As a heavy-duty mechanic, I have had the opportunity to work with the 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged engine from Ford. While I believe this engine is impressive and generally reliable, there are a few issues that owners should be aware of. In this blog post, I will discuss the top five issues with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, provide some advice on how to potentially avoid these issues, and highlight some concerns I have about the engine.
The first and most significant issue with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine is the intake valves fracturing and dropping into the engine, leading to complete engine failure. Initially, this issue was thought to be rare and mainly affected the 2.7L engine in the Bronco. However, a full investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that over 700,000 of these engines, including the 2021 and 2022 F-150s, could potentially be involved in the intake valve issues. The issue is related to the alloy used on the intake valves, called silome light, which can become brittle and fracture under certain conditions. It is important to note that these fractures typically occur at low mileage, generally before 10,000 miles. If your truck has higher mileage or was built after October 2021, the issue has likely been resolved.
Another common issue with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine is leaking oil pan gaskets. This issue was more prevalent in the first-generation engines (2015-2017) and was caused by the plastic oil pan used by Ford. The plastic would expand and contract during heat cycles, leading to oil pan gasket leaks. While Ford redesigned the oil pans and introduced a new embedded-style oil pan gasket in the second-generation engines (2018+), some reports suggest that oil pan leaks still occur, although they are less common.
Leaking cylinder head valve guides are another known issue with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, particularly in the 2016-2017 models. Oil can pass by the valve guides and enter the combustion chamber, resulting in oil burning. While not catastrophic, this issue should be addressed to prevent further damage. Ford has released a technical service bulletin that offers free repairs for trucks between 2016-2017 that burn more than one quart of oil per 3,000 miles.
Timing chain rattle is a common issue in the first-generation 2.7L EcoBoost engines (2015-2017). This occurs when the timing chain tensioner becomes loose, causing the timing chain to rattle. The second-generation engines (2018+) do not suffer from this problem, as Ford implemented a dual timing chain setup. If you own a first-generation engine and start hearing timing chain rattle around 80,000-100,000 miles, it is recommended to replace the timing chain tensioner to prevent potential engine failure.
Lastly, carbon buildup due to direct injection is a common issue in the first-generation 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Over time, carbon can build up on the intake and intake valves, leading to restricted airflow and performance issues. This issue typically becomes noticeable around 100,000 miles. While it is not a cause for immediate concern, it should be addressed if performance issues arise. Second-generation engines (2018+) utilize a dual injection system that helps prevent carbon buildup.
In addition to these issues, there are a few concerns I have about the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. One is oil dilution, which is more likely in direct injection and forced induction engines like the EcoBoost. Fuel dilution in the oil can hinder its performance and potentially damage critical components like main bearings and turbo shaft bearings. It is crucial to change the oil regularly, preferably using synthetic oil, to minimize the risk of oil dilution.
Another concern is the use of a belt-driven oil pump in the second-generation engines (2018+). While there have been no major issues reported with this setup, I consider it a potential weak point and an additional component that could fail. Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure the oil pump functions properly.
Overall, the 2.7L EcoBoost engine is well-built and reliable. However, it is important for owners to be aware of these issues and take appropriate measures to prevent or address them. As with any engine, the first-generation models tend to have more problems, so it is worth considering the later generations for improved reliability. Despite these concerns, I believe the 2.7L EcoBoost engine is a promising option for those in the market for a 1,500 truck.
