f-150 engine durability

CenTex Farmall

Well-known Member
Looking at 2015-2016 crew cab f-150's for family hauler and light towing (like moving a baler).

The ones in the price range I want to be at are closing in on 100k miles. What I'm trying to gauge is whether the 5.0 or one of the ecoboost options would be more prone to expensive repair over the other. From what I've read, it seems that both of these are sensitive to maintenance and clean oil due to their relative mechanical complexity. Of course it's difficult to tell how well the last person treated it when you're looking at things on a dealer's lot and some unknown trade-in.

Are these too much of a gamble at that mileage? Are there known issues that are going to show up past 5 years and 100K?
 
100,000 miles is relatively low for a modern gas engine. My brother has an Ecco boost with about that many miles and he just had to put a turbo in it his forever warranty covered it or it would have been a 1500.00$ bill which seems like a lot and it is but with shop rates and parts prices it doesn?t take long to spend 1500.00$
 
Lots of either of those engines with 200,000 and more miles on them. 100,000 is just broke in good.
 
I have a good friend that is a Tech at the local Ford Dealer. This dealer sells lot of off lease 150's that have about 25,000 miles on them. I asked my friend about the ecoboost engines because I was considering buying one of these trucks. He answer was as far as he was concerned the 2.7 was the most bullet proof engine ford had built in years. He said they had sold hundreds of them and they had never had to crack one open. The early 3.5 did have some problems but that had been corrected. The 2.7 has unbelievable power for it's size and gets great fuel mileage. The 5.0 with the 10 speed transmissions is powerful and smooth as silk. I wouldn't be afraid of any of them.
 
We currently have 11 of the F150s with 5.0 engine and have aged out 7 of them. Most (all?) have had to replace the water pump when they got close to 100K. We run ours up to 200K or so miles and sell them. No head gasket issues, no spark plug issues, even their fuel pump seems to keep on keeping on. The replacement water pumps aren't any better than the factory - we've had to replace some at 200K also.


We have one (2016 model) that "knocks" and tried to get the dealer to replace the engine at 60K or at least dig into to it and they refused. Still knocks and has about 170K on it now.
 
I have been running the 3.5 eco boost ever since they came out and so far no problems. I can,t answer you durability question because I run them 65,000 in two years and trade but I do know this the 14 that I traded in was sold to a local guy here and it has right at 225,000 and has only had a water pump on the engine replaced.
 
A good friend's son is a ford trained master mechanic with a busy dealership. He says good things about the 2.7 and 5.0 in the model years you listed. He told us about a 2.7 that came in after a long and abusive trip towing something too heavy, like way beyond what it should. I forget the details, but otherwise under more normal use, supposed to hold up very well up into higher mileage. I have one in my regular cab '16 with towing package, performs well and towed 2 different trailers with sizeable loads on them very well. Service work was done on time to the present. I don't have enough miles to comment on longevity, but looks good so far.
 
Ford has some bad 5.0 engines later than the years you want. Made the mistake of getting a 2018 5.0. 18 and most 19 have a oil use problem on some. Ford replaced the engine in mine at 11000 miles and that engine was no better. After calling ford and complaining they stalled me by saying they had engineering working on the problem. Now the fix engineering or pencil pushers came up with is a reset of computer and a new dipstick to put in that has the add mark 0.9 quart lower with full the same. Know a few that had 3 engines put in before ford quit replacing them for oil use. Engine is noisier than previous models.
 
We have two SUV's (2004 Expedition with 145000 miles and a 2005 Lincoln Navigator with 65000 miles)with the larger V-8's and a F-150 (2014 with 60000 miles)with the eco boost and haul substantial trailers with all of them. I really can not tell the difference in any of them except the eco boost will out shine them all when pulling up the mountains. Other than oil changes we have not touched any of them except we had to replace a lot of the plastic front end from hitting a deer several years ago with the Expedition.
 
John when I first complained to dealer the answer is it can't be using that much oil unless leaking. No leaks but had to set up a appointment and take in. Answer was no leaks you must not know how to check oil. Started looking on the net to see if anyone else was having a problem. Noticed the mustang owners were complaining more than the 150 owners at that time. Found a Ford TSB that told dealers to do a oil consumption test if having problems. Went back and said I wanted that done. Fist thing they said was where did you get that. Anyway it failed the test and a long block installed. It used less oil for the first 2000 than the original engine but at 5000 miles it was using the same amount. when I wanted something done around November last year the dealer had told them not to put anymore engines in and they had 3 to be installed in other trucks but ford said they wouldn't get paid from them. Contacted Ford and the standard answer was take it to dealer. After I pointed out that they wouldn't do anything because they said ford told them to stop. Finally they admitted that engineering was working on the problem. In December they came out with a new TSB to reset engine controls and a new dipstick to install with 1.9 quarts between add and full. Drove less than 300 miles since then so can't say what the results are but not hopeful.
 
