The turbocharged 1.0L I-3 EcoBoost engine used in a number of Ford EcoSport and Focus models has been the subject of lawsuits, an NHTSA investigation, and a recall in recent times, all due to engine failures caused by a loss of oil pressure. FoMoCo ultimately discovered that the problem stems from a faulty engine oil pump drive belt tensioner arm that may fracture and separate from the tensioner backing plate, while the oil pump drive belt material may also degrade and lose teeth. Now, we’re getting a better look at this Ford EcoBoost failure in a new video.
This video from the YouTube channel DriveTribe outlines one fatal flaw in the 1.0L Ford EcoBoost powerplant, which has become quite common. We get to see one of these blown motors get torn down as well, taking a closer look at its faulty design. While wet belt systems don’t have to be lubricated, they also tie the movement of the crankshaft to the cam to make sure it stays in time. In this case, Ford opted to integrate the belt into a section of the engine geometry where oil is present, which it did in an effort to make the 1.0L powerplant more compact.
It was a clever idea on paper, but in the real world, as the oil eventually begins to degrade the belt – small bits of the belt and teeth ultimately wind up in the engine itself, clogging the oil pickup and starving the engine. If one doesn’t catch that problem quick enough, it can easily cause a total engine failure.
This 1.0L Ford EcoBoost issue ultimately prompted the automaker to authorize engine replacements for impacted owners, but its woes in that regard continue. A class action lawsuit was filed by a group of impacted owners a few months ago, which Ford asked the court to dismiss, though a judge was unconvinced by the automaker’s argument that the 13 plaintiffs involved in the case had not taken their vehicles in to have recall-related repairs performed. Another, similar lawsuit was dismissed a while later, however.
Comments
I read the two words “EcoBoost failure” far too many times. I fear for my own 3.6L.
When was there ever a 3.6EB? I only know of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.3, 2.7, 3.0, 3.5.
Fat fingered. 3.5 (Expedition)
Why run the oil pump with a belt submerged in oil that’s a designed failer. I guess running the oil pump directly off the crankshaft was to unreliable.
timing belts got real popular in the last 70’s and 80’s trying to increase efficiency and by default, mpg. Then OEMs realized they can be less reliable than a chain, especially if neglected or exposed to engine oil. So in the name of durability, in the 90’s they started migrating back to timing chains. Now those OEMs are firmly embracing the “planned obsolescence” mindset and are moving back to a timing belt, but just be sure it has a risk of failing, they are SOAKING IT IN ENGINE OIL, in the name of packaging, lower noise and better efficiency.
Makes sense to me.
But I even question the packaging reasoning. Thus far to date, EVERY APPLICATION for the Fox I-3 engine family has been vehicles that already utilized MUCH larger I-4 engines. And every singe engine I have seen so far using a wet-belt system is in vehicles that packaging for that particular engine is not an issue at all, because longer engines are available in the same chassis.
But I also feel that ICE vehicle reliability and durability increased in the 90’s, peaked in the 00’s and 10’s, and is now declining. But at least the OEMs are making record profits every year. That is good for everyone, right?
The 3.7 mustang V6 2011 to 14 had the water pump on the inside of the engine. If the bearing went out and they did, leaked radiator fluid inside the engine and into the oil. This was corrected in later models but you wonder where is QC for engineering if any, to let something like this slip by. Idiot bean counters trying to save 000.7 who knows.