The One Fatal Design Flaw With Ford's 3.5L & 3.7L Duratec Engines

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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.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

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[@anthonygary6246]

Man you are a genius. Are you a ford mechanic? I'm glad you posted the video of the ford engines that the spark plugs blow out.

[@ayebee1207]

How do you know if the coolant in the oil did not scuff rod and main bearings or piston skirts? Maybe perform a leak down test. It would be a shame if one or more cylinders tested at 30% blow by. Or a rod bearing(s) was ruined by leaky water pump

[@ayebee1207]

The Duratec 4cyl I worked on had issue of poor coolant design around the spark plug/combustion chambers. Ford has bad engineering on that. The Triton V10 comes to mind. The sole reason Ford motors do not grenade is knock sensor pulling timing on ridiculously high chamber temps. Lean burn design into the realm of stupid

[@Davido50]

FordTechMakuloco they too good?

[@Davido50]

FordTechMakuloco overall as you know can't go wrong with Ford vehicles. We have Ecoboost gen1 & gen2 ..flawless. 3.5L GDI motor Edge approaching 224k mis no issues. We do good general maintenance as u should!

[@officialyoutubecommentator4357]

"Rev up your milkshakes!" Whoops wrong channel....

[@krisn8820]

Poor Scotty Kilmer has been getting hammered lately!

[@officialyoutubecommentator4357]

I am sure he loves the attention though.

[@moeanthony9308]

@@officialyoutubecommentator4357 or maybe lack there of.

[@SourGrey]

Hahaha!

[@neverstoplearning382]

Hahahahhaha good one.

[@brussell639]

Some engineers just need the shit kicked out of them.

[@SourGrey]

Please

[@Celticman197]

They probably designed it that way on purpose.

[@wydopnthrtl]

In the 90s I was a water pump engineer for a Tier 1 to Ford. I was their Ford product designer. It was in the 90s that Ford started to purge all the old guys who had engineering experience + common sense. The result... see video above

[@sigor2011]

Can't design perfect. Car would be too expensive. At the mileage failure... Ain't bad.

[@swmp9x19]

Most do

[@ovwok]

Let's put the water pump on the inside of the engine. That's some Wile E. Coyote super genius stuff there Ford!

[@bigpappahemi4263]

I love my little ford ranger but I agree! Ford always seems to chose to do things the hardest and most expensive way possible! I'm glad I have the simple 3.0 liter engine in my ranger rather than the 4.0. All this overhead cam stuff is just not needed in a daily driver! I'm not going to race the thing I just want a reliable daily driver.

[@FM4AMGV]

The reason the water pump was placed inside the timing cover was for added clearance to fit the engine into more cars. with how long these water pumps last, it's a non issue.

[@redtcstang]

My pump went out after just 100k miles @@FM4AMGV

[@thirtythree160]

@@FM4AMGV Its what is called engineered failure? Without preventive maintenance, the engine is junk. Preventive maintenance of water pump replacement is expensive. Its like timing belts on an interference engine.

[@chrismiller5940]

Since the engine uses chains to run everything instead of a timing belt it needs lubricated just as the rest of the engine does. They probably went with a chain driven timing system as it lasts longer than the belts but water pumps won't last as long as the chain drive so people don't think about it until it fails. The mechanic is correct in saying that the water pump in this design should be somewhere else. At least with a belt driven timing system, while it requires replacement far more frequently it is usually within the life of the water pump and can (and should) be replaced when the belt is done. Not all dealers will replace the pump when doing the timing belt so if you do have the timing belt replaced insist that the water pump be replaced as well as it will save you a lot of trouble later when the pump fails which causes the belt to no longer turn the cams and can either be an annoyance (non-interference engine) to catastrophic (interference engine). Personally, with the oil like that I would probably want the engine torn down completely as there is likely the start of damage to the main and crankshaft bearings and they should be inspected to see if they need replaced.

[@6BlackBetty6]

I have a 2009 Flex with the 3.5L and did the water pump myself. Took me a weekend but saved me a ton of money! BTW it has 335k miles on it and runs like its new! Great engine! ALWAYS BY FORD PARTS, Don't buy cheap Chinese parts! Trust me, you'll be doing this job again soon.

