Ford 2.3L Ecoboost Engine Problems And Reliability

Ford continues to provide engines with the latest specifications to increase user satisfaction. Currently, the 2.3L EcoBoost engine is one of the engine that you need to know about its specifications. This article will help you understand the full specs.

About The 2.3L EcoBoost Engine

Ford introduced the 2.3L EcoBoost Engine series along with the launch of the second-generation 2.0L EcoBoost in 2015.

This engine is one of the strongest of the EcoBoost family. Initially, the 2.3l I4 engine became available for the 2015 Lincoln MKC crossover.

Then within one year, it was installed in the Ford Explorer and 350hp Ford Focus RS. The driver came to be known for having 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft (434 Nm) of torque.

It’s also known under the hood of the Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Ford last used the 4-cylinder turbo engine at Mustangs in the mid-80s Mustang SVO.

Review of 2.3L EcoBoost Engine

The 2.3L EcoBoost engine is based on the 2.0 EcoBoost Gen 2 engine. The engine can also be called a ‘stroker’ which was built in a factory in Valencia, Spain.

The 2.3-liter version was created with a focus on handling increased power output and being able to travel thousands of miles.

The engine is built around a high-pressure die-cast aluminum deck cylinder block. Then the hole size and deck height are made equal to 2.0L EcoBoost.

The 2.3L engine block has enlarged oil, coolant lines, and structural ladder frames. This is done by reinforcing the ribs around the cylinder using the integrated main bearing cap.

The increased displacement of the engine can be done by applying a new forged steel 4340 crankshaft with 94d mm stroke. In addition, engine performance is also improved by using forged steel.

It works with connecting the rods which are made shorter than 2.0L conrods — lightweight high-strength piston with steel piston ring carrier and all floating pins.

Better lubrication is supported by a layer of low-friction skirts and fewer oil drainage holes. The concept also results in lower friction.

The lower side of the cylinder is then oil-cooled continuously. Oil is sprayed by an exclusive oil jet placed on the engine block.

Regular and echoed oil shipments can prevent oil spills while the driver is active. Above the block, there are several components such as an aluminum cylinder head with four valves, a fuel injector, and GDI spark plugs placed on each cylinder.

Also, two camshafts driven by chains. The engine has a cylinder head designed to be able to provide an integrated exhaust manifold with three high flow ports for a new twin-scroll IWG turbocharger.

This engine exhaust valve is undoubtedly more significant than the 2.0L.

The intake valve diameter has a size of 32.5 mm, and the valve seat made of high-performance material.

Camshafts have a higher lift and longer duration and operate with Ford Twin’s independent Variable Cam (Ti-VCT) Timing system.

The exhaust camshaft is made to be able to drive a high-pressure fuel pump (CDFP – cam-driven fuel pump). This engine gets a revised plastic manifold with an increase in volume.

Besides the diameter of the throttle body that owned is also higher.

The Specifications of 2.3L EcoBoost Engine

You also need to know the detailed specifications of the 2.3L EcoBoost Engine. The manufacturer for this engine is the Valencia Engine factory, Valencia, Spain.

In America, you can find it at the Cleveland, Ohio Machinery factory.

This engine produced from 2015 until now. The material used for cylinder blocks and cylinder heads is aluminum.

The type of fuel for this engine is gasoline with direct fuel injection fuel system. Configuration for this engine located in a row.

The engine has four cylinders with four-cylinder valves. Valvetrain layout uses DOHC. The device has a Bore size, 87.5 mm (3.43 in) and a Stroke size of 94.0 mm (3.70 in).

The ability of the engine in displacement is 2,264 cc (138.2 cu in). The engine uses an internal combustion engine with a turbocharged Four-stroke type. T

he engine is also equipped with a Power of 280-350 hp (209-261 kW) / 5,500-5,600 with Torque of 305-350 lb-ft (414-475 Nm) / 2,750-3,200. Shoot command using the 1-3-4-2 system.

