My gen 1 3.5 Ecoboost; An inauspicious Start

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

These engines do need frequent oil changes. The variable valve timing gizmos on the end of the camshaft are very sensitive to small bits and crud. Makes me wonder if doing the sludge cleaning would help or harm?

 

[sandcritter]

Rust,
I don’t think, done slowly, the removal of sludge will harm anything, but suspect there is some risk mobilizing all that carbon vs. leaving it dormant. What washes down to the pan should be harmless, but what percentage gets bypassed and recirculated, I do wonder about. Had I known I’d be battling this carbon slough 70k mi after purchase, I may have gone a more conservative route - I rather thought I’d have either blown it up, or be sparking clean, long before now. At this point, it’s all a mixed blessing.

My intent was to get it cleaned up enough to run at least 5k OCI/filters, and not have to be changing filters so darn often.

I can’t figure why the filters had rather minimal loading at 1600mi changes, but when went to 2500mi changes this winter, there was such an increased debris burden. I may go back if next change shows no improvement.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I don’t think, done slowly, the removal of sludge will harm anything, but suspect there is some risk mobilizing all that carbon vs. leaving it dormant. What washes down to the pan should be harmless, but what percentage gets bypassed and recirculated, I do wonder about.

Keep the engine revs down until the oil warms up pretty good. That will help keep the filter out of bypass.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Rust,
I don’t think, done slowly, the removal of sludge will harm anything, but suspect there is some risk mobilizing all that carbon vs. leaving it dormant. What washes down to the pan should be harmless, but what percentage gets bypassed and recirculated, I do wonder about. Had I known I’d be battling this carbon slough 70k mi after purchase, I may have gone a more conservative route - I rather thought I’d have either blown it up, or be sparking clean, long before now. At this point, it’s all a mixed blessing.

My intent was to get it cleaned up enough to run at least 5k OCI/filters, and not have to be changing filters so darn often.

I can’t figure why the filters had rather minimal loading at 1600mi changes, but when went to 2500mi changes this winter, there was such an increased debris burden. I may go back if next change shows no improvement.

Well i mean the more you run the filter more stuff it gets in it? There is a saturation point where the debris becomes obvious?
Also maybe at X miles as the acidity builds up it does a better job of removing the sludge and depositing it?

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

I don’t buy for 1 minute without receipts that the OO used M1 every 5k. I believe (obviously there’s plenty of proof here) that the HPL is cleaning and barring serious mechanical failure from something else, it will get very, very clean before OP sends his then-rusted hulk onto its next destination.

Good luck on your exhaust side OP; are you going full gonzo with aftermarket downpipe, turbo adapters, modded turbos…? If I ever do exhaust side I’m keeping the factory catback as I can’t stand the note of a V6 with loud mufflers.

IMO who gives a crap about letting others hear them, when you’ll never even hear it when the best assassin slays you?

 

[ZeeOSix]

At 101k, took to a shop. Almost certainly the timing chain, they say. They tear it down, and I get the call: “I’m sorry, I remember you said you bought this truck from a friend, but you got screwed. The tech says it’s the most sludged top-end he’s ever seen, and the engine is probably beyond saving.

The first thing I do when looking at a vehicle is take the oil fill cap off and look down into the valve train with a good LED flashlight. If it's cherry clean in there, then the engine is going to be pretty clean everywhere else.

 

[raaizin]

The oil pressure diagnostic is a welcomed reminder. Will do that next time in shop.

As for friend, I think he was aware it was dirty, as had pulled the crank sensor and replaced, which was filthy. That is a major clue in this engine that one likely is needing/shortly will need, a timing chain. He had to know that. I don’t think he knew *how* bad off the engine was with sludge, however. So, it sucks, but I deal with it and roll on. Life isn’t fair, buyer beware, and all that.

Great write up and good luck nursing this vehicle back to health. I would like to commend you on your attitude toward the "friend" who sold you this vehicle knowing it had some serious issues. You are a stand up guy!

 

[sandcritter]

I don’t buy for 1 minute without receipts that the OO used M1 every 5k. I believe (obviously there’s plenty of proof here) that the HPL is cleaning and barring serious mechanical failure from something else, it will get very, very clean before OP sends his then-rusted hulk onto its next destination.

Good luck on your exhaust side OP; are you going full gonzo with aftermarket downpipe, turbo adapters, modded turbos…? If I ever do exhaust side I’m keeping the factory catback as I can’t stand the note of a V6 with loud mufflers.

IMO who gives a crap about letting others hear them, when you’ll never even hear it when the best assassin slays you?

Subie, in for a penny in for a pound. Upgrading both manifolds, turbos, down pipe, exhaust, tune. Given the factory manifolds have been fixed once/known fallible design/leaking again, and the turbos are mid-expected lifespan in a previously neglected engine, those are easy decisions to replace/upgrade. Those, plus throw in a high flow down pipe, require a remap per parts manuf’s. And having committed that far… what the hel, you know?

 

[D1dad]

Nice write up. My son in law had a 13 platinum that was service religiously by ford every 5k and it had heavy varnish looking down in the engine. He ran a boroscope down and luckily no sludge. @127k the turbos were leaking and a dealer gave him way more than the should have back in 2021 due to supply.

 

[Fattylocks]

i didnt wanna read it all so i pasted into chat gpt and asked it to summarize:

"The user shares a story about purchasing a 2012 F150 xlt ecoboost, initially in good condition but later discovered to have engine issues. Despite recommendations to sell, they decide to keep the truck and undertake extensive oil and filter maintenance, including using various oils and additives. The user's switch to HPL oil appears to have helped manage engine carbon debris. They express concerns about the long-term impact of carbon debris on engine wear but continue to drive the truck, which has surpassed expectations in mileage. The user is also seeking a shop for intake valve cleaning."

So you let an AI brain do your thinking for you.

 

[CheezWhiz]

So you let an AI brain do your thinking for you.

oh noes!!!!