Reddit F150 Ecoboost Going Back in for Timing Chain Repair Again

Ford 1.6 EcoBoost Engine Problems

The 1.6L GTDI engine from Ford is among the first engines in the EcoBoost family. Information technology made its debut in 2010 and is in quite a few Ford and Volvo models. Ford 1.6 EcoBoost engines offering 148-197 horsepower. Dandy for a pocket-size engine that's fuel efficient and reliable. And then again, no engine is perfect and in that location are no exceptions here. In this article, nosotros discuss a few mutual problems with the Ford ane.6 EcoBoost and finish upward with overall thoughts on reliability.

What Cars Employ the Ford 1.6L?

Under Ford the engines are simply known as the i.6L EcoBoost engine. However, Volvo badges the engines as the B4164T. There'south likewise some other number at the finish of the Volvo engine code depending on the specific variant of the i.6 inline-iv engine. Anyways, the 1.six liter turbo engine is in the post-obit Ford and Volvo models:

• 2010-2018 Ford Focus
• 2010-2018 Ford C-Max
• 2013-2016 Ford Escape
• 2013-2014 Ford Fusion
• 2013-2016 Ford Fiesta ST
• 2016-2017 Ford Fiesta ST200
• 2014-2016 Ford Transit Escape
• 2013-2016 Volvo V40
• 2010-2018 Volvo S60
• 2010-2018 Volvo V60
• 2011-2016 Volvo V70
• 2011-2016 Volvo S80

The 1.6L EcoBoost engine is likewise in a few other international models. Virtually models – especially in the Usa – began switching to the newly adult 1.5 EcoBoost engine around 2015. Power varies from 148-182 horsepower depending on the specific year and model. However, the Fiesta ST200 receives a 197 horsepower i.6 EcoBoost engine.

4 Mutual 1.6 EcoBoost Engine Problems

A few of the virtually common issues on the Ford i.6 fifty EcoBoost engine are:

• Timing belt
• Overheating
• Carbon build-up
• Spark plugs & ignition coils

We discuss the above problems in greater depth throughout the rest of the commodity. All the same, let'south add a few quick notes earlier moving on. We're calling these some of the most mutual issues. That doesn't exactly hateful they're truly common and touch on a large number of engines. Rather, when things become wrong these are a few likely areas.

Overall, the ane.6L turbo direct injection engine from Ford is pretty solid. There were a few significant problems in the early days that were resolved pretty rapidly. We'll discuss where relevant and circle back to i.half-dozen EcoBoost reliability at the terminate of the article.

1) Ford ane.6 EcoBoost Timing Chugalug

Timing belts on the ane.vi inline-4 turbo engine don't really seem similar an issue at all. However, the Ford EcoBoost is an interference engine. This means there is some overlap in the surface area the pistons and valves travel. If a timing belt were to fail then it could be very bad news. Information technology's possible for the pistons and valves to contact each other, which could lead to bent valves.

Ford calls for a timing chugalug replacement interval of 10 years or 150,000 miles. Information technology'southward a long interval for a timing belt, but they are pretty reliable at present days. We're even so surprised Ford opted for a timing belt as many modernistic turbo direct injection engines utilize timing chains. They're typically true lifetime parts, only some companies do struggle with timing chain tensioners and other poorly made parts.

Anyways, the timing belt on the one.6 EcoBoost engine is by and large a not-outcome. We oasis't seen or heard of many issues with the timing belts. However, it's important to check the belt from time to time. This can help avert whatsoever serious repair bills as belts rarely fail out of the blue. Rather, they brainstorm failing over time then occasional inspections can aid detect any issues early.

i.6L GTDI Timing Belt Symptoms

Possible symptoms of timing belt problems on the Ford ane.half-dozen EcoBoost include:

• Ticking / odd sounds
• Check engine low-cal
• Poor functioning

Ticking sounds or other weird noises from the engine may indicate the timing belt is on its way out. It'southward one symptom that may prove itself before the i.6L timing belt ultimately fails. Over again, inspect the timing belt from fourth dimension to time especially in one case you're north of 100,000 miles. If a timing chugalug fails yous'll likely notice tons of symptoms and poor operation. Misfires, check engine lights, rough idle, etc all might point to a timing chugalug problem on the EcoBoost engine.

Ford 1.6 Inline-4 Timing Belt Modify

As a reminder, the service interval for the Ford ane.6L timing belt should be every x years or 150,000 miles. Double check the owners manual for confirmation. We likewise think it's a practiced idea to physically inspect the chugalug occasionally.

