Bruce3966

Hi all, my beloved 2007 Lariat finally crapped out--sort of. Had 268,000 and the cam phazers finally went out. I will probably change them out and sell it however, I needed a truck to move a daughter 4 states away so I went out and grabbed a 2011 XLT right quick with 135,000 on it. It's the 3.5L turbo and it ran great hauling a 6x12 Uhaul loaded however, I do sense a few issues.

Turbos surging
At crawling speeds and then giving it a tad of gas, it hesitates and knocks a tad and then it's fine
Seems to have higher than normal road noise
--other than that it's like a new truck--haha

I ALWAYS change plugs and coils on any used vehicle I purchase and will be doing that when I return from my trip and also will be changing serpentine belts, changing ALL fluids and air filter etc. I am assuming plugs and coils will help the slight rough idle and super slow speed hesitation--or I hope so. I haven't had a chance to pull codes yet. The turbo surge bothers me a little and have seen others having this issue but maybe, just maybe the coils and plugs will help this--thoughts? I have never owned a vehicle with turbos. Oh and my gas mileage sucks right now. My 2007 Lariat with the 5.4 gave me about 14mpg highway and this 2011 so far is giving me about 11mpg highway even not pulling a trailer. Is that a turbo issue?

Is this engine the same as the 2007 where you can have the issue with removing plugs? I had no issue removing the plugs from my Lariat with cast oil soaked on the plugs for a few hours and an impact driver--they came out like butter.

Thanks!

Pbbmgb

Funny, I could have written a majority of your post! I purchased a 2011 F150 XLT Super Crew Cab with the 5.0 engine with 107k on it. I have owned Ford Explorers for 25 years. So, This is my first truck. I agree wholeheartedly about replacing the fluids, filters, belts and plugs. Do you think it is necessary to replace the coil packs? My mechanic told me to letter them fail and then replace. They are easy enough to replace though. I am replacing the air and cabin filter today. Yesterday was cleaning day. This is my first post to the F150 Forum. I am trying to decide whether to go with a drop in or spray on liner. I like the look of the spray on but I like the rigidity of the drop in. To make things more confusing I saw a bed rug which looked really nice. Decisions, decisions........

good luck on your new used truck!

Barry_Vee

Turbo-lag is inherent to the engine. There can be a slight hesitation noted as they spin up. Never have heard mine knock, but my ears aren’t the best either.

My ‘11 eco mpg is sensitive to speed, wind, load, tires, and grade. Unloaded flat level no wind it gets 20mpg at 65 mph. I loose 1-2 mpg for E rated KO2s. Am not lifted but expect that would cost another 2 mpg.

11mpg Hwy is in 55mph medium size light travel trailer tow territory for mine.

First might try cleaning three intake sensors. They are easy to get at, inspect their connections too. One is just past the air filter (inspect filter), one in front of the engine, and another under the cover toward the back. The latter two likely have a bit of oil coating them. Use mass airflow cleaner, no brush or rag, nothing else.

Plugs should come out ok. At 135k consider changing plug boots, use silicone grease on them. I won’t change my COPs until they go bad.

I waited too long to replace shocks. Should have done that by the mileage on your’s. Went with Bilstein 4600 and am happy with those towing & on/off road. Shock Surplus has some good videos on YouTube.

Recently changed out my belts and tensioner. The old ones were still good.

Just changed the driver seat foam. Best thing ever done for ride comfort. Duro foam from: The Seat Shop. They have a good video on the job.

YouTube has more videos on F150 maintenance & repairs. Ford tech Makuloco and 1a auto are two favorites.

2011 XLT 4x4 3.5l 3.55LS (159,000 miles).