Ford 2.7 EcoBoost problems are factors that you need to consider if you’re getting a car with this engine or replacing your current engine. Ford revamped the engine in 2018 because of the problems that drivers had, but no engine is perfect.
There are still some problems that you would face with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, but they are not as bad as they seem, and the EcoBoost is still a reliable engine. Let’s take a closer look at the 2.7-liter EcoBoost issues and solutions.
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What Are The Common Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems?
The common Ford 2.7 EcoBoost problems include carbon buildup, excess oil consumption, ignition coil failure, failing spark plugs, oil pan leaks, and head gasket failures. Some have also reported coolant leaks, ECT and PCM issues, and engine warning light illuminating for no reason.
Carbon Buildup
The common problems that owners of the Ford 2.7-liter engine face is carbon build-up. This issue is usually found in engines with a direct injection system, which sprays fuel directly into the cylinder. After a while, there would be deposits building up on the intake valves. If your engine was made between 2015 and 2018, you can expect this problem.
Carbon buildup might be a common problem, but it isn’t too serious and can be solved easily. Also, your engine can run for 100,000 miles without any sign of carbon buildup. After the 100,000-mile mark, you should inspect your turbo engine for carbon build-up.
Spark Plug and Ignition Coil Failure
You might deal with faulty plugs or ignition coils prematurely with a 2.7 EcoBoost. This is due to the high carbon buildup in the direct fuel injection, causing the plug or ignition to get damaged before its time.
Your engine plug can last up to 80,000 to 100,000 miles, but with an engine, it would become faulty after about 40,000 to 50,000 miles. As for the ignition, it is meant to last for over 200,000 miles, but it would last for 100,000 miles. You can prevent this problem by cleaning and reducing the deposits regularly. This would extend the life of the plug.
Excessive Oil Consumption
If you’re using the 2.7 EcoBoost engine, you might be dealing with excess oil consumption. You’ll end up spending more money on consuming engine oil with this engine. This consumption is due to the defect in the intake valve guides, which causes oil to leak into the combustion chamber and burn.
Some users have complained that the 2.7 EcoBoost twin turbo engine burns one quart of oil every 3,000 miles, which is more than you would expect. The excess burning of oil produces a lot of carbon soot and emissions. It might also cause your car to have high emissions.
Leaking Oil Pan
Aside from consuming too much oil, the 2.7 EcoBoost also deals with leaks in the oil pan. The leaking pan would cause you to lose more oil than normal. The pan leaks are due to a bad seal placed between the aluminum engine block and the plastic oil pan. It is especially a problem in the first-generation engine.
An obvious solution to the leaking oil pan problem is to use aluminum or metal for your pan. This would be more durable and won’t cause any sealing problems. But this defect is not common among second-generation 2.7 EcoBoost.
Head Gasket Failures
Another common problem that you should look out for is a blown head gasket. A head gasket failure can occur prematurely, especially in the first-generation EcoBoost. The reasons are low-quality gaskets or poor assembly, which causes the coolant to leak into the cylinders.
The coolant might also leak into the oil compartment, causing the oil to mix with the coolant. If this happens, your engine will overheat and fail. The engine might also knock if you keep driving. So, you should check the oil and coolant levels of your EcoBoost regularly.
What Are The Solutions for Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems?
The solutions to the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost problems depend on what has failed, including replacing the pan, removing the carbon buildup, replacing the plug and ignition, and replacing the head gaskets. It’s best to contact a mechanic if you’re unsure about what to do.
Remove Carbon Buildup
You can remove the carbon buildup from your engine if you notice deposits during your inspection. While you can hire a professional to clean the carbon deposit, it would be more expensive. This is because they would have to remove some parts of the engine.
For a quick and cheaper approach, you can clean the oil deposits with a fuel additive. Using a wire brush, you can use the additive to clean the deposits safely.
Replace the Oil Pan
While you cannot reduce the oil consumption of the 2.7 EcoBoost, you can replace the pan if it is leaking. When swapping out the pan, you would have to change the oil. You might also have to change the filter and service your car. You can change the pan or change the gasket in general.
Follow the steps to replace your pan:
- Raise the car using a jack stand, elevator jack, or a mechanic’s ditch.
- Remove the oil plug to remove the oil from the system.
- Then, remove the old filter and install a new one using a wrench.
- Remove the bolts that secure the pan using a socket or screwdriver. Be careful, or it might spill on you.
- Then, remove the remains of the engine block and clean it.
