Ford has released video of the public teardown and inspection of a "torture tested" 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 used in the latest F-150.
In addition to the Mike Rowe-narrated footage, Ford also released new findings about the engine that answer several questions raised by our readers in our earlier coverage of this story.
Key findings, according to Ford:
- Turbochargers: No visual issues with the compressor or turbine, which rotated freely.
- Pistons: Rings spun freely and pistons showed no obvious signs of wear.
- Carbon deposits: Nominal. Carbon deposits can vary based on quality of fuel used and when in the cycle the engine was stopped.
- Cylinder leakdown test: The engine’s cylinders are pressurized with 100 pounds of air pressure to measure the sealing performance of the rings and valves. The results of the cylinder leakdown test ranged from 6 percent to 13 percent, well within manufacturing tolerances, and as demonstrated by the dyno test, had no affect on the engine's performance.
Why was the EcoBoost engine so clean? The comparative lack of engine sludge/grime indicates that the engine’s positive crankcase ventilation system and the recommended Motorcraft 5W-30 off-the-shelf synthetic blend motor oil worked in harmony to contribute to clean engine operation.
The PCV system essentially “recycles” crankcase gases back into the intake for reburning, which contributes to improved fuel economy and lower emissions.
In terms of oil consumption, the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost V-6 has a 10,000-mile oil change interval and includes an intelligent oil life monitor, which uses actual engine and vehicle operating conditions to calculate anticipated service intervals more precisely, depending on vehicle operating conditions, as follows:
- Up to 10,000 miles: normal commuting with highway driving
- 5,000 to 7,500 miles: trailer tow/high-load driving
- 3,000 to 5,000 miles: short-trip usage, extreme temperatures
Instead of using a predetermined interval schedule (either by time or mileage), the IOLM tells customers through the truck's message center when to change the oil, based on their driving habits and engine operating conditions.
[Source: Ford]
