2017 Ford F-150 3.5L Ecoboost Engine Swap PT 1: Is Body Removal Really Necessary?

In this video we explore what it takes to remove the body for an engine replacement on a 2017 F-150. The big question is it truly necessary, I will let you be the judge.
#automotiverepair #ford #fordf150 #enginerepair #shoplife #engineswap #fordecoboost
Forscan is a free Ford Specific Diagnostic Software:
Download Here-
forscan.org/home.html
ELM 327 Adapter I Recommend-
amzn.to/2GC6dBj
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My Ford Specialty Shop: BSG Automotive-
www.bsgautomotive.com
Catch up with us on-
Facebook: / fordtechmakuloco
Twitter: / fordtechmak
Instagram: / fordtechmakuloco
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@DS-ss7vl]

Back in the day you just had to remove the hood on engine swaps. These daze, take the radiator cap off and drive a New truck underneath it.

[@reubenmiller7988]

Then make sure you change the radiator cap soon!

[@waynelyons3474]

Ain’t that the truth

[@mstone6210]

That's how you know your channel is solid. When you don't have to apologize for common bodily functions or edit them out :P

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Lol came outta nowhere.

[@jerrykorman7770]

@@FordTechMakuloco could have been worse. Could have come out the other end. I speak from experience

[@mtxautomotive]

😂 yeah... he could be taking a shxt with door open ,,yelling "keep raising it"

[@happywrenching960]

@@FordTechMakuloco What is the recommended service intervals for cleaning those ecoboost intake valves?

[@greggamandabarkus4235]

My dad has a 2014 Ecoboost and i have a 2010 Silverado. Chevy is definitely easier to work on, but not by much LOL . Gone are the good ol days when you and a buddy could swap a motor in your pickup in your front yard on a Saturday afternoon.

[@bionicman6969]

It's officially over for a common working man to own and operate a new truck when a simple set of hoses run for $1600

[@2000blackstang]

That's why you get the 5.0 lol

[@chriswood4510]

Dude it had $400,000 miles on it I’m sure it beats the cost of a new truck lol

[@jhartford58]

Alex seems like a great apprentice, very vigilant.

[@joevaagen6170]

This is another great reason why I'm KEEPING MY '95 F250 5.8l. I'm going to drive it into the ground (so to speak).

[@vinces8974]

I can see why you would want to pull the body for a job like that, having a 2018 f150 eco boost myself ,that was very educational ,thanks guys well done!

[@gregoryprice2593]

I did an engine and transmission swap in my 2001 SuperCrew. Pulling the body off was definitely the way to go. The body bolts on the 10th Gen are pulled from the inside of the cab, but even with that added inconvenience it's the way to go for serious work. Plus it gies you the space to do additional cleaning and painting on the frame and suspension.

[@rubendawn7478]

Awesome job as always!!! Your son is learning from the best!!!

[@stevel6337]

This was really cool to see! Appreciate you sharing this procedure. Everything is much more accessible and also improves the quality of the repair. Be safe and well!

[@timschultes6467]

That was cool to see. Never seen the body removal process. Great work sir keep it up.

[@JpJp-ks1cz]

I hope you’re going to do a second part to this video. I’m loving it.

[@sophiaa298]

Got rid of my f150 but still watch these videos, very informative !! 👍🏽

[@josephmorrone2660]

One of the best ever ! Enjoyed your presentation so much, MotorTrend is truly loosing out !

[@michaelmurray121]

Hey Brain and Alex great work that’s why I hate to miss any of your videos peace n love

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Lota work to remove the body, but WOW! SO much easier to work on or replace the engine. Great video Brian!

[@greggc8088]

Plus the look on the customer's face and the crowd it draws is priceless. I've done them both ways and like pulling the cab too.

[@bojo8141]

You impress me more with every video,you have a great skill set. Thanks for sharing.

[@gmlover82]

Really enjoyed this video! Can’t wait for more of it!

[@jiggidyjam]

Really great video Brian. Well done

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Brian what a great lesson for your Son ❤️❤️👍 it, well done. Take care of yourself and family and be Blessed ❤️❤️.

[@matthewdoerksen1702]

Definitely tech choice, myself working at a ford dealer I started pulling cabs for timing jobs and removal of engines on these f150s, after doing a few started loving having all the room and putting less strain on my back, either way great video 👍🏻

[@peted5217]

Are you properly compensated for those jobs?

[@markm0000]

@@peted5217 you know the answer. It’s a car dealer not a private jet service.

[@AtheosTheAtheist]

The video creator mentions that ford has guides/lists for removing the cab. Is there a place a "civilian" can get access to those?

