looking to buy 2011- 2014 3.5 Eccoboost
 

Guys I am about to sell my 2012 f250 and downsize back into an F-150. I do a lot of towing ( 14,000 miles pulling a trailer in the past 45,000 miles on my F250). I have driven both the 3.5 Eccoboost, and the 5.0 Both drive fine and I wouldn't have a n issue with either one until it comes to towing. I am heavily leaning toward the Eccoboost 3.5 at this point but it all depends on what deals I can find. What do I need to look for specifically on an Eccoboost before buying? I have heard of the timing chain noise on cold start, and I am aware of the shudder on heavy acceleration that can be fixed with a small hole in the CAC. what else do I need to look for, what common issues should I check for?

I used the search Engine but just found a bunch of the same stuff talking about how the turbo cars of the 80's were not good. I am not scared of a turbo, I drive a diesel. I am just wanting to know what should I be checking for, and what should I expect to run into if I pull the trigger on a 3.5.

You have basically stated 2 of the main problems, timing chain rattle on cold start and condensation. These engines beat the plugs and oil up pretty good. Id change plugs every 30k and oil every 5k with a good synthetic

Other than that i absolutley love the Ecoboosts. I put 75800 miles on my 2013 and only had one problem and that was the timing chain cover leaking at 50k. Other than thay she was solid. Traded it in on a 2017 3.5 and love it also.

I THINK the condensation problem was fixed by 2014? I know I've not had any problem with this in my 2014. No other problems either - I honestly love my EcoBoost truck! I've not put a huge amount of mileage on mine since I bought it used in 2015, about 14,000 miles I think, but almost all of it has been towing our 3500# travel trailer. It performs that task effortlessly.

- Jack

The 2011-2012 trucks suffer the CAC the most. There was a series of fixes added that resolved the problem, they were largely implemented by the 2013s. However, 5 minutes and a drill bit will fix an earlier truck.

If you're going to be towing a lot the 3.73s would be nice but the 3.55s are a lot more common and work well too.

Otherwise, drive it hard and see if it gives you any trouble. See if you can get an Oasis report or bring a code reader with you and check it before you buy.

Thanks for the input guys, I have always been impressed with the eccoboost. Looking forward to getting some first hand experience with one.