Hi,

I'm looking at getting a Galaxy, and I don't really want/need diesel as we don't drive enough miles to warrant one, plus all the expensive problems with modern diesels.

I found a 2018 2.0 liter ecoboost that may be of interest.

I have read a plethora of info on the net about ecoboost engine reliability(overheating, slits in between cylinders, exhaust manifolds cracking)).  I have read on some American forums that starting in 2020 the design of the 2.0 liter was changed, and they don't suffer the overheating problems.  I'm not sure if MY2020 with the revised engine design applies to Euro models of cars, or just certain models in the US market. 

DOes anyone have any info about this?

Is there a way to tell if the ecoboost has the improved design without physically looking at it?

Thanks for any info.

 

The European Ford models all use the same 2.0 ECOboost engine. Like the naturally aspirated 2.0 Duratec engine the European 2.0 ECOboost engine is derived from the Mazda MZR engine.

Most of the USA Ford / Lincoln models use a different 2.0 ECOboost engine. The USA Focus MK3/MK3.5 ST and Escape MK2/MK2.5 are the only USA models that uses the European 2.0 ECOboost engine.

Hi, I wouldn't take much notice of info on the USA forums especially regarding the European 2L Ecoboost that they have in the Focus Mk3 ST etc, which is same as our units here.

I ran a 2011 Mondeo Titanium X Sport 2L ecoboost with powershift auto from 2011 to 2016, never a problem, and also had lots of interest with the UK Focus ST Forum regarding the same engine. I hear it is still running perfect as of today.

Our friends across the pond often complained about piston ring/gland failures bu,t after corresponding with numerous USA owners, because they are so used to driving autos, and because the ecoboost has good torque it turned out in majority of cases it was because of their incorrect driving habits - they were leaving the veh in 5th or 6th gear, even at 10mph and just flooring the throttle - causing massive pre ignition/pinking which, due to regular abuse, caused piston failure. One guy I spoke to thought the pre ignition/pinking noise was just aloose nut and bolt in the air cleaner!!!

Overall pretty reliable, depending on mileage timing chain needs replacement. They sound like a bag of spanners when idling, due to direct injection system, which sounds like noisy tappets.

The variable valve timing solenoids can fail (They leak oil and contaminate the wiring harness, can be expensive job) Info is on forum and You Tube.

Also check water hoses for leaks, especially the smaller diameter ones that run across the radiator

Picture of a failed piston which amazingly does not normally cause any damage to the bore

A better piston picture

thanks for the info.

I didn't know that the US Ecoboost engines are completely different than the Euro models.

The European 2Liter ecoboost has a timing chain, and NOT a timing belt...correct?

I have read a lot of negative/costly experiences about "wet belt" engines being used by Ford, and am not prepared to take the risk with one of them.

Does anyone know if the engine block design on the European Ecoboosts has the slits in the block?  Please see video here: 2Liter Ecoboost he talks about it at about the 3 minute mark in the video.

Thanks again for any info.

As per info in my above post the 2L Ecoboost has a timing chain.

Again as per my above post I wouldn't take much notice of the stuff coming from over the pond.

If you want to get a good idea of the European/uk 2L Ecoboost engine probs, a more sensible and true response will be found by reading through the Mk3 Focus Engine Section on the Uk Focus ST Forum, link attached.

Of course you could also post your question(s) up on their site. I have been a member of the ST forum since 2006 and had 4 new STs

https://www.focusstoc.com/categories/focus-st-mk3-technical-discussion.524/

 

As Wilko said, Most of the USA Ford / Lincoln models use a different 2.0 ECOboost engine. The USA Focus MK3/MK3.5 ST and Escape MK2/MK2.5 are the only USA models that uses the European 2.0 ECOboost engine.

 

For others who might be reading this,the 2018 Focus Mk4 2.0 Ecoblue has a wet timing belt. 

Thanks for all the quick replies.

We pulled the trigger on a 2018 Galaxy 2.0 ecoboost yesterday.  We bought it from a dealer,and I don't trust anyone when it comes to buying cars.   I'm an American living in Germany, and my better half is from Nottinghamshire, she said it's about time you made a decision...LOL.  We go to England twice a year for several months at a time.  I think I saw on this forum something about Puma? in Wakefield that replaces blown Ford engines, and they have a great reputation on this forum; am I correct about this?

We are going to England in July, I think I am going to see if they can borescope the engine to see if there is any evidence of unusual wear/damage.  If there is, I'm going to have them do the work, our experience in Germany has been absolutely terrible for any and all tradesmen...for the house and cars.

Thanks again for all the info and help on this forum.

PumaSpeed 👍

10 hours ago, dudeman said:

our experience in Germany has been absolutely terrible for any and all tradesmen...for the house and cars.

That's been my experience of England so far!

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

That's been my experience of England so far!

You need to stop using German tradesmen 😂