[@northjerseykevin3915]

I have a question for you. When these motors are replacing a motor are they put back together well? I have an ‘18 that has a relatively bad tap and my dealership has offered to try and get a new motor.. my concern is that although the motor will be new will the having all that work haunt me down the road. I appreciate your thoughts. All warranty work. They don’t want to dig in any deeper to try and diagnose the problem. I’m not sure why. I assume it just cheaper to replace it.

[@northjerseykevin3915]

Cool, Thanks for the video

[@cheesebone82]

I remember I used to do this like crazy... the 3 valves had bad injectors in 2006 (If I remember correctly) after Ford switched the vendor for the injectors... These ones would stick open and shrink rods on startup. I ended up replacing short blocks as the repair, and eventually had it down to a 9-10 hour job because the cab/body would come off in about 50 minutes to an hour, depending on the configuration.

[@M62auto]

I recently did a 2016 with out removing cab, really wasn't that bad and not much different then pulling a 5.4, gotta take the intake off but with doing that none of the bellhousing bolts were even difficult or tricky to get too

[@georgesierra9038]

Nice job kid!!! You have the BEST FOR THE JOB HAS A TEACHER! Take advantage of everything dad has to teach. Great Team!!

[@jeremydoblinger3609]

It's nice to see your son working with you now..my boy is 16 now and works with me and it's a great feeling..makes a guy proud..

[@JustMike2791]

Very cool to see you teaching a younger generation of techs.

[@howardriggins4010]

Keep us updated. I like these types of videos

[@user-ni7mm5ph1w]

I'm also interested if the all aluminum pan works out okay! Great work!👍

[@billyfox384]

Great video. Just did a motor job in a 2018 F150 2.7L twin turbo. Took bout 2hrs to pull cab (1st time doin it). Was not bad at all, no issues. Got a re-man motor from Ford. We did the turbo's 2 months ago, and then the belt broke the drives the oil pump. Crazy design, but did have 250k miles on it with lots of sludge. Found lots of metal in the intercooler replaced that as well. Got done , test drove truck, really weird noise. Found the new motor from Ford had reversed the PCV valve with the breather. So the PCV was on the L/S valve cover and breather was on the R/S valve cover. Straight vacuum going to the crankcase!!!! Called Ford and let them know, didn't seem to care. Anyway your video's are awesome. BTW I've never seen an engine with so much "stuff" bolted to it as the 2.7L ecoboost. WOW

[@darrylmcleman6456]

I remember cars and pick-up trucks that I could climb into the engine compartment and work away!Not so now!!! CHEERS from HERE!!!

[@sammascreel]

I use to work at a ford dealership, and see this for the first time was so cool.

[@ghostwrench2292]

With regards to not scratching the truck body on the truck bed during cab off procedures, once the body is a couple inches off the frame, I like to roll the chassis back a couple of inches to provide more clearance so there is no chance for contact.

[@edogle8163]

Would love to see more of what you are going to do taking the old engine out and replacing with the new one.....

[@eleanorecopet4090]

Fords are pure garbage,,,! Just pure cold hard fact,,,!

[@ososcribww]

Your able to see it all and have no mistaakes bud youll be fine get it done my brother

[@tonyshirley5674]

Please show engine removal and install of new engine, great video!

[@eddiereichel9354]

I've seen posts online where people say pulling body is the way to go for a timing job too. I mean I did a 2012 a couple years ago and I just did it bent over the grill and it was a terrible job to do that way.

[@rf159a]

There was a channel that the guy worked mainly on diesels. He would do the same thing and remove the bodies. Said it was 10 times easier to work on the engines. He was able to remove the bodies sometimes in like 2 hours. That's how many times he removed the bodies and got good at knowing all the points he had to work on to remove them. If I remember correctly they were mostly Fords he worked on. The only thing that would mess him up was the aftermarket stuff too. I think your son is doing a great job learning from you!! You're doing a great job showing him your expertise!! Now please move to New Jersey so you can work on my Ford truck lol!!

[@tctwg1]

Think your talking about Powerstroke tech talk with A-Rod

[@markpontes4457]

I don't think that's his son!

