3.5 Eco Needs Replaced

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Nov 1, 2018 | 09:30 AM

Bryan-G

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Joined: Feb 2016

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3.5 Eco Needs Replaced

A guy I work with has a 2011 with the 3.5 eco that has roughly 86k miles on it. He started to have a timing chain issue and it died. He towed it to the shop and they called to tell him his motor was junk and needs replaced. Apparently they don’t have refurbished motors as an option yet so he has to do either a new crate motor or one out of a salvage yard. He has an extended warranty but just recently got it so they are not sure they will cover the cost. I feel bad for him. He is a good kid and doesn’t have a bunch of money so not sure what he is gonna do if the warranty company refuses to pay for the repair. Anyone else have issues with their eco and low miles? Just curious if this is normal or a fluke.

Nov 1, 2018 | 02:41 PM

varminthunter243

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 435

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From: Bloomfield, NM

When I bought my truck it had 142k on it. The motor, turbos, and intercooler had been replaced at 100k due to #1 and #3 rods deciding they liked life outside the block better than inside it. But it was replaced at the dealer. Not sure what the previous owner was doing when they let go but I'd assume it was something pretty violent.

Nov 1, 2018 | 03:35 PM

ford390gashog

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 26,007

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From: Brentwood,CA

There is Ford reman long lock engines available and has been for seven years. The timing chain noise is well documented and it didn't sneak up on him. The truck has been making noise on start up and let go. For some reason people ignore the noise too long and this is always the end result.

Nov 1, 2018 | 06:43 PM

brokenleg

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2011

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ford390gashog

And with 86k..... I bet the oil hasnt been changed hardly at all if ever....

Nov 4, 2018 | 03:25 PM

HILLBILLY BOB

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 1,522

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From: HUDSON, FL

i have been thinking about buying a ford f-150 with eco boost.what can anyone tell me about them?are they good bad or what ?i have not picked out any certain year yet,so i am just trying to get some information on them.or should i just stay away from the eco boost.is there any certain years that are better than others.thanks a lot Bob

Nov 6, 2018 | 05:30 AM

tseekins

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Joined: Jan 2008

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From: Maine, Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by HILLBILLY BOB

Knowing the vehicles history is always best of possible. If buying used and I assume you are, I'd opt for the very newest used truck that you can afford or are willing to pay for. By 2013 it seems that most issues were solved though some were still reported. Same with the 5.0L as well.

Dec 12, 2018 | 06:47 PM

mazamike

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Joined: Dec 2018

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Quote:

Originally Posted by HILLBILLY BOB

I truly enjoy my 2011 F150 3.5 Ecoboost, bought it with 103,000 miles and now at 126,000 it is having the timing chain replaced as I've come to find out this is a typical problem with the 3.5's. They drive smoother than the similar year Dodge and Chevy trucks. They have more power than the 5.3 in the Chevy's and if you are not about "sounding cool" the quiet ride of the F150 3.5 is a better drive down the highway than the Dodge trucks. My brother is a second owner of a 2014 Dodge, the first owner was religious about maintenance and never drove it offroad. My 2011 is a much better drive than his Dodge and I paid $5000 plus less than he did.

Only question I have: Is there anything else I should have replaced while the Ford dealership has it taken apart?