Ford EcoBoost Engines

[archerystud]

Been looking at new cars and it looks like we are going with the new Ford Fusion.

We are either going with the 1.6L or the 2.0L. Seems like for the 3MPG difference I'd be better off getting more HP and making the engine work less. I actually wanted to get a Hybrid but the trunk space becomes an issue for us then trying to get back and forth from the cabin.

Any "experts" out there on the newer Ford engines have any opinions?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I don't think Ford is an expert on there newer engines!

As far as ecoboost, from what I hear the performance is fantastic but here are still some bugs that are being worked out with the 3.5 liter. I think he 2.0 was offered in the 2012 models and the 1.6 starts with the 2013 models. Two new, IMO, to know how they will hold up.

[archerystud]

Ford has been using them in Europe since 2010, so I think I'm a little less skeptical on the ecoboosts.

[theoilman]

Fuel economy/power on the eco-boost engines (all) is great, I haven't heard of mechanical problems yet,

BUT -- the eco-boost is causing excess fuel dilution in the engine oil. I've seen numbers as high as 4% and 5% in 7500 miles. That is extremely high! This high fuel dilution will reduce oil viscosity by over 10! This will cause many long term issues! (Greatly reduced film strength of the oil, then causing higher wear issues. Plus others.)

[BartmanMN]

Good note Oilman. I have seen that noted on other forumns too. Sounds like it is prudent to change oil every 3-5K to help prevent long term issues.

[Scott K]

The ecoboost has been in action for a few years, and is a much better engine then its predecessors, more so with power, and MPG. Longevity, has been rather decent, with the exceptions of a few minor issues, that can be related to having a new model year. Most issues have been addressed with the recent past few years models. I would buy either with confidence.

As for your question on which one to buy, the 1.6 has plenty of power, and barely noticeable when comparing the 2.0. If you are concerned with new model engines, the 2.0 has been out a little longer, and has more testing done. But the 1.6, and the 2.0 are basically the same designs, and issues have been addressed with the 1.6, from the experience from the 2.0, 3.5.

I would just tell you, drive both, buy the one you think you feel better in.

As far as the fuel in the oil, my understanding this is only an issue with break in, and if you change you oil during regualr intervals, it isnt a problem. At least from the test results I have witnessed, or been a part in.

[archerystud]

4wanderingeyes,

Thanks for the insight. Seems like the 2.0 engine should hold up better and the mileage difference seems minimal, so I'm leaning towards the bigger option.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

Huh, No one has mentioned the 1L 3 banger ecoboost?

I have notice the fuel/oil dilution as mentioned in the 3.5 f150. So far no major single problem with any of fords engines other than the 1.6L's overheating recall.

[Scott K]

lol, re reading my post, I guess I never would have thought, I would have ever said a 1.6 or a 2.0 have plenty of power, it just doesnt seem right.

[Dave S]

Never would have thought that either until I drove a 2.0 turbo (not a Ford).

[Jeremy airjer W]

Hyundais four cylinder turbo as well as the Lexus four cylinder turbo are both pretty impressive as well. The Subaru wax with the turbo is one of the few cars that actually scared me on a test drive!

[Dave S]

was that the STI Subaru (305 hp) or the standard turbo (265 hp)? I might consider one of these when it's time to trade off the VW.

[fish_eat_sleep]

I would go with the 2.0. Purely because its more fun. Buy what you like and what you can afford. Don't worry about 10 years and 150,000 from now. I mean all the people that bought Chevys didn't! Why should you? JUST KIDDING! Most fuel efficient cars have some fancy new technology to get the MPG up. Almost none have 100k yet. No new cars are junk, I'd buy what you like driving. Every car gets old some day.

[Jeremy airjer W]

was that the STI Subaru (305 hp) or the standard turbo (265 hp)? I might consider one of these when it's time to trade off the VW.

Not sure but it did have a few standard mods!