[@6BlackBetty6]

@Bull's Eye I change the oil every 3k miles and coolant every 60-65k miles

[@6BlackBetty6]

@Bull's Eye syn blend. I'm old school I don't trust what oil company's say their oil is good for.

[@6BlackBetty6]

@Bull's Eye like I said, my 09 flex has 335k miles. I changed the water pump for the first time at 320k! I was lucky enough to catch the failure as soon as it started to drip in my driveway while I was doing a oil change.

[@davidkelp9444]

@@ramtrucks721 I have a 2007 Focus with 235000 and no issues since I bought it with 42000. You need to hush. Every manufacturer makes some good ones and some junk.

[@johnhugon8305]

@@davidkelp9444 2003 Taurus 2 Valve 3.0 with 341K...with no rust...and I'm no Ford lover.....

[@heyitsvos]

Just remember, someone who makes wayyyyyy more than us put their stamp of approval on this

[@arkansasmakina8580]

Turkum dogruyum caliskanim

[@MIckveli2]

-lol thats the problem..!

[@fordfreak2007]

Engineers make a lot of money to design shit that pisses everyone else off.

[@blaneblue1739]

260K? Wow besides the water pump placement, this engine seems like a winner.

[@t_plauche]

Yeah. If my 3.7 lasts 260k, I am ok just paying for a new engine.

[@bradleysteeves7891]

My 2017 explorer 3.7 has 340,000 kms 225,000 miles. Coolant change every 60,000 miles... original water pump. No issues. Corrosive coolant eats the waterpump gaskets

[@Greasyspleen]

My milkshake brings all the tools to the Ford...

[@Playboyyrocky]

😆

[@tylersturm1670]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lewngshelewng5420]

Mazda

[@Sub0wins1]

My camshaft is bigger than yours 😁

[@5477harry]

I can torque it, but I have to charge

[@MartianManHunter_]

Glad I found your page. Have found your videos super helpful. Did the plugs on my 3.7 after seeing your video. Glad your shop is only 2 hours away. When it comes time for this job I’ll probably get my vehicle up to you to service.

[@superduty4556]

I come to this channel to rekindle my love for pushrods if I ever feel like buying something new.

[@GIGABACHI]

😂👌👍

[@woodyglendell7400]

👍

[@TheMasterNooby]

This comment deserves an award

[@Thriving257]

I would agree from a simplicity stance but innovative manufacturing processes will eventually be adopted by all car companies aka the modular motor. I've owned alot of Ford's and the common flaw is always in the timing chain setup which leads me to have a firm belief that you may be able to use the same machines for all your engine production but at the expense of constant redesign, not to mention bending your engineers over a barrel every year lol. Love Ford but wish they would stop trying to reinvent the wheel year after year.

[@superduty4556]

@@Thriving257 No thanks. I don't care for innovation if it means 40ft of timing chain with brittle tensioners and hidden water pumps (not to mention 2 piece spark plugs and cam phasers). I love Ford; but I feel like their engines are nothing but Rube Goldberg devices.

[@billyyoder8171]

Thank you Brian. Good job I appreciate your videos. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[@joeyvega3962]

Professional and Honest. We the general public thank you for your service. 👍

[@kevinedward1234]

Nice video, nice info. I did a 2012 Taurus a few weeks back, double sprocket water pump, leaking behind the alternator, pump was not loose and it had the original single channel gasket/seal etc. I did not use Ford parts, not my choice, but the aftermarket water pump did have a double channel gasket/seal. Luckily for the engine no coolant was mixed in the oil.

[@LoneWolf-dv7ul]

This reminds me so much of what happened to a next door neighbor of mine. This was years back. But he had a late 80's Ford Ranger with the 2.9. The heads cracked and the coolant ended up in the crankcase. His son and me ended up rebuilding the entire engine. It was a great learning experience for me. But, IMO this was a senseless repair. 2.9 heads were prone to this @ the time.

[@johnhammack12]

Good job on the video...I say the dealership you left from are regrets you leaving... BUT NOT US POOR PEOPLE!!!!! Keep em coming buddy you da man...lol...

