F150 EB launch shudder
03-06-2019, 02:42 PM
#4
F150 Forum
Condensation in the intercooler and charge pipes are common issues on the 2011-14 F-150 3.5L platforms that can cause a shudder or misfire type of issue. Ford has a TSB out for this known problem. The problem stems from the Charge Air Cooler (CAC). After it passes through the turbocharger, air is cooled by the CAC before it enters the engine. The Ford F150 EcoBoost is experiencing a buildup of condensation (moisture) in the air intake tube. If the driver suddenly accelerates, such as passing a vehicle or merging onto an interstate, the sudden change in the air flow rate through the CAC causes the engine to vacuum up all of the moisture inside of the air intake tube. If the amount of condensation that is vacuumed from the air intake tube is small, the vehicle will shudder. However, if the engine vacuums in a significant amount of condensation it can cause the engine to hydro lock and either bend a rod or throw a rod through the block.
Some guys have said the issues improved after cleaning out the system, adding a catch can to prevent accumulation of oil in the intake tract , and some guys even said afterwards using some electronic cleaner on any sensors that were affected helped as well. I've also heard of people putting a weep hole in the intercooler to drain it, but wouldn't suggest to leave an open hole in the system like that and would put a plug back in if you did drill one. Fresh plugs with the gap set around .030" can also help depending on how many miles are on them or what gap they're set at.
Some guys have said the issues improved after cleaning out the system, adding a catch can to prevent accumulation of oil in the intake tract , and some guys even said afterwards using some electronic cleaner on any sensors that were affected helped as well. I've also heard of people putting a weep hole in the intercooler to drain it, but wouldn't suggest to leave an open hole in the system like that and would put a plug back in if you did drill one. Fresh plugs with the gap set around .030" can also help depending on how many miles are on them or what gap they're set at.
03-06-2019, 07:13 PM
#5
King Hater
Do the basics. Drill the hole. Change your plugs and gap them appropriately.
Hi, with next to nothing for information about your truck, I will say this; If you have a long bed / long wheel base truck, with two piece drive shaft, this will be normal.
03-09-2019, 11:47 AM
#7
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Can this weep hole shudder happen on a 2016 3.5L ecoboost as well? I put in all new plugs b/c I was at 80k miles and figured it was time, but I still have the shudder under hard acceleration. If the 15+ vehicles are parts of this, is there a specific place to drill the hole and what size?