So I just bought a used 2013 F-150 EB with 59k on the ODO. Twice in two days while towing it produced a violent shudder and loss of power. When it happened the second time it was followed by the truck going into limp mode.

Of note, the engine was flawless when not towing.

I live in the northwest and everything I read led me to believe it was likely the intercooler and possibly the cat as a byproduct of the unburnt fuel being ejected into the exhaust.

Today the dealer called and said the problem was the high pressure fuel pump. I can't seem to find any like incidents to mine (fuel pump causing a violent shudder while towing).

Any thoughts?

 

Welcome!!

This is the first fuel pump that I've read of. Just for giggles, do you know if your plugs have been changed yet? If not, get them changed to head off another casualty while towing. The plugs on these ecoboost trucks typically run about 50K-60K miles then you could possibly experience a misfire event that would lead you to think that your intercooler is loaded with moisture.

 

If I had to guess, the plugs haven't been done. I've only had the truck a week and it's still in the shop right now waiting for the HPFP to arrive.

 

OK good. If it's not too invasive, would share what the cost of the job is to perform the HPFP replacement? The cost may not show up as I'm sure it's covered and you won't have to pay for it.

 

I'm going to pick up the truck today; the dealer is covering the repair so I'm fairly certain the cost won't be listed on the paper work.

 

That said, I'm also very nervous the violent shuddering while towing wasn't caused by a faulty fuel pump.

 

Even if it wasn't, you got a new fuel pump for free. The plugs and or a bad coil will present similar symptoms when under load.

 

No cost listed on the work order.

Changed the plugs today and they looked relatively okay. Electrodes worn to a gap of about .038. Even wear on all plugs and no carbon tracking.

Drilled a 1/16" hole in the CAC which drained and blew quite a bit of oil, but no water. It was showering and in the low 50's here today (and all week), so the conditions were right on the money.

 

It sounds like you've mitigated future problems then. Time to enjoy your truck.

 

Your new plugs should be gapped to .030 and changed every 30k miles to be safe. Your weep hole was an excellent choice as well. The problems you experienced were directly attributable to the spark plugs and condensate buildup. Now that you have addressed this, keep an ear open for the cold start rattle which indicates your cam phasers are failing.

 

Please post back here after you've driven and towed for a few weeks. Good to know if the problem persists or is fixed.

 

Motorcraft plugs came gapped at.028/.029. I gapped them to .030.

No timing chain issue so far.

 

I towed my 8200 pound travel trailer about 30 miles on Saturday, without any issues. Crossing my fingers the problem is solved.

 

You did - sadly the weep hole and regular spark plug changes at 30k mile intervals are what helps prolong the ecoboost.

 

You're assuming that was the problem to begin with and not what the dealer fixed. I live in the Northwest and I know multiple EB owners, including some that have modified their truck. No one has any issues to report. Furthermore, I've yet to see anyone with credible evidence or reputation state 30,000 mile intervals are needed on a non-modified EB.