[@dalebabbitt6185]

Maybe DieselTechRon, he was awesome. Unfortunately he was killed in a car crash in 2016, he was not at fault. I believe there are still videos on KZbin.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Nice Job Alex 😀😮😮😀 I’ve Done a Few Cadillac Northstar Engines In My Day Not a Lot of Room too Work

[@Richey4Fun]

Talk about Ford Experts!✌🏽☮️

[@poorhouseracing]

I had an 18 f150 super crew with a 5.0 that consumed 2.75 quarts of oil every 5,000 miles. After almost a year Ford agreed to replace the engine at 50,000 miles. Our dealership had it for 10 weeks to do the swap, 3 days after getting it back from the dealership my wife was doing 70 mph down the highway and the steering totally locked up. The truck left the hwy and struck a huge tree totaling the truck. Ford said they sent out an investigator to the tow yard and said they didn't see anything wrong with the steering other than what the accident caused. I will never buy a new Ford again.

[@AtheosTheAtheist]

good reason to have a camera facing the driver.

[@Acelachaser1965]

These designers never swapped an engine in a dirt driveway on a Saturday afternoon and it shows!

[@FredTillmanJr]

I know thats right!!!

[@damianbarnbrook1305]

Love your videos !

[@jasonrawls6959]

200k miles isn't enough for what these vehicles cost. Should get at least 300k

[@fernandobriseno8164]

Agree brother. My 2012 5.0 is around 215K with just basic oil changes. Hope I can hit 300K

[@christiantorres6118]

This was great. Thank you for sharing

[@paulhudgins5120]

Always pretty cool to see the cab off, I work for a diesel shop, and the mid 2000 6.0l , the 6.4l and the 6.7l, if a head or turbo, even fuel pump, the cab must come off, and a engine change of course. We have 6.7l with the cab of getting a engine change.

[@niceguy4928]

I’ve did a lot of engine swaps on all the above without pulling the cab. It can be done

[@davestewart9146]

Really interesting, thanks Brian 👍😁

[@micho_3715]

Some of my coworkers at my shop got carried away when they learned how to pull the cabs easily. They’d pull the cab just to do phasers at one point. 😂

[@gregbaehring1656]

That makes sense, ergonomics alleviate potential back injuries .

[@micho_3715]

@@gregbaehring1656 I feel yah. I’m a younger guy (24 years old) so laying over the engine bay isn’t an issue but the older guys don’t bother with doing those kinds of jobs. I’ll always get at least 1 phaser job a month from one of the senior techs since he’s got a bad back. But yea, those coworkers that were removing the cab realized it was still more work than just doing it over the engine bay and it wasn’t any faster. So they stopped doing it that way.

[@mikes9117]

I'm a 53 year old tech. Trust me, do everything you can to save your back, neck and shoulders . Arthritis and crushed disc suck 🏀🏈 ⚾'s

[@deansapp4635]

@@mikes9117 63 year old retired tech here. My back is toast

[@blackcloud444]

@@deansapp4635 34 year old tech….same lol

[@Boss429..]

8:54 👍 Lol! And you’re technical info is great too!

[@Angelsfan63]

Your boy has a great teacher

[@richardlewis4288]

That was great! Keep er going! Thanks!

[@gman3563]

All that cost and it's still cheaper than a new truck. Though I am surprised they didn't just trade it in when it started having issues

[@ghostwrench2292]

Like you said, it’s a lot cheaper than a new truck. Especially when the truck is so well taken care of.

[@tagle2818]

Hell yeah. New tucks are way too high as well as interest rates. Also in Texas insurance rates are ridiculous! My 2013 went up $30 a month supposedly because claims in Texas are high. I told my agent that my truck is 10 years old and should be getting cheaper not higher.

[@jamesdickson7510]

Thanks Brian, awesome video!!!!

[@johnemanolis]

I appreciate what you are doing. It just reinforces my opinion on keeping my 92 Flareside. Mine has 300,000 and counting. Not 200,000 and going through this.

[@GM-dh5xi]

Thanks for another educational video. So along the manufacturers warranty line. I have 500 miles on my 04 Ford 5.4 3v factory rebuilt engine swap. Decision to swap at 200k in lieu timing job, roller followers ect was based on being educated here. Long story short. I was bummed out at the uncreating to see 5-20 on the oil fill cap. Motor has 3 yrs unlimited miles warranty w service documentation required. I was expecting to see 5-30 on the cap because Ford installed all the "latest and greatest" parts for the 5 4 3. Issue now is if I run 5-30 it will void my warranty. Bought it new in 04, not in a position to test FMC warranty. I did grow up in Dearborn, Mi. and used to crawl thru the fence and swim in the lake on the property until security showed up then run like hell😅

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Very interesting guys, thanks! Any ideas what the cab weighs there up on the hoist??

[@diegosilang4823]

Funny thing, it is easier to remove body mount bolts than you think unless the frame is severely rusted. Disconnect the hoses, tubes and wires and you got instant access to the engine. The downside is you need a hoist. The other way is to take the front end apart and may require more parts and fasteners to be removed.