The engine oil weight is SAE 5W-30 with an engine oil capacity of 5.4 l (5.7 qt). The oil change interval in miles is 9,000 (15,000 km) or 12 months.

Appropriate applications include Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger, Ford Mustang EcoBoost, Ford Focus RS, Lincoln MKC, Zenos E10 R, VUHL 05 RR.

Advantages And Disadvantages of the 2.3L EcoBoost Engine

Essential points from information the Ford Engines 2.3L EcoBoost are about the advantages and disadvantages of engine performance. Follow some of the benefits.

  • 2.3 EcoBoost is a high-performance turbocharged engine with direct injection, built and adjusted to meet sporting ambitions and the need for high-speed drivers.
  • The engine is designed to improve the performance of the previous engine by perfecting several components
  • The engine has reliable power with efficient use of fuel
  • The engine is designed to be able to have longer mileage so that it can be used for a more extended time
  • This engine also has several shortcomings, including:
  • Failed head gasket. Dozens of Ford Focus RS engines encountered problems with a leaky head gasket.
  • The usual initial problem is showing white exhaust fumes and / or cooling fluid consumption.
  • Often experience bad fires under load and during cold start, the sweet smell of coolant in the exhaust, engine overheat, loss of cabin heater. The reason is the use of the wrong head gasket that belongs to the Ford Mustang engine.
  • Loss of GDI engine power.
  • The owner can see a decrease in performance and slightly increased fuel consumption. That happens because of the buildup of carbon on the back of the intake valve. Then the intake port wall.

2.3 EcoBoost Most Common Problems And Reliability

  1. 2.3 EcoBoost is a high-performance, direct injection turbo engine, built and tuned to meet the sporting ambitions and needs of high-speed drivers. As a result, the reliability of many engine components is close to its limits.
  2. The most notable problems for the 2.3L EcoBoost engine was the cylinder head gasket which didn’t work out very well. Dozens of Ford Focus RS engines have had head gasket problems. The initial problems shows the smoke consumption from exhaust and coolant.
  3. But, then, there is improper load under load and during cold start, smell of coolant in the exhaust, engine overheating, loss of heater in the cabin. The reason is, the wrong use of the cylinder head gasket belonging to the Ford Mustang engine.
  4. The EcoBoost 2.3 l engine has a similar design, but different cooling paths, requiring a unique head gasket for each engine. It’s also worth noting that the Mustang has no problem with coolant leaks.
  5. Lost GDI engine power. This problems doesn’t escape the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. Owners may notice reduced performance and high fuel consumption.
  6. This is due to a buildup of carbon on the back of the inlet valve and on the walls of the inlet. The soot layer restricts the intake air flow and prevents proper closing of the intake valve.
  7. A special carbon cleaning process can be applied to the engine to return it to its original specifications (also recommended in precautions).

Conclusions

The redesigned intake component on the 2.3L EcoBoost Engine provides more power and faster acceleration response.

Lower emissions and increased turbine efficiency and reduced turbo pauses can also found on this engine. Periodic maintenance is still needed to maintain engine performance to avoid problems and damage.

4 thoughts on “Ford 2.3L Ecoboost Engine Problems And Reliability”

    • I too have a 2017 ecoboost mustang. Noted this vibration on accelerating a few weeks ago.
      One fine day the there was smoke from engine and it lost all power.
      Had it towed to nearest dealer, they say there is a hole on the engine.
      Sadly WARRANTY EXPIRED few months ago.
      As expected dealership blamed it on a tune I got from Tickford.
      Tickford Say they only changed the air intake to larger one and did some work on exhaust BUT DID NOT TOUCH THE engine itself.
      I Think this is a inherent problem that BBC investigated in the UK.

      Reply
  1. I have test driven a Ford Mustang, with the 2.3 liter, Turbo,…it was exhilarating enough! However, it’s not the 5.0 V8!

    Reply

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