[@rogelv8td]

Thanks for sharing this information to the general public. Very good video.

[@sparkx251]

Excellent and educational video. As a 2015 Taurus 3.5 owner, I appreciate this incite and knowledge. Here's hoping the Fords obvious decision to keep the water pump inside - by beefing up the parts and changing coolant from orange to yellow - was the right choice to make. Overall, the Cyclone Duratec 35/3.5L Ti-VCT V6 is a completely satisfactory engine for light duty use and good on power and gas mileage. The engine life expectancy is about 200,000 miles. If we can be diligent in avoiding this $2k overhaul.

[@zaganfallenengel]

As always... Great videos buddy... Very useful info... Continue with the great job...

[@amirdieselx64]

Besides the water pump failure that engine looks like it’s in good shape

[@rrmech11]

Never paid any attention on how many miles that engine could achieve. Great Channel you have Brian.

[@CaptainNero]

Great work. Something to think about doing if you're going to keep the car.

[@crazylarryjr]

I fully agree, if you got it that far apart, may as well do the chain, gears and tensioners. Onr thing i'd do, is once back together, i'd run it no more than 3 minutes (to get new oil through the engine) and change the oil and filter again. Just to make sure to get all the milky oil and water out

[@stradplayer90]

The fact that they even thought to accommodate for 1 leak type is a great indicator. I cannot recall any manufacturer with a timing chain drive water pump that has made that accommodation.

[@michaelashcraft8569]

I'm glad you put these videos on. I write down the vehicles you describe for future reference not to buy new or used!

[@tomzeller1664]

Thanks for the excellent video! I'm trying to upgrade a few years to a 2014 Taurus. I do any repairs I can. I like Fords & in checking the Taurus 3.5 specs I saw the warnings about internal water pumps. Your video gave me the confidence to go ahead. All I have to do is pay attention to your advice of those two fluids. Tom Z

[@tinkerscorner54]

Same here, with a 2013 flex in almost new condition. It gets almost as good gas mileage as my 2001 Windstar 3.8L around town, maybe a little better at times. On the highway, the Windstar wins, even though it's about 1000 lbs. heavier than the Flex and has 177K miles on it. The Flex just hit 120K. I do like the way the 3.5L runs and how smooth it is. I just don't care much for the 6-speed transmission and the way it seems to pick the wrong gears when downshifting. (Probably from me being used to a 4-speed in the Windstar. I had the same problem with our Navigator, downshifting too many gears on a pass, revving the engine like I'm at Le Mans and making my wife's knuckles turn white and eyes get really big). I figured out that the Flex is basically a Taurus in disguise with a huge, versatile trunk. It does NOT handle anything like it looks. It handles more like a sport sedan, is pretty quick when needed and cruses very nicely the rest of the time. I had been looking for a newer ride for my wife and favored the Taurus, but the price of the Flex, I guess because of its unique appearance, got us more bang for the buck but still has the same internal water pump issues. That's why I have been watching these videos. Sorry for rambling. Have a great weekend!

[@ThinkFreely2012]

Thank you for making this video. Been waiting a long time for you to discuss this water pump issue. I still can't believe Ford thought it was a good idea to put the water pump in the crankcase! I'm hoping it'll be a long time before i have to deal with this in my 2016 Flex!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I put out a similar video in may of this year addressing this.

[@ThinkFreely2012]

@@FordTechMakuloco Ah, didn't catch that one. Thanks! Keep it up!

[@johncimino651]

You do great videos, you know what you’re doin, great mechanic !👍

[@larryhernandez5062]

Excellent . . . Learned new stuff about my 3.5L 2012 sport Fusion duarte engine . Very Educational

[@hoss2200]

Great job man. I have been a ford fan, since I was a teen and saw a 91 5.0 mustang parked on my neighbors driveway. I recently purchased a 2015 taurus 3.5L. I like it. Very roomy. I will keep on eye on this like that. Good to know thay these engines last forever. Thanks for all the good info

[@JPVee511]

I have a ‘13 Flex EB with the updated pump and it failed at about 36k miles/5 years. Never saw a drip on the ground because the aero-shield under the engine was catching them all. There was a sweet aroma from under the hood and some coolant loss so I was able to take it to the dealership before the engine failed.