Mine started off as as tick. I could not hear it going up the road, but I had stopped for a biscuit and could hear it. By the time I got to work, which is less than a mile from work, it had turned into a knock. Didnt sound like a rod knock to me. Friend of mine who works in the service dept. for the dealer I got it from stopped by and listened to it. He arranged for someone to tow it in, and after work I stopped by and he had found the #1 and #5 rod bearings wore (But within spec), cam phasers wore, slack adjuster on passenger side wore, timing chain was loose, and something else. Fortunetly, everything had been documented as far as oil changes and service since it was new, so I lucked out and Ford paid for my engine. This one has been flawless, but only 5000 miles on it. My buddy said that the life of these engine was synthetic oil each change, and thats what its gets now.
 
Ecoboost and Duratec 3.5 V6 warning about water pump failure.

These engines have an integral water pump inside the timing end of the engine. It will NOT weep when it fails outside the engine. It must be caught soon or the entire engine will be destroyed. I have two ecoboost engines, and so far ok.

How to check regularly.

1. Hot engine: Shut down, and check dipstick for both level, and color, consistency of oil. If oil level is higher than expected, AND shows milky condition, do NOT run the engine. Tow to shop and replace water pump.

2. Cold engine: Keep track of water level in overflow. If the water level begins to drop, or the 'check water level' indicator comes on when starting, perform the hot engine check for milky or high level oil.

The water pump failure dumps coolant into the crankcase. There is NO air vent for the crankcase. Also can check the inside of the oil fill port for milky froth. Do NOT run the engine to the shop! Have it towed, and you will save thousands over engine replacement.

The ecoboost V6 3.5 is an incredibly powerful engine. If it's run overheated, the chance of water pump failure increases. Plan on proactive water pump replacement at ~ 125k miles. Have the timing chains and tensioner inspected during the water pump job. The chains are micro-polished, and do not replace with aftermarket chains which are just stainless steel, but unpolished.
 
The two piece spark plugs in the early 3 valve 5.4 engines was a giant POS. To be honest I won't even look at a Ford Pickup built from 2004 to 2010 unless its a V6. And I'm a huge Ford fan. Their 3V engines in those years is just to much of a gamble.
 
I have an 03 f-150 that I?ve owned since new. It now has 187,000 miles on it, it?s a 5.4 triton engine. I have always used motorcraft synthetic blend oil in it. I have changed the spark plugs once at 100,000 miles. I had no trouble with plugs because I took it to a knowledgeable person to have them changed. It now uses one quart of oil between changes. I don?t think that?s too bad for that many miles!
 
I find these conversations interesting.

There was a serious bias on this site against the eco boost engine holding up when they first came out.

You just have to build them to the strengths of a Diesel.
 
Ecoboost and Duratec 3.5 V6 warning about water pump failure.

These engines have an integral water pump inside the timing end of the engine. It will NOT weep when it fails outside the engine. It must be caught soon or the entire engine will be destroyed. I have two ecoboost engines, and so far ok.

How to check regularly.

1. Hot engine: Shut down, and check dipstick for both level, and color, consistency of oil. If oil level is higher than expected, AND shows milky condition, do NOT run the engine. Tow to shop and replace water pump.

2. Cold engine: Keep track of water level in overflow. If the water level begins to drop, or the 'check water level' indicator comes on when starting, perform the hot engine check for milky or high level oil.

The water pump failure dumps coolant into the crankcase. There is NO air vent for the crankcase. Also can check the inside of the oil fill port for milky froth. Do NOT run the engine to the shop! Have it towed, and you will save thousands over engine replacement.

The ecoboost V6 3.5 is an incredibly powerful engine. If it's run overheated, the chance of water pump failure increases. Plan on proactive water pump replacement at ~ 125k miles. Have the timing chains and tensioner inspected during the water pump job. The chains are micro-polished, and do not replace with aftermarket chains which are just stainless steel, but unpolished.

The water pump on the EcoBoost is NOT run by the timing chain like the Duratec engines! The water pump is external on the EcoBoost and It does NOT leak coolant into the crankcase when it fails like you claim!
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25OyZ9NVn7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBK7qguqfWo

https://www.fordf150.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=120721

Gotta know which ecoboost specifically. The 2.7EB is external water pump. The 3.5 V6 starting mid-2012 has external water pump on some trucks all the way through 2017. Some ecoboost from 2013-2017 get the internal. All Flex, and all Lincoln from 2013 have internal.

The only way to be SURE is to look at the belt, and see if it wraps around a belt pulley. If not - it's an internal pump. If yes, it's an external.

In 2013, Ford increased the size of the hub, and made it driven by two timing chains for increased reliability. Sadly, this does not seem to have helped.
 
Am on my second ecoboost. Pretty reliable to 200K plus but expect to change plugs and most coil packs every 50K miles. It will remind you with poor performance and check engine ligh if you forget.
 
(quoted from post at 15:03:13 02/11/20) Which Fords had the spark plug problems?

