Is the 3,5 V6 really so bad?
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4wd Low
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Is the 3,5 V6 really so bad?
Hello,
I have a Ford Expedition with the Triton 5.4 V8 engine. Unfortunately, it consumes too much fuel (11-14 MPG) and isn't responsive enough for me. Plus, the V8 is starting to annoy me.
I live in South America. Fuel isn't expensive, but it's scarce. I'm considering whether to switch to the successor model (€25,000-30,000) or swap in the engine and transmission from the newer model.
I've heard that the 3.5 V6 isn't that great (timing belt in oil?).
Regardless of whether I go for an engine or vehicle swap, I need to know if the 3.5 V6 is any good.
For now, this is just a "philosophical discussion thread" to see if it's even worth considering the engine.
Thanks a lot,
Lexenlewax
I have a Ford Expedition with the Triton 5.4 V8 engine. Unfortunately, it consumes too much fuel (11-14 MPG) and isn't responsive enough for me. Plus, the V8 is starting to annoy me.
I live in South America. Fuel isn't expensive, but it's scarce. I'm considering whether to switch to the successor model (€25,000-30,000) or swap in the engine and transmission from the newer model.
I've heard that the 3.5 V6 isn't that great (timing belt in oil?).
Regardless of whether I go for an engine or vehicle swap, I need to know if the 3.5 V6 is any good.
For now, this is just a "philosophical discussion thread" to see if it's even worth considering the engine.
Thanks a lot,
Lexenlewax
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
There are too many electronic controls to consider the swap, so it's definitely not worth it. We've owned a 2003 5.4 (2-valve) for 21 years and a 2016 3.6 Ecoboost for 8 years. Both engines have been reliable, but my 5.4 is probably due for a timing chain now at 180,000 miles. The 3.5 is definitely better with power and fuel economy. If you're looking to upgrade power and fuel evening, I would definitely recommend the Ecoboost.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 42
From: The OC
Great engine, until a $100 water pump costs you $4000 to replace, and that's hoping the water didn't enter the oil. Terrible design having an internal water pump that runs on the timing chain.
And the eco-boost isn't much more economical. I've had both, stick with the 5.4.
And the eco-boost isn't much more economical. I've had both, stick with the 5.4.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 314
Terrible design having an internal water pump that runs on the timing chain.
Agreed, though, a bad idea the beancounters got approval on and the Eco isn’t that much better on gas if being used to any great extent.
My opinion, if there is such a thing as an extended warranty in South America, buy as much in regards to years and mileage that you can afford.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
watch this guy fordtechmakuloco on you tube. He is one of the best Ford mechanics anywhere. Watch hi
Hello,
I have a Ford Expedition with the Triton 5.4 V8 engine. Unfortunately, it consumes too much fuel (11-14 MPG) and isn't responsive enough for me. Plus, the V8 is starting to annoy me.
I live in South America. Fuel isn't expensive, but it's scarce. I'm considering whether to switch to the successor model (€25,000-30,000) or swap in the engine and transmission from the newer model.
I've heard that the 3.5 V6 isn't that great (timing belt in oil?).
Regardless of whether I go for an engine or vehicle swap, I need to know if the 3.5 V6 is any good.
For now, this is just a "philosophical discussion thread" to see if it's even worth considering the engine.
Thanks a lot,
Lexenlewax
I have a Ford Expedition with the Triton 5.4 V8 engine. Unfortunately, it consumes too much fuel (11-14 MPG) and isn't responsive enough for me. Plus, the V8 is starting to annoy me.
I live in South America. Fuel isn't expensive, but it's scarce. I'm considering whether to switch to the successor model (€25,000-30,000) or swap in the engine and transmission from the newer model.
I've heard that the 3.5 V6 isn't that great (timing belt in oil?).
Regardless of whether I go for an engine or vehicle swap, I need to know if the 3.5 V6 is any good.
For now, this is just a "philosophical discussion thread" to see if it's even worth considering the engine.
Thanks a lot,
Lexenlewax
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
There are too many electronic controls to consider the swap, so it's definitely not worth it. We've owned a 2003 5.4 (2-valve) for 21 years and a 2016 3.6 Ecoboost for 8 years. Both engines have been reliable, but my 5.4 is probably due for a timing chain now at 180,000 miles. The 3.5 is definitely better with power and fuel economy. If you're looking to upgrade power and fuel evening, I would definitely recommend the Ecoboost.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
2015 was the 1st year Ecoboost was available in the Expedition. That's the 1st Gen Ecoboost. Per Google, it looks like the 2nd Gen Ecoboost started in 2018 Expedition.
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4wd Low
Joined: Oct 2024
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And before 2015 it wasa a regular 3.5 V6 with the same issues?
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Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Oct 2024
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fordtechmakuloco on YouTube is the best Ford mechanic there is .. Watch his videos before you would even think of owning an ecoboost. I will keep my 5.4 running and have it rebuilt or buy a new motor before I would ever go with that 6 . The 5.4 with good maintainence will run forever . I've have a 2 valve that has 280k and a 3 valve with a 160k and they both run perfect .. Seriously watch his videos and look at some of the problems he encounters.. Good luck
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 40
From: Melbourne, FL
2003-2004 was 2-valve 5.4. 2005-2014 (I think partially 2015) was 3-valve 5.4.
Expedition has never had a non-Ecoboost (twin turbo) 3.5 V6.
I also like Makuloko's video. That dude is very informative.
Expedition has never had a non-Ecoboost (twin turbo) 3.5 V6.
I also like Makuloko's video. That dude is very informative.
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