[@David8n]

I always regard a water pump as a service item if it's driven by the cam chain/belt.

[@ViperHummel]

I had no clue about this issue until joining a FB group for the Fusion and someone mentioned it. I have a 2012 Sport FWD with 86k on it.

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

Excellent video as always! Thank you!!

[@fredsalter1915]

Excellent vid on the water pump issue on the Duratec engines. From what I gather, the engine itself is very quite bullet-proof except for the water pump.

[@lethargicstove2024]

I saw a transit van with a 3.7 with 450k miles the engine is great beside the water pump which is it's Achilles Heel.

[@pelotas56]

I did one on a mks very easy, one of the easiest chains I've done. But many told me the engine had to come out to properly time the engine. I refused to go that far, but I'm Glad too see I was not the only one doing it on the car.👍

[@miriamvivo4279]

Thats for the heads up great video . Nice well organized shop

[@brianholder9958]

Good insights as usual. I agree with what you say about the dealers and manufacturers. They need to slow down and improve their designs...

[@mulehead3697]

Glad to see you doing this job inside the engine compartment. Chiltons recommends to pull the engine for this job. Obviously that’s not the case. I got a 2008 sable I am dreading this job. Is there enough room in the sable to pull the timing cover off without pulling the engine? Thanks for the great video.

[@jimmellenberger8505]

In another post he said yes, the Taurus and Sable have room. The engine compartments are fairly similar with this engine configuration.

[@brynjhnsn100]

I know this is an old video , but I have a ‘10 Taurus that I preemptively changed water pump and all timing components at the dealership. I bought the car used with 174k miles. After all this work, what’s the reliability of these 3.5’s ? I love the car and it runs great! Thanks for all you’re videos.

[@kingpin9733]

Great, Great instructional video as usual thumps up!!! I have that engine in DOHC Taurus. So far no problems.

[@salvatuch]

Really informative and well presented. Thank you!

[@Gandoff2000]

Thanks for another great video. Should owners of this type of engine have the pump changed preemptively around 200,000?

[@officialyoutubecommentator4357]

Hey thank you for posting your videos. Can you recommend a scanner that monitors (live data) everything including the transmissions on vehicles and is not crazy expensive that say a DIY'er can use? I am learning quite a bit but I'd be willing to say that with so many different technologies being incorporated you'd have to really study the craft like a Dr. If you'd like to master this field but I don't know if the returns will be as rewarding though.

[@Pyro17059]

This is a good "heads up" video. Have you ever run into a vehicle that when filling with fuel, it can be filled from empty to almost full with no issues(meaning the pump doesnt continually click off nor does it fill slowly)... However, if the pump is left run until it clicks off, some fuel pours back out of the filler. It is a 2017 police interceptor utility. I disconnected the Vent lines from charcoal canister, same issue.

[@williamwatkins4961]

You give good advice on every video thanks

[@stuffyoucando2]

Good reason to start doing oil analysis periodically on these engines, especially at the higher mileages. That would be a good early indicator of coolant in the oil.

[@hokie9910]

Best comment on this video. Once a year, pull a 2.5 dollar oil analysis.

[@michaelmurray121]

Hey Brian great info 🤛

[@gpost9000t]

We have several 3.5's in our fleet. I saw today that a 2014 Taurus had a bad water pump. Just FYI, it was a double-sprocket pump with a loose pulley bearing. Also, it only had one o-ring and not the double one.

[@jojojojojojojo7013]

Great video. Thanks for all your great information.

[@pablomarquez4431]

Question: So my wife really wants a explorer. I'm a mechanic but I dont work on fords like that. I've been looking into these engines and I'm really considering the 2.3l FWD just cause I'm trying to avoid that 3.5l waterpump issue. From your experience on these which engine is overall the best? Also which year explorer, 2015 or 2016? Thanks in advance.

[@brandonward2619]

Great video on this motor. Do you have any suggestions on preventing this failure for our customers? Obviously frequent oil changes with quality oil/filter to keep the timing components operating smoothly. On time or premature tune ups to keep everything smooth. Maybe coolant flush with a lubricity additive? But the real problem here is the bearing failure that in theory should never get wet, correct?

