Concerns with Purchase of Pre-2017 Ecoboost
01-31-2018, 10:15 AM
#1
Concerns with Purchase of Pre-2017 Ecoboost
Hey all,
I'm in the process of looking for a truck and with them being so dang expensive, I'll be looking for something used. I'm 26 and I know a fair amount about engines, but I'm certainly not an engine buff or someone that races built dragsters or track cars on the weekends or grew up working on cars. From what I've read about the Ford Ecoboost engines, I understand that there is "concern" surrounding carbon build up on cylinder heads on models prior to 2017 where they were not dual port injected (feel free to correct me). My questions is, would the large majority here feel safe buying a 2012-2016 model Ecoboost with 50-80k miles on it knowing that this issue exists? If I would have purchased one a few years ago new, I would have installed the oil catch cans etc. but with someone else having put its original miles on it without one, I'm concerned about the life expectancy of one from those produced a few years ago. How serious of an issue is the carbon build up/ blow by that these engines had? How long does it take for this to impact engine life and performance realistically? Could I buy a 2013 ecoboost with 80k miles on it and still drive it to 210k miles with regular maintenance and minimal issues? I appreciate your help.
I'm in the process of looking for a truck and with them being so dang expensive, I'll be looking for something used. I'm 26 and I know a fair amount about engines, but I'm certainly not an engine buff or someone that races built dragsters or track cars on the weekends or grew up working on cars. From what I've read about the Ford Ecoboost engines, I understand that there is "concern" surrounding carbon build up on cylinder heads on models prior to 2017 where they were not dual port injected (feel free to correct me). My questions is, would the large majority here feel safe buying a 2012-2016 model Ecoboost with 50-80k miles on it knowing that this issue exists? If I would have purchased one a few years ago new, I would have installed the oil catch cans etc. but with someone else having put its original miles on it without one, I'm concerned about the life expectancy of one from those produced a few years ago. How serious of an issue is the carbon build up/ blow by that these engines had? How long does it take for this to impact engine life and performance realistically? Could I buy a 2013 ecoboost with 80k miles on it and still drive it to 210k miles with regular maintenance and minimal issues? I appreciate your help.
01-31-2018, 10:34 AM
#2
i would bet most people have not installed catch cans on their f150's and while i think catch cans are a great idea, i think the internet might over hype the issue quite a bit. i wouldn't hesitate to buy an ecoboost with 80k without a catch can.
01-31-2018, 10:38 AM
#3
Thanks for the response, that makes me feel better!
01-31-2018, 12:29 PM
#4
Senior Member
Get a 5.0 and put your mind at ease.
01-31-2018, 01:55 PM
#5
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I have a '13 EB with 80k on it. Bought it with 40k. It's very reliable and get decent gas mileage. The main thing is to get ANY used vehicle checked out by a reputable tech before forking over the moola!
one concern with the EB when it gets some mileage on it is the accumulation of sludge in the intercooler. There are many threads on this forum about drilling a "weep" hole in the intercooler to drain it AND to prevent future buildup. I drilled mine at somewhere around 50k and a ton of crap came out of it. You don't want that stuff getting sucked through the intake system.
It is a turbo engine so it needs its regular service. Maybe more so than the 5.0 but they are very smooth running and have a lot of power for a 6 cyl.
one concern with the EB when it gets some mileage on it is the accumulation of sludge in the intercooler. There are many threads on this forum about drilling a "weep" hole in the intercooler to drain it AND to prevent future buildup. I drilled mine at somewhere around 50k and a ton of crap came out of it. You don't want that stuff getting sucked through the intake system.
It is a turbo engine so it needs its regular service. Maybe more so than the 5.0 but they are very smooth running and have a lot of power for a 6 cyl.
01-31-2018, 02:39 PM
#6
I have a '13 with 80,000+ miles on it...no such catch can installed...it runs great!
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McLovin (01-31-2018)
01-31-2018, 02:57 PM
#7
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Forgot to mention!!!!!! No can on mine either.
