Ford 3.0L EcoBoost: Everything You Need To Know

The newest addition to the EcoBoost family debuted in 2016. This turbocharged V6 engine ramped up the sporty and athletic vibe of the 3.0 EcoBoost engine, boosting powerful powertrains’ confidence such as the King Ranch, ST, and Platinum.

Besides, this engine achieves fuel economy that fits both on highways and in the city – 25-30 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city.

What are Ford 3.0L EcoBoost Engines?

The Ford 3.0 EcoBoost engine sits between the present 2.7 and 3.5 EcoBoost engines. It is a product of long-standing development and collaboration that helped Ford shape its eventual success throughout the years.

This engine comes in two applications – Front-Wheel and All-Wheel drive and has various trim choices for the all-new Ford Explorer – ST and Platinum. 

The materials and development of the Ford 3.0 EcoBoost engine were made in collaboration with the German company, FEV engineering, which also helped Ford build the 2.7L EcoBoost engine.

This engine offers an option for the F150 truck similar to the previous EcoBoost models that varies depending on the buyer. 

The three-liter EcoBoost is a six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged direct-injection engine and exclusively power Lincoln products, including the MKZ sedan and Aviator SUV, replacing the 3.7 L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 engine. But recently, the engine was designated to do power duties of the Ford Explorer. 

The engine is solely based on the 2.7 EcoBoost capable of producing 400 HP and 415 lb-ft of torque in stock form. It features a Dynamic Torque Vectoring available in selected all-wheel-drive models.

Ford made the cylinder block dimensions by increasing the 2.7 EcoBoost’s bore in the CGI block from 83 mm to 85.3 mm and lengthening the piston stroke from 83 mm to 86 mm.

The overall durability and reliability really stand out for EcoBoost engines, fuel economy, and value for money.

Engine Specifications and Design:

• Production Run: 2016 – Present
• Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
• Cylinder Block Material: Compacted Graphite Iron
• Configuration: V6 
• Bore: 85.3 mm
• Stroke: 86.0 mm
• Valvetrain: DOHC four valves per cylinder
• Displacement: 3.0 L (2694 cc)
• Compression Ratio: 10.3
• Weight: 445 lbs. (Dry)
• Maximum HP: 494 HP at 5,500 – 5,750 RPM
• Maximum Torque: 630 lb-ft at 3,000 – 3,250 RPM

Ford 3.0L EcoBoost Nano Engine

 As the recent installment in the pocket of EcoBoost engines, this machine poses some similarities from the previous Ford 2.7 EcoBoost; I think this V6 engine has big shoes to fill in the number of expectations that it needs to meet.

But worry not since numbers of enhancement, upgrades, and modifications cater to the lackadaisical of the prior machines.

Typically, in a truck engine setting, the materials should be powerful enough to withstand heavy-duty tasks such as towing and embracing the all-wheel-drive application. Besides, trucks are the go-to vehicle in countryside areas.

The framework stands next to the Ford 2.7 EcoBoost engine design. The Ford 3.0 EcoBoost uses a two-piece engine block design – upper and lower block. Compacted graphite iron, a material Ford used in the 3.0 L Power Stroke and 6.7 L Power stroke engines, is used for the upper cylinder section.

This includes the cylinders with the fractured main bearing caps, crankshaft, pistons, offset I-beam connecting rods, and individual piston cooling jets. 

The lower block is the usual cylinder block composition of the die-cast aluminum ladder frame bolted to the iron block and bearing caps for the lower stiffening section of the block. A composite oil pan seals the bottom aluminum frame. 

Furthermore, the engine has an integrated front cover which is kind of complicated. Inside is comprised of an integrated water pump, oil filter, oil passages for an oil cooler, cam phasing, and accessory drive components.

The integrated front cover also acts as a frame and a foundation structural piece.

The Ford 3.0 EcoBoost aluminum heads are installed with water-cooled exhaust manifolds, dual overhead chain-driven camshafts with four valves per cylinder, and roller finger followers, as well as a variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing.

To add, Ford added a pair of turbochargers allowing the engine to produce an increasingly significant amount of torque and power.

The intake system was restyled. Starting from the intake manifold, which was made of composite material. In addition to that, the upgrade also includes an air-to-air intercooler and pipes.

The Ford 3.0 EcoBoost engine employs a reverse-flow cooling system, auto stop-start, and variable displacement oil pump. 

The fuel is delivered through a direct fuel injection system which provides precise fuel management and eliminates detonation tendencies. 