[@Robert-uq5ew]

My $50,000 fatory ordered 2019 Transit had a grinding steering noises right from the factory. Local Ford service department wanted my only work vehicle for 3-4 weeks to do this and replace the entire steering system! I told them thats nut and couldn't afford to be without a work vehicle that long. They wouldn't offer a loaner either. 4 years and 35K miles later, its still running and making the same grinding noise🤷‍♂️

[@kyledelfing6391]

I just did a 3.5 EcoBoost engine swap with the body on on my F-150 in the back of a storage facility lot on jack stands. Its the first engine I have ever pulled and installed in my life. And I dont hang around shops. Easy to do. Editing video. Will release in June.

[@colenorsworthy1797]

Love to see the rest of the job if possible, at minimum the new engine start and overview! Thanks for the good content

[@fredsalter1915]

I wanna see that, too!

[@cndream1]

I would really like to see you do the entire install as well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@WorksforMe]

Solid work... side note - Thanks for pointing it out but it's a shame 1234yf refrigerant is so expensive that just that alone is a good reason to lift the body, unless you have a recovery and recharge system!

[@diggy794]

Friend of mine just bought a 1234y a/c machine from snap on, $17000. It does 134 also. Traded in their year old machine and got full price that they payed last year. Only the second shop on our side of town to have one. The other shop gets $500 for vacuum and charge. $70 a pound is his price for Freon. I understand why you’re working around the compressor.

[@AT-wl9yq]

Its not necessary to work around the compressor just because it has yf. The first thing you do on most big jobs like this if evacuate the system. AC lines run all around the engine compartment. The receiver/drier, expansion valve, condenser, etc..., are all under the hood, as well. You have to evacuate the system for any of those parts. Its a closed system that holds pressure. That said, its not an issue on this particular job. If the ac compressor is still bolted to the motor, and the body is up on a lift, its already been done. You can't remove the body without breaching the system at some point.

[@jdigitalseven7]

I've never been able to get a fuse out with the supplied puller on any brand car 😅😅😅. I just go straight to needle nose pliers. The 15 amp fuse was probably missing because the littlest thing can make cig lighters blow a fuse and it was already used for such.

[@joshrhoades7034]

That was bada$$! Look at all the things you can get to that’s usually such pain to get at. I could somewhat see why someone would do it for a timing job, not sure which would be the most work since I’ve never pulled a body off.

[@jeffpiatt3879]

Some of the most brutally painful engine work I ever did was on a 7.4L 3/4 ton 1988 Suburban. Horrific back pain. Those big iron heads weighed a lot, and I was in a bent over position, due to the height of the truck, the entire time. Just one, in a line of vehicles, that made me swear off of GM, long ago.

[@michaelbefumo-qg7ji]

They should just start making pickups like big rigs,noise of truck one piece of fiberglass, like the GMC TopKick

[@timkis64]

thats crazy.the best advertisement for an 1985 f250 ive ever seen.

[@johnemanolis]

I'm liking my 92 Flareside this much more.

[@ricklosangeles5043]

So, this past Tuesday I was at Star Ford/Lincoln in Glendale CA getting my 2019 Lincoln Nautilus serviced. The service department was packed with cars and since I already had an appointment and was driving a Lincoln the service tech came right out and took my car for servicing. I guess age and status, whatever that is, has it advantages. When I was leaving about an hour or so later, I had to leave via the service department which was packed with cars getting repaired and when I looked to my right what do I see but a Ford F series with It’s body lifted and chassis on the ground getting it engine replaced. The same way that Brian was doing in this video. They must be watching your videos. Wish I stopped and got a picture.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

I have pulled mine off my 2004 Super duty a couple of times. The trucks are designed to have the bodies pulled for major repair or replacement. Its really not that to do. Nice job teaching he kid.

[@michaeljohn669]

I found a 2013 ford focus with a full tank of gas at the auction lol it was listed as mechanic damage. Thanks for you video!!!! Lol I saved thousands like 5,000

[@Twobarpsi]

Wow! What a repair!

[@bassiclymike]

very interesting, but I can see how it makes removal/replacement of the engine more straightforward.

[@trailridescj7528]

DD13 also has the poly oil pans which the mounting bolt insulators fail the pan leaks.

[@johnwaby4321]

That looks a lot easier to work on 👍👍

[@TRUCKMAN-zg4xh]

Great job guys

[@riyadhboucenna1443]

HUGE EFFORT

[@JohnDoesGarage]

I'm anxious to find out if the all aluminum pan will fit. Great video. BMW started using plastic oil pans and I've changed out of few of them for an all aluminum one because the plastic ones leak.