Anyways, timing belts are generally cheaper to supervene upon or repair compared to timing chains. The belt itself comes in under $50 and information technology'due south not a challenging repair for the DIY oversupply. Yet, it's important to ensure the 1.vi EcoBoost timing belt is done correctly with the right tools. Less confident people should consider going to a repair shop, which can add about $200-400 to the pecker.

2) 1.6L EcoBoost Overheating Bug

There's a lot to unpack when it comes to problems with the Ford ane.vi EcoBoost engines overheating. There take been several lawsuits, service bulletins, and recalls related to overheating bug. In 2017, Ford issued a recall for some 2014 Escape, 2014-2015 Fiesta ST, and 2013-2014 Fusion models. The chief event seems to be running low on coolant, which causes the cylinder caput to overheat, cleft and leak oil. Some even ran into fires due to high pressure oil leaks. Ford added coolant level sensors as part of the recollect.

As of recently, in that location is a lawsuit that claims the Ford 1.6 EcoBoost has an inherent flaw. It alleges coolant leaks into the cylinders thereby causing corrosion, engine failures, and possibly even fires. Nosotros'll leave it at that since there's quite a fleck of info out at that place regarding the recalls, service bulletins, etc.

Anyways, we typically effort to avoid writing well-nigh recalls and other issues that take been addressed. It seems these problems mostly affect before models, and there were some updated parts. However, information technology's hard to say whether or not these issues were fully resolved given lawsuits are still popping upwards as of the last twelvemonth or two.

Ford 1.6 GTDI Overheating Fix

It appears the ultimate crusade of overheating is low coolant. Usually that wouldn't exist a defect equally all engines lose some coolant over time, and information technology'southward important to tiptop off as necessary. Withal, in cases where in that location is backlog coolant loss, it makes sense that coolant very well may be leaking into the cylinders.

Regardless, ensure you're checking the coolant and topping it off as needed. If that's done properly then the risk of overheating, cracking the head or caput gasket, etc is minimal. Of course, coolant leaking into cylinders could cause other long-term concerns over engine reliability and longevity.

3) Ford ane.half dozen Turbo EB Carbon Build-Upward

This is far from the first fourth dimension we've talked about carbon build-upwards on direct injection engines, and it surely won't be the last. Direct injection (DI) is excellent engineering science with lots of benefits to ability, fuel economy, and emissions. It's common on many modern turbo gasoline engines, like the Ford 1.6L EcoBoost. Notwithstanding, DI does come up with one master disadvantage.

All engines naturally produce some caste of oil blow-by. This oil travels toward the intake tract and often gets caught up on intake ports and valves. Information technology'south not an issue past itself, and it's something that used to exist a rare topic. Port injection (PI) used to be the near common fueling on gasoline engines. PI sprays fuel into the intake ports, then any oil accident-by wasn't an consequence as the fuel is able to wipe information technology away.

Even so, the 1.vi EcoBoost direct injection engine doesn't have that do good. The injectors spray fuel straight into the cylinders, just as the proper noun direct injection suggests. Equally such, these oil deposits build up on intake ports and valves and cause carbon build-up over time.

It'southward not a major trouble and many modern DI engines live with this flaw. Surely, plenty of Ford 1.vi turbo engines volition alive their whole lives without ever cleaning the carbon deposits. However, over time, backlog carbon build-up tin can cause some performance and drivability issues. It'south likely a practiced thought to clean the i.6 l EcoBoost intake valves every 100,000 miles.

1.6 EcoBoost Carbon Build-Up Symptoms

A few symptoms that may indicate to backlog carbon build-up on the Ford 1.6 EcoBoost engine are:

• Power loss
• Misfires
• Rough idle
• Stuttering / hesitation

As carbon deposits form on the intake valves they begin restricting air-flow to the cylinders. This causes the Ford 1.half dozen EcoBoost to lose ability and performance. However, power loss is difficult to notice as information technology occurs slowly over years and tens of thousands of miles.

Otherwise, carbon build-upwardly on the i.6L EcoBoost engine may cause misfires. Those misfires, in plow, tin can crusade things like rough idle, stuttering, and poor performance in general.

Ford 1.6L Turbo Carbon Build-Upwardly Ready

Walnut blasting remains a highly proven and successful method of removing backlog carbon deposits from intake valves. The process involves a heavy-duty shop vac and walnut media shells. If you have the tools it's a very inexpensive job to tackle every bit information technology'due south more often than not labor related.

Once y'all admission the intake valves the cleaning process can take near an hr. Of course, the i.6L GTDI intake manifold must be removed to access the intake ports and valves. Labor can add up so look this job to come in around $300-600+ at a repair store. Again, information technology's probably practiced maintenance to consummate every 80,000 to 120,000 miles simply it'south generally not a serious or urgent upshot.

