I’m thinking of buying a truck and I found this 2016 3.5L Ecoboost priced at $26,588 with around 93,899 miles on it. I took it for a test drive and it feels good to be back in a bigger vehicle again, but I’ve been hearing mixed opinions about the first generation of this engine. What issues should I be on the lookout for? Also, I noticed some small things like a low fuel pressure warning and a couple of missing outlets. CARFAX says it’s a one-owner vehicle and they kept up with maintenance. Thoughts?
I watched some YouTube reviews from a Ford mechanic about the Gen 1s. I’m just trying to be careful and avoid potential big issues later on.
If it’s a 2016, that’s Gen 2. The main thing to watch out for with those is the cam phasers.
I could be wrong, but from what I found online, Gen 2 didn’t start until 2017.
Huh, I didn’t know that. I thought anything 2015 and up was Gen 2.
Maybe for the F-150. The 3.5 twin-turbo engine was tweaked around 2012-2013.
I have a 2014 Taurus, and supposedly it got the updated water pump, which I assume was the same change they made to the SHO engine. It’s been great so far at nearly 100k miles.
I watched some YouTube reviews from a Ford mechanic about the Gen 1s. I’m just trying to be careful and avoid potential big issues later on.
If it’s a 2016, that’s Gen 2. The main thing to watch out for with those is the cam phasers.
I could be wrong, but from what I found online, Gen 2 didn’t start until 2017.
Huh, I didn’t know that. I thought anything 2015 and up was Gen 2.
Maybe for the F-150. The 3.5 twin-turbo engine was tweaked around 2012-2013.
I have a 2014 Taurus, and supposedly it got the updated water pump, which I assume was the same change they made to the SHO engine. It’s been great so far at nearly 100k miles.
Yeah, in 2012 the water pump was hidden deep in the engine, and in 2013 they made it a little easier to access. I had to replace mine around 120k miles and while doing that, I got the timing chain, cam phasers, and solenoids replaced too. Also switched to yellow coolant while changing some fluids. It was a $3,400 job, done in the Detroit area, but the car’s been running great since.
I watched some YouTube reviews from a Ford mechanic about the Gen 1s. I’m just trying to be careful and avoid potential big issues later on.
If it’s a 2016, that’s Gen 2. The main thing to watch out for with those is the cam phasers.
I could be wrong, but from what I found online, Gen 2 didn’t start until 2017.
Huh, I didn’t know that. I thought anything 2015 and up was Gen 2.
Maybe for the F-150. The 3.5 twin-turbo engine was tweaked around 2012-2013.
The F-150 didn’t get the Gen 2 3.5L until 2017. In 2015 they introduced the Gen 2 5.0L and the new 2.7L, while discontinuing the 6.2L. They also downsized the 3.7L to 3.5L naturally aspirated engines.
I watched some YouTube reviews from a Ford mechanic about the Gen 1s. I’m just trying to be careful and avoid potential big issues later on.
If it’s a 2016, that’s Gen 2. The main thing to watch out for with those is the cam phasers.
When did they finally get the 3.5 just right?
Honestly, I’m not sure. I just bought a 2021 F-150 with 22,000 miles, and I’ve been told the newer ones have updated phasers. If the phasers on Gen 2 engines go out, they replace them with the updated ones. Other than that, it’s hit or miss, but phasers seem to be the main issue with the Gen 2 3.5s.
At my work, we’ve got tons of EcoBoost trucks, probably close to 50. I never heard of the cam phaser issue before reading it online. Problems can get blown out of proportion in forums.
Gianna said:
At my work, we’ve got tons of EcoBoost trucks, probably close to 50. I never heard of the cam phaser issue before reading it online. Problems can get blown out of proportion in forums.
It’s true, social media tends to amplify things. People come here asking if they should get a Tundra or an F-150, and of course everyone just defends their choice.
I’ve got a first-gen 3.5L at 96k miles. The turbos need replacing, which is a $4k job including parts and labor. The direct port injection also causes carbon buildup because the fuel doesn’t wash the valves like with regular fuel injection. It’s a solid engine, but turbos add complexity and require more attention. Mine wasn’t cared for as well as it should’ve been, so I’ve had to deal with a lot of expensive repairs.
Vinnie said:
I’ve got a first-gen 3.5L at 96k miles. The turbos need replacing, which is a $4k job including parts and labor. The direct port injection also causes carbon buildup because the fuel doesn’t wash the valves like with regular fuel injection. It’s a solid engine, but turbos add complexity and require more attention. Mine wasn’t cared for as well as it should’ve been, so I’ve had to deal with a lot of expensive repairs.
I’ve got a 2018 Raptor with 137k miles, and it’s making a loud rattling sound when starting. The mechanic said it’s the cams, and it’s going to cost around $6k to fix. Does that sound right? How much would a new or rebuilt engine cost for my Raptor?