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Ecoboost condensate drain hole, post your results here

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Old 08-23-2013, 12:29 AM
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Default Ecoboost condensate drain hole, post your results here

It's been discussed in various threads that a potential solution to the intercooler condensation issue is a simple weep hole drilled into the bottom of the driver's side end tank. Some turbocharged volvo's used a weep hole on the intercooler, so it wouldn't be the first time something like that is done.

I know at least two people have drilled the hole, so per LastResort's request, I wanted to get some before/after observations and results from drilling the hole.

And before anybody says it...
-It won't pull in dirt because there is never negative pressure there.
-It won't create an issue due to unmetered air because its not a MAF engine.
-It won't cause a decrease in boost because boost is on feedback control by the ECM.
-And finally, it won't cause a loss of engine power due to a reduction in airflow because a .050" hole will only leak .5 cfm at 15 psi.
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Old 08-23-2013, 12:53 AM
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Thanks Mike, i'd do it myself but I'm waiting to see if I experience the issue first. It would be nice to have some solid, if anecdotal, reports of success or failure.
Old 08-23-2013, 08:31 AM
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After I change my plugs I'll be doing this if the plugs don't help.
Old 08-23-2013, 08:33 AM
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Sub'd, thanks for doing this. The hard work of the tech guys and the testicular fortitude of the folks doing the proposed fix and reporting back is much appreciated.

Last edited by BucketMan; 08-23-2013 at 08:35 AM.
Old 08-23-2013, 08:44 AM
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I hope this works but with the infrequency of the issue in the first place, it might be hard to tell for a while.

Good luck (and thanks to those who are doing this), I have no dog in this fight other than I want to see it resolved because owners of other brands are pointing to this issue as a reason to stay away from Ford (and I'd hope some of the nonsense that happens here would go away too).
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Old 08-23-2013, 09:04 AM
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Agree with above.
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Old 08-23-2013, 10:01 AM
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Some folks may not have a decimal drill index so remember we're talking about a 1/20th of an inch hole. Very tiny and unless you're driving through a river this should work fine.

Good idea though but I'll see if I can make a trip around the area and check for condensation . Thanks engineermike
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Old 08-23-2013, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by engineermike
It's been discussed in various threads that a potential solution to the intercooler condensation issue is a simple weep hole drilled into the bottom of the driver's side end tank. Some turbocharged volvo's used a weep hole on the intercooler, so it wouldn't be the first time something like that is done.

I know at least two people have drilled the hole, so per LastResort's request, I wanted to get some before/after observations and results from drilling the hole.

And before anybody says it...
-It won't pull in dirt because there is never negative pressure there.
-It won't create an issue due to unmetered air because its not a MAF engine.
-It won't cause a decrease in boost because boost is on feedback control by the ECM.
-And finally, it won't cause a loss of engine power due to a reduction in airflow because a .050" hole will only leak .5 cfm at 15 psi.
I thought when you were not running in boost, you ran in vacuum, so wouldn't it pull in unfiltered air/dirt anytime you're not in boost? Not trying to call you out, just an honest question.
Old 08-23-2013, 10:45 AM
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^^^No, this portion of the air system is not ever under vacuum. The vacuum numbers seen are coming from the manifold pressure.
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Old 08-23-2013, 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by 13Raptor

I thought when you were not running in boost, you ran in vacuum, so wouldn't it pull in unfiltered air/dirt anytime you're not in boost? Not trying to call you out, just an honest question.
Vacuum is behind the throttle body.
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