2004 Ford Explorer, everything breaks.

[Scott K]

You are correct the older , pre 08 5.4's had a few issues, but they have been worked out now. Also you are correct about the eco engine, but it is only new technology for a gas engine, it has been used on diesels for many years. But just like anything else in the new model years, there is bound to be some issues with them. So far, I havent seen any.

On a side note, the new Eco system, when you chip it, along with a couple other small mods, you can add a lot more power (not recommended of course)

[Jeremy airjer W]

Look up labor to change the water pump on the eco! Tell me that isn't going to go bad at some point!!!!

[Macgyver55]

The ecotech will be using direct fuel injection. As far I know its the first normal gas production engine to have this. I have a feeling the engineers didn't think something through and with fuel pressures at 2,500 PSI something is just waiting to go wrong. Then again I could be totally surprised!

Chevy has had direct injection models out since 07 on their version of the 4 cyl Ecotec. They also have it on some of their V6 line now with more to come.

Like 4wandering said, "it is only new technology for a gas engine, it has been used on diesels for many years"

It show lots of promise in the power and economy gains too. With direct injection, compression ratios up to 12 to 1 are possible without detonation.

[Scott K]

I havent done a water pump on one, but like any other tranverse engine, there are short cuts to cut that time down a lot.

With the Eco boost engines, you get 340 hp out of the 3.5 v6, and 280 hp out of the 2.0 4 cyl. All that and get gas milage in the 30's. I am sure there will be some issues, but I think the technolagy is the future, I am sure there is room for improvement.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Chevy has had direct injection models out since 07 on their version of the 4 cyl Ecotec.

The GM 2.2 ecotech has direct injection?

[deadeye]

Turbos rock! Direct injection just makes them even sweeter. Tune it to run e85 and you could add another 75-100hp too that.

It seems to me that you can't really ask for more than what they are doing with those cars now. When the mileage and power both go up everyone is a winner.

BTW sorry if this thread got hijacked. New exciting stuff like that is hard to not talk about.

[CJH]

There's more coming. Do search for "Ford Bobcat Engine". Its a few years away, but its coming in some shape or form.

[Macgyver55]

Its now a 2.4. This from the GM HSOforum:

"The new Ecotec 2.4L engine includes technology that provides a number of benefits. “Direct injection (DI) was designed into the 2.4L to boost fuel efficiency and the VVT (variable valve timing) system is tuned to work in tandem with direct injection to achieve optimum fuel economy and lower emissions. The engine achieves a respectable 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque"

[Scott K]

Its now a 2.4. This from the GM HSOforum:

"The new Ecotec 2.4L engine includes technology that provides a number of benefits. “Direct injection (DI) was designed into the 2.4L to boost fuel efficiency and the VVT (variable valve timing) system is tuned to work in tandem with direct injection to achieve optimum fuel economy and lower emissions. The engine achieves a respectable 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque"

[Jeremy airjer W]

Its now a 2.4. This from the GM HSOforum

I don't think I have seen that yet under the hood. I'll have to look for it.

Do you know what there using for fuel pressure at the injectors?

[CJH]

The GM engine mentioned doesn't have turbos and is the new standard engine. GM Does have a 2.0 Liter Turbo with similar specs as the Ford. (depending on tuning) (more are coming as well)

The Ford turbo engines currently are the "premium" engines and you pay accordingly.

Apples to Oranges.

[Scott K]

Gotcha!

I think we kinda hijacked this thread

[Jeremy airjer W]

It was bound to happen! You can only complain about broken down Fords for so long and then you need to look at the bright side!

[CJH]

Just a little!

[Macgyver55]

All I can find is general specs of 500 to 700 at idle up to 2250 psi at wide open throttle.

[CJH]

The compression ration on the 2.4 is 11.4:1. I also found this on a GM write up, not sure how accurate it is:

"The fuel system operates at pressure as high as 2,250 psi, compared to as little as 60 psi in some conventional port-injected engines. "

I know this engine is going to be rolled out to more and cars, including the new Buick Regal, so you should start seeing it more and more.

[JohnMickish]

I believe the Caddy CTS has also had DI on it's 3.6L for a few years.

[CJH]

Yep, I believe GM has four DI engines currently:

2.0 (4 Cyl)

2.4 (4 Cyl)

3.0 (6 Cyl)

3.6 (6 Cyl)

I had heard that they were working on DI for the V8's before the bankruptcy. Just this week they got approval to overhaul the entire Truck/SUV range - powertrains and cosmetics/design. So I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the near future.

As mentioned above, it looks like Ford is moving away from DI in nonturbo engines.

Dodge has a DI V6 coming out shortly that they developed with Mercedes. They should also be getting Fiat's "multi air" soon, starting with the 4 Cyl engines. And from what I have read, that gets better results than DI, and I think they can work in conjunction with each other. Not positive.