Over the years, David Long of the Car Wizard YouTube channel (and owner of Omega Auto Clinic in Kansas) has produced some interesting videos, with many of them revolving around Blue Oval models of all types. Oftentimes, these videos center around unusual issues that owners are experiencing with those vehicles, which is why they bring them to Long, who is typically able to diagnose and fix those problems. However, that sadly doesn’t seem to be the case with this 2010 Lincoln MKT that recently landed in Long’s shop, even though it’s reportedly in mostly solid condition.
With just 110k miles on its twin turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine, this 2010 Lincoln MKT seems to be in decent shape from just about every angle – at least, until one sees the dented rear passenger side door. However, the crossover is displaying some error codes, and after scanning it, Long received the P0299 code, which indicates that engine’s turbocharger(s) is not providing enough pressure to the intake manifold. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including a malfunctioning turbo, leaks in the air intake system, a faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, a defective boost sensor, or low oil levels.
In the case of this poor Lincoln MKT, oil poured out of one of the exhaust manifolds when it was removed, and it’s also possible to hear the turbo wheel “grenading” inside the unit itself, according to Long – all accompanied by oily residue present in both tailpipes. As such, it’s clear that both turbos are on their way out, and unfortunately, this common problem is pretty expensive to rectify – each costs $1,100 to replace, not including the 10-12 hours needed to perform that job, nor other parts such as lines and gaskets that also need to be replaced. Making matters worse, it’s likely that the catalytic converters are failing as well. As such, it would cost at least $4,000-$5,000 to fix this Lincoln MKT and possibly much more, which is about what the vehicle is worth at this point, so the owner has simply given up on it.
Of course, this isn’t the first Blue Oval product to land in Long’s shop with big issues in recent months, as that list also includes a 2016 Ford Explorer with a major exhaust leak, though he also has his favorites that are quite reliable as well. Long isn’t alone in his criticism of certain EcoBoost powerplants either, as fellow mechanic and YouTuber Brian Makuloco has also warned us about major problems with some of those engines on multiple occasions as of late.
Comments
If it was mine, I would pay to have it fixed. It is a very unique vehicle, and can give ten more years of life.
Ford should consider helping these people it’s not fair that at 110 thousand miles that this car is now nothing but scap metal I heard the wizard say maintaining these engines with twin turbo is paramount but never the less I think people will stay away from these engines if they see this video..it’s a shame really..
I read that Fords engineering comes mainly from Germany. And I have worked for multiple German companies and I can tell you that Keep it Simple is NOT in there Vocabulary……… And that is Fords biggest problem.
Turbo failures … normally I’m critical of Farley & Co. Not today. A failure of the owner seems to be the real culprit. Over 30 years ago I was introduced to the turbo engine when we bought a Plymouth Voyager with the turbo charged engine. I will never forget what the Shop Manager (Glenn Dennis) told me prior to taking delivery. He said I now you hang to on cars longer than normal (6 to 8 years) so drive this one to make it last. On either cold or hot days let the engine run for at least 30 to 45 seconds before leaving home in order to let the oil an coolant get to the turbo. Drive a bit more conservatively, whenever possible the long slow start to build rpms. When you’re about 1 mile from home drive it at about 30 to 35 mph this will give the turbo time to cool down before parking. And above all … keep the coolant level checked an flush every 3 to 4 years if possible … only use (new idea then) a 100% full synthetic motor oil, and change every 5,000 miles did this for 8 years without exception. Did just that on our short wheel based Plymouth Voyager, with the trailer hitch … drove it over 140K trouble free miles. Just regular maintenance and every 4 years changes the belts ‘n hoses, 12 vt battery. Got left stranded beside the interstate by a blown radiator hose once, never again. My neighbor bought the Voyager for a “work/fish’in” car and drove it another 5 years … trouble free. So … if you look after it you likely not have major problems … but you do have to drive with common sense, and stay on top of your preventive maintenance. I know some saw the mention of a trailer hitch, the Voyager was rated for 2,500 pounds … my 14 ft alu/boat an trailer weighed in at about 1,100 pounds.