[@DuWann876]

I would like to know too

[@hokie9910]

If I owned one of these, I would probably just replace the water pump every 175k and be done with it.

[@carthrasher8022]

Thanks Brian, another very informative video! Would the 2013 MkS 3.5 twin turbo ecoboost, have the twin tooth arrangement?

[@emmanuelvillalobos3734]

Hello. I have a 60k miles 2011 Ford Fusion sport. Sometimes I can smell coolant in the engine, and I have been adding some coolant (not much, like 1/2 gallon over 1 year 6.5k miles). I changed the oil a month ago and didn't see any milkshake. There is no steam coming out from the rear. What else should I be looking for? Thanks! I really appreciate this video.

[@jamesplotkin4674]

Good to know this, Brian. I'd highly recommend changing all these components at 150k miles just to be sure. Bearings and cams don't like water as a lube!

[@keenanmcbreen7073]

My company had one 2010 Flex with the 3.5 and it did this, around 160k miles, we did not get any warning, no coolant consumption or weepage from the weep hole under the alternator. Dumped all the coolant into the engine, and the oil pump ate aluminum and plastic from the pump. We opted to put a junkyard engine with 80k on it instead of trying to fix that engine. Installed our $600 junkyard engine, and it had slight seepage from the weep hole. We sold the vehicle off for cheep. Should have cracked the junker open and replaced the water pump, oh well. Seems like what we can expect for engine life on new cars keeps dropping, I used to consider 200k the benchmark for a good vehicle with original engine and transmission. We are trading tons of reliability for "fancy", power, and MPG. More and more throw away cars.

[@immikeurnot]

"no coolant consumption or weepage from the weep hole under the alternator" Yes, there was. You (or more likely, the idiot you underpay to change your oil from time to time) didn't notice it.

[@RB-rl7kv]

We don’t have to keep buying the sh^t. I’m not.

[@ced9973]

Your exactly right! I have an 11 Taurus SEL with 142K, no warning, no consumption, no weeping, no seeping, just catastrophic failure! Oil changes faithfully at 3000 mile intervals. I was on the hywy and all of a sudden it sounded like lifter chatter and I thought hmmm, must have gotten some bad gas. The next day the battery was dead. Got a jump and drove home which was 260 miles. About a week after that I got an oil change. Drove my car 2 miles from the lube shop and when I got back in the car the battery was dead again. Btw, my battery isn't even a year old. Got a jump, went to work 26 miles from home when I left work, I drove about 30 miles back to the city and went to turn into a parking lot and while my wheels were turned to the left, the car started lurching and heaving?! Wtf, so I pull into the parking stalls to look at my guages and the temp was just under the "H" and the temp indicator light came on and the car shut down on its own! I got it started a couple more times and drove it approx 10 mile not before adding coolant which I realized was not raising up in the reservoir. 2 days later the car was towed to the dealer and the dealership is waiting for a remanufactured engine with 50K or less. Great car. I have a 2011 up until this point but I'm worried about the tranny having 142K miles versus a healthy lower mileage engine. Should I let it go??

[@ChrisB-cx6td]

@@ced9973 same here at 180k

[@ChrisB-cx6td]

@@ced9973 yes depreciation is really bad . my transmission is solid not worried about it but who has time and money to replace this . i did for about $500

[@my91sho]

When do you recommend swapping it out? I have 2 of these engines. One Eco, one not. Both amazing. Recently upgraded from 2 different 3.0's. very reliable

[@saablazer1658]

I have the 3.5 in my 2008 Ford Taurus with 178k miles. Maintained well with no problems (so far). When do you recommend to change the water pump as preventative maintenance? I intend on keeping this car as long as it runs.

[@ToolsOutsideTheBox]

Planned obsolescence! ;)

[@Bigdoglittle]

After 200k miles? Sure ok.

[@2tooful]

@@Bigdoglittle after 200k miles when is time to do that job who wants to pay 2k or more for a car worth almost as much?

[@meegstomtom]

@@2tooful a lot of cars have really high maintenance/repairs around 200k. Ever replace the failed lifters on a gm Ls with cylinder deactivation?