[@timschultes6467]

I find it hard to believe that ford engineers or BMW engineers didn’t know that would happen. I mean I feel like that was common sense they should have known it would leak

[@carlocanseco1]

@@timschultes6467 yea cause plastic and metal expand at different rates and then Ford will use silicone with plastic 🙄

[@ghostwrench2292]

I have done a long block replacement on this engine before from a plastic oil pan to the aluminum oil pan. There was a service bulletin to replace the transmission oil cooler lines with an updated set and modify the wire harness to fit the new oil pan. It was really simple to do, especially cab off.

[@carlocanseco1]

@@ghostwrench2292 yea usually when I order a new engine it’ll come with an aluminum pan as it should have been from the beginning 😂

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Definitely waiting to see the fitment!

[@brucecooley4170]

I have 2017 3.5 ecoboost and I put aluminum pan on with new oil pickup tube due to failed dealer repair. It is not easy but works ok.

[@farmermiyagi1338]

This makes me appreciate my mid-90's Ranger with a 2.3 and a 5 speed. Along with the 300 straight 6. Those are the best engines Ford ever produced. IMHO

[@vector6977]

makes having to take the top part of the intake off to change half of the plugs seem like child's play.

[@farmermiyagi1338]

@@vector6977 I have never pulled the intake to put plugs and wires on an EFI 2.3 ;) Been doing this for 36 years now. I know a shortcut.

[@d4rizob]

Just did this job just pulling off the cooling module, aka entire core support and grille. Not too bad, paid 22 hours because 4x4

[@ghostwrench2292]

I know guys who pull the cooling pack for phaser jobs but for long block replacement, I much prefer cab off if I can. My shop has some in-ground lifts so can’t cab off with those.

[@robertgregilovich2229]

Nice work.

[@Kro_man_tx]

With similar new trucks costing $60k, it makes sense these days to do these types of overhauls.

[@oby-1607]

When the bean counters get control over quality control, its a lose/lose when plastic gets involved to save a couple of bucks. After seeing this, I will never complain about my 5.4 again.

[@louiscollier6577]

Woooo man! Good Luck Guys

[@nickpiazza4403]

Nice work!

[@rab1025]

Hey! You make some great videos! I have a quick question: what is the part number for the one piece aluminum oil pan? I have a 2017 XLT 3.5L EB w/ the same leaking plastic pan and would like to switch it out for the aluminum pan. Thank you in advance!

[@jeffone2nv]

Smart owner if you going to change the engine. It makes sense to change all hoses turbos and essential accessories. Then you won’t have any problems. Don’t forget to transmission, differential, transfer case, brake flushes.

[@jds1vette]

Strong work.

[@jeoz0420]

What do you look for in auction engines? Which auction did you use? Looking for a 2.7 and would like it to look clean like that

[@jeffjohnson8596]

hopefully, the phasers on that new motor are the new updated parts.

[@manuelnegrete5222]

Im not saying not pull the cab off the truck, but it's super easy to pull the front clips off these body styles, verses the older ones

[@SuperMassman]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥,, PLEASE USE A LASER POINTER, it would really help me and others to focus on what your pointing out.

[@Trigger_32]

Great video! However, I would highly recommend removing that tool box out from under the air handler.. Condensate leak will inevitably happen on a weekend off hours and just dump condensate all over that box. Just some advice from an HVAC tech.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The lid acts like a roof

[@denniswilkinson1674]

Well done Brian, that’s a lot of stuff to keep track of.

[@DiamondEdwards]

Hello, great video. Can we get a parts list added to the video description? s

[@markpontes4457]

Would love to know the price difference for doing a timing job and changing the e gine if you didn't change all the hoses and turbo like this guy did?

[@thunderroad7289]

That did that with my sons 2021 Silverado . The 6.2 motor threw a rod at 5800 miles

[@jibrilthegreat35]

You are lying, because according to chevy fan boys those LS engines are indestructible lol ok on a serious note, that sucks.

[@vr4787]

If all trucks had the hood open forward like the medium duties and semis it’d make things a lot easier.

[@davidbrogan606]

Especially since 1/3 of the engine is under the coweling.

[@gm1258001]

19:29 and there went the 10mm that he just found. I'll see myself out. FTM with the great content as always.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

S hook but that funny my son made a tik tok about a lost 10mm in the engine bay of this truck and he had to lift the body to find it.

[@caduceus33]

What a pro, thanks!