,000 miles. Some owners add a catch-can to the system. However, studies show that the #1 contributing factor to carbon buildup is not that oil enters the intake but that worn-out oil enters the intake. Worn-out oil has oxidized and formed harmful acids. Adding a catch-can helps a bit, but it doesn’t solve all the other oil related problems on this engine.

Ford 3.5 Ecoboost engine problems #3 — P0016 and P0017 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation

This engine uses variable camshaft timing (VCT). The VCT systems use an oil pulsing solenoid (also called a “phaser” because it brings the two VVT mechanisms into phase). The solenoid can become plugged with sludge due to extended oil changes, which alters how much oil can pass into the VCT mechanisms, or it can fail. A failed phaser will cause a P0016 or P0017.

The fix is to replace the VCT solenoid and then change the oil more often.

#4 Shortened Spark Plug and Ignition Coil Longevity

Turbo charging an engine automatically puts more stress on the ignition system and that’s even more true in the 3.5 EcoBoost. It’s not uncommon to see misfires caused by worn spark plugs as soon as every 40,000 to 60,000 miles.

Ford 3.5 Ecoboost engine problems #3 — Turbo Wastegate Noise and failure

The Ford 3.5 Ecoboost engine uses a turbocharger with an internal wastegate. The wastegate vents boost pressure when the turbo is in boost mode, and you decelerate. If you drive this engine in economy mode, you won’t activate the boost mode very often, and that can cause the wastegate to stick closed. Then, later on, when you tow or need more power going up a steep hill, you may activate boost and find that the turbo can’t vent because the wastegate is stuck closed. When that happens, the turbo will make a “whining dog” noise. If you ignore the problem and continue to drive like this, you will damage BOTH turbos, a mistake that will cost you several thousand dollars. To avoid turbo failure, drive in non-eco mode at least once during every trip.

©, 2020 Rick Muscoplat