4) 1.6 EcoBoost Ignition System Problems

Alright. Nosotros're finishing this article with something we don't consider a true problem. Spark plugs and ignition coils are standard maintenance on any gasoline engine, including the Ford ane.6L EcoBoost. Ford states the service interval for spark plugs around xc,000 miles. Ignition coils typically last about 1.5 to 2x as long every bit spark plugs.

However, the 1.half dozen EcoBoost is a turbo straight injection engine. Turbos and DI can exist a lot harder on spark plugs and ignition coils. Those who don't utilise the turbos and operation oft may see decent life out of the plugs and coils. Nonetheless, starting time using the boost often and the spark plugs and coils can wear down quickly. This is especially truthful if you intend to tune or otherwise mod the 1.6L turbo engine.

Spark plugs and ignition coils are standard vesture and tear items. They rarely fail all of a sudden on the 1.6 EcoBoost, merely rather get less effective equally they age. Once again, information technology'southward not something we consider a true event, but nosotros would be surprised if many saw 90,000+ miles out of the spark plugs. It'due south a cheap repair, and then don't overlook something so simple.

Ford one.6L Spark Plug Symptoms

Symptoms that may betoken to erstwhile, worn spark plugs or ignition coils on Ford 1.6L turbo engines include:

• Misfires
• Crude idle
• Poor performance

Misfires are usually the kickoff sign of tired spark plugs and/or ignition coils. That may also be accompanied by rough idle and poor overall operation. Ignition coils terminal longer than spark plugs, and they're likewise more expensive. As such, if you lot meet these problems spark plugs are usually the best starting point.

Yet, ignition coils lie on top of the plugs then they're easier to access. If you notice misfires so check the fault codes to find out which cylinder is having problem. You can then swap the ignition coil from that cylinder to another good cylinder. If the misfires follows then it might be time to alter the coils. Otherwise, spark plugs are the likely culprit.

one.half-dozen Inline-4 Spark Plug Replacement

Fortunately, plugs and coils are some of the easiest maintenance to consummate. Even novice DIY'ers can chop-chop knock out the job in a driveway or garage. A set of four spark plugs for the 1.6 EcoBoost is near $30. Ignition coils come in around $20-40 each, so they're a little more expensive. These are quick jobs for mechanics and the labor shouldn't be more than than $100-150, so be weary if anyone quotes more.

Ford i.6L EcoBoost Reliability

Is the Ford 1.vi EcoBoost engine reliable? We'll give the engine average remarks for reliability. It definitely hasn't earned the best reputation due to some recalls and lawsuits. However, the 1.6L turbo engine is far from the worst. There aren't many flaws or failures with the 1.half dozen EcoBoost, so that'southward adept news. Some may be skeptical due to the overheating problems, but the internet does have a tendency to blow things out of proportion.

A lot of 1.vi EcoBoost reliability comes downward to maintenance. Use high quality oils, modify fluids on time, and fix issues in a timely manner when they occur. It'south all basic stuff that should be washed on any engine. Still, information technology's more often than not more important on turbo directly injection engines similar the EcoBoost. Stay on top of maintenance and chances are most volition take a fun, reliable experience with the Ford 1.6L inline-4.

1.vi EcoBoost Common Issues Summary

Ford ane.6L variants were among the first in the EcoBoost family unit, which dominates a big portion of Ford's modern line-up. They're excellent engines that provide solid performance, efficiency, and reliability for their size. All the same, in that location seem to be a few more concerns with the 1.6 EB compared to some of the others.

Ane major business concern revolves effectually potential design flaws with coolant leaking into cylinders. This causes low coolant which may ultimately lead to overheating, head neat, fires, etc. We think it's likely over-diddled due to some recalls and lawsuits surrounding these problems. Otherwise, there actually don't seem to be many major issues with the Ford ane.6 EcoBoost.

Stay on meridian of timing chugalug changes every bit information technology is an interference engine, so belt failures may crusade further harm. Carbon build-up is a consideration, but it's simply a downside to direct injection which is smashing tech. Turbo engines can also exist a bit more than maintenance intensive as they do like to burn through things like spark plugs and ignition coils.

What's your experience with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine? Are you lot considering one?

Leave a comment and let united states know! Or check out our 2.0 EcoBoost problems article

martinbegrold.blogspot.com

Source: https://tuningpro.co/the-4-most-common-ford-1-6-ecoboost-engine-problems/

Share this post