- You can clean your pan if you can’t buy a new one or replace it. You can also replace a new gasket.
- Then, refill the engine with oil and look for leaks.
- Start the car and let it run for a minute. After doing this, you should check for leaks and the oil level.
- Leave the car overnight and check for oil leaks the next day.
Change the Spark Plug
Since the plug in the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost wears out prematurely, you might have to replace it earlier than you think. Follow the steps below to change spark plugs:
- Park your car on a flat, dry surface, wait for the engine to cool down, and clean the engine area.
- Remove the plug wire next. You should be careful not to damage the rubber boot or wire terminal.
- Remove the Coil on Plug and check for signs of engine oil or anti-freeze contamination. If there are any leaks, you need to replace them.
- Unscrew the plug, but ensure that the engine has cooled down.
- Insert the new plug into the spot where the old one was. Make sure that it is not damaged by inspecting the threads and the tips.
- Reinstall the plug wires and ignition.
- Start up the engine to check if the plug is working. If the Check Engine Light is still on, you might have to visit a mechanic.
Replace the Head Gasket
If the head gasket in your 2.7 EcoBoost engine gets damaged or blows up, you need to replace it. If you leave your car engine with a broken or damaged head gasket, you will cause the engine to overheat, and it will finally fail. The bearings become worn out, and the engine will knock.
Here’s how you can replace the head gasket:
- Get a service manual for your car.
- Dismantle the engine and the cylinder head.
- Check for signs of warping in the engine block.
- Remove the fasteners one by one.
- Clean the cylinder head and engine block.
- Reassemble the head gasket on the engine block.
- Secure the gasket head onto the engine block.
- Replace all the engine components.
- Rotate the crankshaft and camshaft.
- Replace the engine oil, oil filter and coolant.
If you’re not good with using tools, you should contact a mechanic to replace the head gasket instead.
How Can You Avoid Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems?
You can avoid Ford 2.7 EcoBoost problems by paying attention to your oil levels, using premium fuel, changing the air filter regularly, and driving with care on rough roads. If you can maintain your engine, you can prolong the life of the components of the engine.
Monitor the Oil Level
Having a low oil level would cause the engine to work harder, which would cause the pistons and other components to wear out faster. Ensure that the oil levels are always up to standard.
Use Premium Fuel
Premium fuel is cleaner than regular fuel, and it decreases the carbon buildup in your engine. Premium gas isn’t required by many cars, but using it more frequently than you use a regular car would do good for your car.
Swap Out The Air Filter
If the air filter is clogged, it blocks the airflow into the engine, which increases emissions levels and reduces fuel efficiency. Changing the air filter constantly would reduce the chances of these problems happening.
Drive with Care
You need to drive with care when you have the 2.7 EcoBoost. Don’t idle for too long, hard brake, or race up hills. Also, you should get regular inspection, service and maintenance work. Doing these can help you prolong the life of the engine components.
What Cars Use The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Engine?
The cars that use the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine include the Ford F-150, Ford Edge Sport, Ford Edge ST, Ford Bronco and Ford Fusion Sport, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln Continental and Lincoln Nautilus. The engine was introduced in 2015 with the Ford F-150 truck.
The F-150 2.7 engine comes with 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The second generation of the engine was released in 2018, and the F-150 truck was still the first car to use it. It came with 400 pound-feet of torque.
In the second generation, the EcoBoost came with a new EGR system, a combination of direct injection with port injection, and a new pan design.
Is The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Engine Reliable?
The Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Engine is reliable despite the problems mentioned. The second generation Ford engine is more reliable than the previous, so you can consider the 2018 and newer models. With proper maintenance, the engine would last up to 155,000 miles.
Conclusion
With our guide on the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost problems, you can anticipate problems with your engine and repair or replace parts. Here’s a summary of what our guide offered:
- The common Ford 2.7 EcoBoost problems include carbon buildup, excess oil consumption, plug issues, leaking pan and head gasket failure.
- You can solve the 2.7 EcoBoost issues like cleaning the carbon deposits and replacing the plug, head gasket or pan.
- You can avoid the EcoBoost problems by checking the oil level, using premium fuel and changing the oil filters regularly.
- The Ford EcoBoost is reliable, especially in the second generation, and would last up to 155,000 miles.
If you’re considering using the EcoBoost, you should consider the second-gen option and maintain it regularly. Regardless, the EcoBoost engine problems should not discourage you.
References
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