[Scott K]

Those Subarus sure can get up and move, but replacing plugs, a timing belt, ect.. really sucks on them.

[archerystud]

My wife and I both have Passat Turbo's. The wife's is a 2L and I think the Fusion would crush it in a race.

I guess the Fusions 40 more HP and weighing about 1K lbs. less helps!!!

[Fish Head]

Fuel economy/power on the eco-boost engines (all) is great, I haven't heard of mechanical problems yet,

BUT -- the eco-boost is causing excess fuel dilution in the engine oil. I've seen numbers as high as 4% and 5% in 7500 miles. That is extremely high! This high fuel dilution will reduce oil viscosity by over 10! This will cause many long term issues! (Greatly reduced film strength of the oil, then causing higher wear issues. Plus others.)

I have the F150 Ecoboost and so far I love it. I've had it 13 months and have 32k miles. I've been changing the oil every 5k miles with semi-synthetic oil based on manufacturers recommendations. What would you recommend to help prevent the fuel dilution in the oil?

[Scott K]

The fuel dilution is cause by high pressure in the combustion chamber, from having a turbo. Basically what they found, is until the engine is broken in, with those who step hard on the gas, and use the turbo a lot, it pushes fuel into the oil from the cylinders. Leaking past the rings.

Your truck is well broken in by now, the biggest concerns were 15k or less, with heavy use. But none are having issues with premature engine wear, as long as they are changing their oil during regualr services, and not doing high mileage services.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Those Subarus sure can get up and move, but replacing plugs, a timing belt, ect.. really sucks on them.

huh, thats one of my favorite timing belts to do. Once the radiator is out of the way its wide open. Head gaskets on the other hand, NOT my fovorite!

[Scott K]

Right, but when the timing belt snaps, you are more then likely doing heads.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

We have a Focus ST on the show room floor, I want to go test drive it, but I don't think it would be a good Idea. For awhile I was not allowed to do PDI's because of my testing of the vehicles handling....

I would be jumping for joy if the fusion came in a "ST" with a 3.5L Ecoboost and AWD.... Or maybe the "supposed" 5.0L Ecoboost in something.

[Fish Head]

The fuel dilution is cause by high pressure in the combustion chamber, from having a turbo. Basically what they found, is until the engine is broken in, with those who step hard on the gas, and use the turbo a lot, it pushes fuel into the oil from the cylinders. Leaking past the rings.

Your truck is well broken in by now, the biggest concerns were 15k or less, with heavy use. But none are having issues with premature engine wear, as long as they are changing their oil during regualr services, and not doing high mileage services.

Thanks Scott!

[archerystud]

We drove the 1.6L in the same car this past weekend. Power seemed adequate but I think we are going with the 2.0L. The smaller engine just seemed like it was working much harder and we shouldn't be giving up too much in fuel economy.

[quickfish6]

The f150 ecoboost have issues with getting water in the intercooler piping causing the turbos to go out. keep the oil changed and when your beating on it when you park it let it idle for a minute to cool the turbos down.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

The f150 ecoboost have issues with getting water in the intercooler piping causing the turbos to go out. keep the oil changed and when your beating on it when you park it let it idle for a minute to cool the turbos down.

Not 100% true. It is true that water is accumulating in the cac due to high deficiency of the CAC. Air flow: Air cleaner, turbo, cac, engine. The water problem will not damage the turbos but it is passing into the engine during certain operating conditions and causing misfires. There is a T.S.B. out there for this if a customer experiences a problem. Out of all the Ecobost f150's we have had to perform this 4 times. The dealer sells quite a few of these trucks.

Also the Ecoboost turbos are oil AND liquid cooled. It is not necessary to let the truck idle for some time to cool the turbos, but it would not hurt when you working the truck hard.

In the few years that Ecoboost has been available I have seen one turbo failure, on a SHO, the turbine shaft/oil seal failed and pumped all the oil into the exhaust. (taken care of under warranty)