[@2tooful]

@@meegstomtom yup I agree, your point being??

[@meegstomtom]

@@2tooful not point other then some people buy high milage used cars and complain when things break. Or chew through tires instead of replacing worn components. It just amazes me how people do no maintenance on a cr and complain when something goes wrong. Out side of oil changes and air filters.

[@topchoicehomeinspections8216]

How long can this engine sit with coolant and oil before it has effects on the bearings? Thanks in advance and appreciate all of the videos!!!

[@briansworldandmechanic8437]

Very good information, thanks!

[@nikond90]

Great video, I had this problem on my 2011 Explorer Limited with only 90,000. The dealer wanted $6K to fix the engine and would not guarantee something else in the engine wouldn't fail. I had this happen in 2016 and at that time the dealership had 3 other customers with the same problem.

[@COWBOYZNATION]

That's NUTZ!!!! I hope you told them you would be buying your new/used vehicles ELSEWHERE too!!!

[@jc-zh9kl]

That’s kind of a big deal, thanks for showing us.

[@marksecoboost]

Great video, thanks! Is there anything you can do to prevent this water pump failure, or is it luck of the draw?

[@peoplewatcher79]

No, its a part. Parts will fail, spinning parts especially. Just keep up with your oil maintenance, and drain or flush what systems you can every 75k or so.

[@michaelfleck8268]

Hi Brian, Do you have a parts list for this project? Do you recomend changing the cam to cam chains? Is that a new crank seal I see?

[@sugarebaresnuffy]

Hey Brian. Another great video. I own a 2013 explorer with the 3.5 with 105 000 km roughly 70 000 miles. When do think would be a good time to replace mine?

[@theodorerinehart781]

Hey Brian thank you for posting the video, great information. I realize its a touchy subject, are you servicing with 5-20 Synthetic blend or full synthetic?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Either is fine for this engine but 5w-30 is preferred especially at this mileage.

[@jimmellenberger8505]

@@FordTechMakuloco, glad you explained the older engine with 5-30. That makes sense, thanks!

[@GCraigmile]

I just did one that had a duel sprocket waterpump! Same as the old ones

[@kevinvanbuskirk5672]

What year was yours?

[@pjwlk]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@paulgirouard2165]

Awesome and professional info

[@The_Future_isnt_so_Bright]

The stress on the pump is tremendous considering its location, temperatures, and anybody who has turned an engine with a wrench knows the that it isn't easy opening the valves. Especially 24valves and 4 cams.

[@kevbateup9567]

Next Ford will put the alternator inside the engine driven by the chain.Henry must be rolling in his grave.

[@kentuckywindage222]

​@@kevbateup9567 There is a story about Ford and Toyota I read once. Toyota sent a group tasked to look at junked/broken down vehicles.The parts that failed earlier were marked to make better. Story I read goes, Ford did similar. Except his group looked at parts lasting longer than those broken. The opposite basically. I own a 2015 Exploder AWD Base. Comfortable and no trouble. The water pump, timing adjusters, PTO, rear diff. and exhaust leaks are the bad on these vehicles. For those not mechanical, no garage, tools etc. if looking for lower maintenance, look elsewhere. You have those with 260, 000 miles no trouble but is that the norm with low maintenance? Maybe. Still I'm looking to selling my 80, 678 mile Exploder come spring. Well maintained, solid and original. Just needing a 4x4 pick-up.

[@jimstratford4577]

My 2013 flex had this happen at 45k. Had it fixed under warranty and sold it to carmax as soon as I got it back.

[@jamesanthony4045]

Great video dude!

[@jeffreyuzarski710]

Hi tech. At what miles should I be Pro active and change the pump on my 2012 3.5 echoboost?

[@fireisfire95]

Aside from meticulously checking the fluids on a weekly basis, is there any other way to monitor for an impending failure?

[@patrogers8912]

You can keep an eye on coolant level and send oil out to black stone lab for coolant infiltration

[@chadsteele1]

Itx not a fatal flaw. It's designed to fail to create work for the shops, and or to get them to buy a new automobile

[@jl4091]

I agree,It's just like the plastic thermostat housing on the 4.0.Most people fry the engine because of the loss of coolant.

