3.5 Ecoboost - any problems?
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,237
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
The 2015 and 2016 first gen 3.5 EBs have been remarkably reliable. You won't find many issues posted here. 2015s got an all new CAC (intercooler) and then May 2015 and up got improved timing chain guides.
2017 3.5 EBs are a completely new engine, so you can't draw any comparisions between the two.
2017 3.5 EBs are a completely new engine, so you can't draw any comparisions between the two.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 4
From: Seattle area
The timing chain update happened in 2015 right? Not 2018
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
It wasn't just the timing chain. It was the phasers and chain, and possibly a couple other things. Affected 3.5EB engines built before May 2015. For some reason, it didn't affect all the engines, and I never learned what the underlying issue was. The engine itself has proven itself quite reliable.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Thanks for all the responses.
I've heard good thing about the gas mileage around town. But, I've also heard it drops pretty fast above 70 mph. Is this true?
I've heard good thing about the gas mileage around town. But, I've also heard it drops pretty fast above 70 mph. Is this true?
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Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,237
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
As does most any vehicle.
I just took a trip in mine and averaged about 17.5 at 75. But I have larger tires. There are 80 and 85 MPH speed limits in my area. The MPG will drop below 16 when I’m at those speeds.
I just took a trip in mine and averaged about 17.5 at 75. But I have larger tires. There are 80 and 85 MPH speed limits in my area. The MPG will drop below 16 when I’m at those speeds.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
Here most places the speed limit is 65. Out between cities, sometimes the post 70 or 75. When I'm doing 65, I can get 21, sometimes 22 MPG.
That said, I one time saw 99 MPG on the console going downhill from Bear Valley (~~ 7500' elevation).
That said, I one time saw 99 MPG on the console going downhill from Bear Valley (~~ 7500' elevation).
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 4
From: Seattle area
The EB is not an “eco” engine, especially the 3.5ltr. It’s a towing machine and drinks fuel like a sailor on shore leave. The newer design has start/stop, but not the first gen (thru 2016). I’ll get 12-13mph around town. Any speed over 60mph sees a noticeable drop in mileage, but even at 60 I don’t get more than about 18mpg. I’ve got the 3.55 rear diff so she’s geared a bit lower than those w/o the Max tow package.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
The first gen EcoBoost ran 2011-16 and all will suffer from the timing chain stretching issue. The phaser and VCT was hit and miss but seems to have really affected only select 2014 -17 engines and those issues showed up very early and most were fixed under warranty. The second gen got the upgraded double row timing chain
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
Every gasoline engine running above 70 MPH will consume considerably more fuel than it would running at 55 MPH and an engine with one or in the case of the 3.5 EB two turbos, it’ll consume even more.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
Quoted fuel mileage is worth snot for comparison unless the rear end ratio and driveline are provided. My 2016 stunk with cruise on at 72mph... barely 18mpg. It had the Max Tow with 3.55 rear and was a 4x4. I’d argue all day long nowhere near 21 or 22 is possible with a 2016 3.5L at highway speeds with my setup. Now toss a 3.31 rear or add 2WD, and bets are off. Now rural driving at 55mph I could pull 19 all day, but in winter, 17.5-18.0. I drove it like an egg was under the go pedal, and have been driving turbo trucks for about 20+ years.