Blownoutsparkplug is the nations most recognized service
provider specializing in a low cost alternative to replacing the
cylinder head on most all 1997 to 2005 Ford 4.6L, 5.4L, and 6.8L
engines in Expeditions, Trucks, Mustangs, Crown Vics, Town
Cars, Motor Homes and Cobras that have experienced a blown
out spark plug.

More info at blownoutsparkplug.com. They are the experts in repairing spark plug issues without removing the head. I've seen them do plenty, and the price is right.
 
(quoted from post at 18:27:33 02/11/20) Am on my second ecoboost. Pretty reliable to 200K plus but expect to change plugs and most coil packs every 50K miles. It will remind you with poor performance and check engine ligh if you forget.

Upgrade from the DG-511 or DG-524 to the DG-560. Depending on year, it will help with misfire codes. The dielectric in the 560 is better. Ford introduced it in 2014 mid year, but it should be suitable for prior year ecoboost.

Folks, I've had ecoboost 325HP version, 345HP version, and now the 365HP version for many years. I do almost all my own work, and know them pretty well. If I don't have the answer, my brother is a wrench for 22 years at Ford, and he knows everything, some stuff I don't know.
 
I appreciate all the replies. Just the information I was looking for. I checked on some Ford type forums and engines questions usually took less than one page to devolve into a shouting match between the EB fans and the 5.0 fans.

Either engine would work for how it will be used so I will now be able to look at either one and consider the overall condition to make a decision.

Only Ford I've had so far is 07 Five Hundred. It's closing fast on 200k with nothing more than routine maintenance and an alternator.
 
Just a little two cents. Had a 1996 explorer V-6. Totally drove the wheels off it. Had 338,too miles with just good maintenance. Oil and filters. Have two Expeditions after it. Oil changes are the biggest engine saver.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25OyZ9NVn7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBK7qguqfWo

https://www.fordf150.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=120721

Gotta know which ecoboost specifically. The 2.7EB is external water pump. The 3.5 V6 starting mid-2012 has external water pump on some trucks all the way through 2017. Some ecoboost from 2013-2017 get the internal. All Flex, and all Lincoln from 2013 have internal.

The only way to be SURE is to look at the belt, and see if it wraps around a belt pulley. If not - it's an internal pump. If yes, it's an external.

In 2013, Ford increased the size of the hub, and made it driven by two timing chains for increased reliability. Sadly, this does not seem to have helped.

All 3 of those links talk about the water pump on the Duratec 3.5L and 3.7L, NOT the EcoBoost engines! The EcoBoost engines used in the F-150 trucks have an external water pump! We are talking about the F-150 engines here, not the FWD or AWD car engines! After all this post is about the F-150!
 
You just have to build them to the strengths of a Diesel.



My experience with diesel pickups has been reliability hasn't been built into them since the early 2000s. While they are more powerful - maintenance more than offsets any gains in fuel economy and longevity.
 
Isn't the Duratech the base engine in the F150 (non turbo v6)? We've had a one of them before we decided the 5.0 was the way to go with fleet trucks. It seemed OK when the truck was driven as a car carrying light loads or transporting people - was not something to tow with though. I'm sure it was better than the old 4.2 though. Seems like it keeps getting smaller it started out as a 3.7, then went to 3.5 not its a 3.3 liter (about 168 cubic inches).
 
(quoted from post at 05:42:31 02/12/20)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25OyZ9NVn7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBK7qguqfWo

https://www.fordf150.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=120721

Gotta know which ecoboost specifically. The 2.7EB is external water pump. The 3.5 V6 starting mid-2012 has external water pump on some trucks all the way through 2017. Some ecoboost from 2013-2017 get the internal. All Flex, and all Lincoln from 2013 have internal.

The only way to be SURE is to look at the belt, and see if it wraps around a belt pulley. If not - it's an internal pump. If yes, it's an external.

In 2013, Ford increased the size of the hub, and made it driven by two timing chains for increased reliability. Sadly, this does not seem to have helped.

All 3 of those links talk about the water pump on the Duratec 3.5L and 3.7L, NOT the EcoBoost engines! The EcoBoost engines used in the F-150 trucks have an external water pump! We are talking about the F-150 engines here, not the FWD or AWD car engines! After all this post is about the F-150!

https://www.newparts.com/product/125-3260-gmb-ford-mustang-37l-35l-f150-lincoln-v6-engine-water-pump-timing-chain-driven-gmb

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2015,f-150,3.5l+v6+turbocharged,3308773,cooling+system,water+pump,2208
(*click on picture of GMB 1253260, top item*)


http://blog.prestigegarland.com/2011/01/2011-ford-f-150-ecoboost-beats-all-others-with-combination-of-fuel-economy-power-capability/
(*example of ver 1 with single chain. Best pic I can find online*).

Now, I get what you're saying. There IS a F-150 with an external pump. I have not questioned that since my first post. I guess, if need be I'll go to the shop next week myself and find one for you, video the engine with a copy of the WSJ dated, and upload it. Nah - believe what you like. It's a semi-free country. Oh, and use more exclamation marks, that sells it.
 

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