[@garyr7027]

Absolutely the truth, design's like this is put there to create problems and make them money. Not even a shade tree mechanic could design this crap and not catch the problem with it.

[@denyss2219]

well, how do they know which mechanic will get to do this job? Selling parts? this guy said it was $37 for the pump. Lets say another $500 for all other original parts. Still, i would think it is more a design flaw. At least, they made those drip holes so you can watch out for the coolant dripping and engine loosing coolant outside first. Obviously, the owner didn't cant that or didn't know where it is coming from.

[@PBWillyWonka]

Exactly, Skotty Kilmer said that vehicles are designed to fail these days.

[@Backyardmech1]

Engineered obsolescence is the game. Ford intentionally engineered the hell out of the engines to deliver what the customer wants, but for a limited time, and to make high dollar repairs.

[@CrazyPetez]

My understanding is the 3.5 & 3.7 in the Edge requires engine removal to replace the water pump. Big bucks, so replacing the water pump before it fails is still a significant expense. Thanks for the video! Good information.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

No, only the Ford Fusion Sport 3.5L requires engine removal.

[@chasedavis2358]

The standard procedure is to drop the cradle, it makes it easier but it isn’t necessary

[@klc317]

Good info! Looks like a bunch of back to back low mileage oil changes to get that thing all cleaned up but should be good to go!

[@michaelr.7054]

Yea, had to change my water pump in our new Taurus, 66k miles, what a job !

[@gkdrummer1461]

In paying to have mine done :/

[@michaelr.7054]

@@gkdrummer1461 took me a day and a half 🤨

[@johnracki2258]

Despite the design flaw, our 2007 Edge AWD 3.5L had the water pump fail at 130,000 miles, pretty much did the same thing minus the timing components and shes still going strong with 245,000 miles, my fords always bite my wallet for about $2000 for some stupid known issue. But having said that, I’ve gotten almost 400,000 miles out of each of my fords and I expect the same from our ‘07 Edge. The damn things just keep running

[@SFBay69]

I have a 2013 edge sport only 52k hopefully i get 150k

[@eightiesgod]

By far, your videos are superb! I am quite thrilled perhaps by hearing you say that the 2012 and newer don't necessarily have this same issue. I have a 12 MKZ with around 82,000. Should I be as concerned? I did cross reference from a few auto part sites that there indeed is a dual sprocket setup that is different from the 2011 MKZ. I feel a little tingle in my stomach as to not be as concerned with this issue as of yet; am I right to feel this way? I am dealing with the AWD as well and your 30,000 mile service is well in my head. No matter what though, thank you for all that you do. It is a major blessing to us common folk.

[@chucknoob7041]

You’re probably good concerning the water pump issue. Just change the oil regularly and use a high grade oil filter. Don’t delay changing the oil for the PTU though. If it hasn’t been done it’s past due!

[@atx-cvpi_99]

All fwd cars with the 3.5, 3.5 EcoBoost, and 3.7 V6 has that problem no matter what year you get.

[@cookingwithcuyandotherfuns6238]

Great video. This just happened to me yesterday. Topped off coolant about 3 miles from our shop. Engine did not sieze but was very sluggish to accelerate the last mile. She starts but worried engine is toast even if I get a new pump and chains. 186,000 miles.

[@brutekiller787]

I just did this on my 2010 flex ecoboost, which still has the single link chain like this. Wasn't all that difficult and I spend just over 300 on parts

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The flex eco is one of the easiest mainly becuase there is no power steering pump to deal with.

[@brutekiller787]

Yes, no cursed stretchy belt either.

[@projectcrowdsurfer3732]

@@FordTechMakuloco so from my understanding is the single sprocket water pumps are more prone to the failure? I have a 2014 taurus limited with 124k miles and I'm quite bothered about the life left in my pump. It's of course the duel sprocket design. But I hear they can fail just as early. Thinking about doing preventative maintenance on it. But dont want to spend 2k

[@To-Masz]

Hello. My Mazda CX9 has 300,000 km of mileage. I have an original pump. The engine runs fine. Should I change the pump or watch the car and wait for a fault?