Applications of Ford 3.0 EcoBoost Engine:

350 HP at 5,600 RPM and 400 lb-ft at 2,750 RPM (Front-Wheel)

• 2017 – 2020 Lincoln MKZ

400 HP at 5,750 RPM and 400 lb-ft at 2,750 RPM (All-Wheel-Drive)

• 2017 – 2020 Lincoln Continental
• 2017 – 2020 Lincoln MKZ

365 HP at 5,600 RPM and 380 lb-ft at 3,500 RPM

• 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum

400 HP at 5,500 RPM and 415 lb-ft at 3,500 RPM

• 2020 Ford Explorer ST
• 2020 Lincoln Aviator

494 HP with added electric engines at 5,500 RPM and 630 lb-ft with added electrical motors at 3,000 RPM

• 2020 Lincoln Aviator Plug-in Hybrid

Engine Upgrades, Potential, and Modifications

The first thing you should do with the 2.7L EcoBoost is tune the ECU, then take it from there. Take note that ECU power gains come from increasing the turbocharger’s boost pressure (in psi). By increasing boost pressures, the air going to the engine has more pressure and creates more combustion and power.

It is highly recommended to upgrade the intake system to provide more airflow, improve turbocharger efficiency, and open up the engine more. 

Once you are done setting up for a larger airflow, it becomes an instinct like the saying goes, “anything that goes in must come out.” So, if you have a more extensive intake system that delivers high-volume air, you will need an exhaust system that complements that.

And that is where the upgraded downpipes are required. 

Not only does it increase exhaust airflow, but it also improves the turbo spool and efficiency by reducing back-pressure. Thus, increasing horsepower and torque.

Problems Surrounding Ford 3.0L EcoBoost Engine:

We already have top-notch and unmatched engines these days. On the other hand, there are engines that underperform and underwhelm the expectations for them. Either way, may it be top-notch or under-utilized, no machine is perfect, even the most minor details may account for a huge problem in some situations. 

The same goes for the Ford 3.0 EcoBoost engine, which has a good reputation for low fuel consumption, but it cannot elude some issues.

1. Head Gaskets

The first issue is leaking head gaskets. In the early formation years of EcoBoost engines, the standard heating and cooling cycles of the machine do the worst for a soft head gasket.

Maybe it’s not that sturdy and durable and somehow manages to show itself as a troubling one.

When gaskets fail, it will cause the coolant to be siphined into the combustion chambers leaking to a severe case of engine failure if not solved immediately. Fortunately, Ford was able to ensure the potential buyers that the issues had been fixed.

2. Radiator Cooling Fan Switch

This issue stems from the electronic switch installed that turns on when needed. The problem is that this switch would likely fail due to several reasons resulting in engine overheating, a potentially hazardous situation.

Ford recalled some units and replaced the wiring system as a response.

3. Water Pump

The water pump is an integral and vital part of the engine and also, perhaps, the most challenging issue that the machine will face.

The issue is hard to notice, especially at first since there are no signs and symptoms; there are no trails to follow, and the problem just sits there lurking and sneaking until it becomes worse; solving might be a dead end.

The issue involves the impellers on the water pump and its premature failure. These impellers become rusty and corroded, leading to their eventual deterioration where they no longer serve their purpose to circulate the coolant effectively and adequately.

As a result, the coolant would become heavy with metal, stagnate, and boil over when the engine is hot. 

Most of the time, the temperature gauge might not cope due to the quick coolant boil for the temperature sensors to read, leading to a catastrophic engine failure. Some apparent signs that may indicate water pump failure are the discoloration of the coolant. 

Depending on the color of your coolant, but you usually can buy or see green. That green liquid would become brown or rust-colored, a sign of impellers breaking down. These metal pieces will also clog the heater core, causing a lack of heat in the cabin, a pretty expensive heater core replacement.

In addition to those mentioned above, spark plugs and ignition coils should be replaced periodically since these are standard maintenance items. It is vital since turbochargers put a lot of stress on the engine contributing to faster wear.

Like other engines, the Ford 3.0 EcoBoost needs quality engine oil as well as fuel for it to reach its peak performance. Please don’t settle for lesser quality as it can compromise the actual abilities of the engine.

Summary

The Ford trucks are loved by many, especially the F150, which has trims that cater to the EcoBoost engines. Among those placed under the hood of this truck is the 3.0 V6 engine.

There are many reasons why people choose EcoBoost engines, but the utmost concern is its low fuel consumption without compromising the performance and power.