[@andrewwenner2781]

A friend has an 11 Edge and I have driven it a number of times in all weather and the 3.5l v6 is responsive, like he said smooth, and very reliable as long as you take care of the oil, radiator, trans fluid, etc.

[@TragickSin]

Doesn’t matter..all water Pumps fail at around the 100k mark

[@Joetrout]

How do u know when it starts going bad? Oil check? See how it looked? Or engine heating up? I have a 3.7 with 190,000 miles used mobil 1 and still going on strong

[@knockdown7getup8osda28]

FTM another great video, thank you so much! I'm considering buying a 2017 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor with the 3.7L engine. It will have between 25K and 60K miles. The information you have provided is really good to have, as I consider going into the purchase of an Interceptor. Since police engines sit at idle for long periods of time and are driven hard, do you have any advice as to when it would be a good time to change out the water pump on the 3.7L engine considering it has been used in that type of environment? Thanks again!

[@Davido50]

Sounds like a darn good engine design & was long lasting. Go Ford!

[@mikekosar6135]

Those are some HIGH mileage intervals on the 3.5 & 3.7🤔🤔

[@smokinnplatez1426]

Is this sarcasm?

[@Jonathan11225]

same design as the 2.7 Chrysler engine, same fatal flaw but the engine was death by 70K miles

[@Jonathan11225]

@Aluminum Chicken yup i was a tech at Chrysler also from 2014 thru earlier this years, they were no widespread catastrophic pattern failures has those we mentioned, transmissions are way better now and the line up of engine at FCA are quite good like the 3.6 Pentastar or the Hemi

[@Jonathan11225]

@Aluminum Chicken yup the recalls was installing a 5$ external relay ,i was doing the same procedure the same parts on Grand Caravan & Town and Country easy to do

[@bigd9260]

Hey now...... Im still driving an intrepid with a 2.7 . But your right.... a internal water pump is a bad idea.... I cannot believe another company did the same thing.

[@KB-bh9hp]

These engines easily last 200-300k with no issues. The issue appears to be very rare, to the point where the majority of Ford dealerships I've talked to, have either never seen it, or have only seen it a few times. The issue doesn't seem to exist after the new timing chain design they created.

[@BamaRailfan]

@@bigd9260 same here. 225k and still going strong. I did replace water pump and timing components last year though.

[@louannolson7068]

Nice heads up, thanks

[@racerxnk]

Nice video. The water pump placement is just like on the Honda J35 engine. Do you pull the oil pan also?

[@John-uj9zy]

A water pump leak that cant been found until it gets into the oil. Brilliant!!

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! You got to wonder what were they (Ford) thinking????

[@plucky2115]

Brian like always Great videos!! a water pump went out on a 2012 MKT and they kept driving it until engine locked!! Can this engine still run if water pump and the other components are change or needs a new engine?? Thanks have a great day!

[@kramnull8962]

Would you suggest a WATER pressure gauge for these engines as a preventive measure, or is there too many varibles to contend with on the cooling system?

[@Dirtyharry70585]

On my second Explorer 3.5 ...no trouble

[@HRTBRKD0G]

Howdy, I'm considering getting the 2.0 ecoboost version would i be able to save on this headache is i went with the 4banger turbo?

[@edt.9218]

TY for the super informative vid. Between your channel and powerstrokehelp, I'll never buy another!

[@moeshouse575]

BG is in the town iam in. and i know a lot of mechanics. and NONE have any thing bad to say about BG

[@marketer25]

Just bought a used engine for my 2010 CX9. Water pump failed on my way home from vacation - what a mess (278,000 km.)

[@ChrisB-cx6td]

😂 mine to at 180 k miles

[@madmatt2024]

My mothers Taurus X had this motor. It was very reliable with 235K miles on the original engine and transmission. We decided to get rid of it though due to it still having the original water pump, if it failed the repair would be more than the car is worth. One thing I've noticed is that on the F-150s the 3.5 Ecoboost and 3.7 have a belt driven water pump instead of a timing chain driven one.

[@paulorsm]

Hi friend, Paulo from Brazil. Excellent analysis! I think that the water pump should be changed when maintaining the chain tension system. That would avoid a big future problem. Hug!