3.5 EcoBoost Ticking Noise at Idle – What's Wrong and How to Fix?

The Ford 3.5 EcoBoost engine is widely known for its performance and efficiency, and since it came out, it quickly became a staple under the hoods of many Ford cars. However, some owners have reported a concerning ticking noise emitting from the engine while stationary idling.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2010-now
• Average lifespan of 3.5L EcoBoost:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:310-660 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:intercooler problems, timing chain stretching, carbon buildup on intake valves, coolant and oil leaks.

3.5 EcoBoost Ticking Noise at Idle - What's Wrong and How to Fix?

1) Timing Chain Ticking

The 3.5 EcoBoost, as with most other engines out there, uses a timing chain to control the engine's timing. Using a chain has proven to be a better option compared to a belt because a chain is known to last longer. However, the timing chain and its tensioner are prone to wear and tear which means that the chain can also cause the ticking.

Timing chain tick is rather specific as it occurs when the chain becomes loose and starts whacking onto the tensioner. These ticking sounds can most easily be heard while cold-starting the engine, but can also be heard while idling.

2) Direct Injection System Pulsating

An inherent trait of a direct injection engine is that it emits ticking as the fuel injectors pulsate while operating. This can easily be heard at idle, especially when you turn the engine on. However, this ticking shouldn't be overly loud and if it is, it could be a sign that your fuel injectors are overworking for some reason.

3) Cam Phasers Ticking

The 3.5 EcoBoost is equipped with VCT (Variable Camshaft Timing), a system designed to make your engine more efficient and to ensure better performance. Either way, these are susceptible to malfunctions, predominantly if they don't receive adequate oil flow. A common symptom of this malfunction is a distinctive ticking or knocking sound emanating from the engine, especially noticeable at idle.

4) Problems with the Engine Lifters

Over time or due to overworking, these engine lifters can either become stuck or experience significant wear, so much so that it can render them useless in only a few thousand miles. When this happens, one of the primary symptoms is a characteristic tapping or ticking noise emanating from the engine. This noise is particularly noticeable during idling or when starting the engine after a prolonged period of inactivity.

5) Heat Shield Issues

The 3.5 EcoBoost is covered with heat shielding materials all around in order to preserve its temperature and shield the surrounding components from heat damage. Since these sheets of protective material need to endure high temperatures on a daily basis, they can become loose or even completely detach at certain sections. If that happens, it can lead to a metallic ticking noise.

6) Low Oil Pressure

If your 3.5 EcoBoost is starved of engine oil, it can also cause it to start ticking due to the increased levels of friction within the engine. Moreover, a lack of engine oil can also cause your engine to run at higher RPMs or to become inconsistent in regards to RPM levels. Either way, this is also something you ought to keep in mind.

How To Fix 3.5 EcoBoost Ticking Noise at Idle?

• Check and Replace Timing System Components
• Replace VTC Solenoids and Cam Phasers
• Replace Engine Lifters
• Inspect Your Heat Shields
• Consult a Mechanic

1) Check and Replace Timing System Components on a 3.5 EcoBoost

If the reason your engine ticks is due to timing chain problems, you will have to replace all the components that might be causing this problem. In most instances, you'll have to replace the chain itself and the tensioner that keeps it in place.

Replacing the chain without replacing a worn-out tensioner is a really bad idea as it can lead to similar issues down the line. Since replacing the chain itself is a relatively expensive thing to do and requires you to disassemble the engine, this is also a good time to check the engine more thoroughly and service it if needed.

2) Replace VTC Solenoids and Cam Phasers on a 3.5 EcoBoost

If your cam phasers are experiencing problems with not receiving proper oil levels, they are bound to go bad. When this happens, it will cause a ticking noise. The best way to fix this is to simply replace the VTC solenoids and the cam phasers.

While at it, you need to make sure they are properly oiled in the future so be sure to check the flow of oil to these components before you replace them.

3) Replace Engine Lifters on a 3.5 EcoBoost

Addressing a malfunctioning lifter is not a straightforward task as it requires delving deep into the heart of the engine, often necessitating the removal of major components. Such a procedure is both time-consuming and intricate which means that you shouldn't try to perform it if you are not experienced with the issue.

Given the complexity, it's best to try other solutions on this list as replacing a stuck/worn lifter is going to need an experienced mechanic

4) Inspect Heat Shields on a 3.5 EcoBoost

As mentioned previously, a 3.5 EcoBoost ticking noise can sometimes be caused by a loose heat shield. If this is indeed the case, you will have to either secure them back to their original position or replace them if that is not possible.

While at it, you should also check your exhaust manifold and its shielding panels as there are known to become loose first.

5) Consult a Mechanic

If you tried everything on this list and the ticking noise prevailed, you should think very hard if the ticking noise is actually loud or not. An EcoBoost 3.5 is known to tick in normal operation, but only slightly, and usually all the time.

If it's ticking loudly or none of the solutions in this article helped, you will have to take your Ford to a mechanic who will be able to diagnose the car using specialty gear and thus help you get to the bottom of the problem.

Is it Safe to Drive a Ticking EcoBoost 3.5 Engine?

Well, it depends on what is causing the tick and the nature of the tick itself. Some problems such as those associated with benign issues such as a loose hield shield or if the engine is ticking quietly. A quiet tick is inherent for the 3.5 EcoBoost and is usually associated with the pulsating effect of its fuel injectors. In these cases, it is safe to drive.

If the underlying issue is due to oil starvation, then you should most definitely not drive it. A lack of engine oil is a perfect way to destroy a perfectly healthy engine, so be sure to check for any signs of leaks or if the oil levels are low.

Other major issues such as worn timing chain problems with the cams, or problems with the hydraulic lifters should also stop you from driving as that can worsen the problem over time and cause a lot of damage to the engine.

All in all, you should not drive your 3.5 EcoBoost if it's loudly ticking and if you are not aware of what is causing it. Therefore, you should try the solutions presented in this article or take your car to a mechanic before proceeding to drive it.

How To Prevent Engine Ticking in a 3.5 EcoBoost?

First and foremost, make sure to follow your oil-changing cycles as precisely as possible as not doing so can lead to most of the issues presented in this article. Always use the recommended oil viscosity and make sure that all of your engine parts are lubricated at all times.

It's also a good idea to periodically check your cam phasers, the timing chain, and the hydraulic lifters to make sure they are lubricated and performing as intended. Be sure to follow all of the maintenance schedules and check your engine from time to time, preferably whenever you change the oil.

Conclusion

At the end of our article, we can safely say that there are multiple potential causes of a 3.5 EcoBoost ticking problem. Some of the causes are relatively minor while others are really major and can affect the engine's lifespan drastically.

Therefore, to always make sure your 3.5 EcoBoost is in its best possible working order, be sure to follow all of the scheduled maintenance cycles, keep the oil fresh, and replace faulty and worn-out components when necessary. Even though this is a known problem with the 3.5 EcoBoost, there is no reason why you should suffer from it if you do everything you can to avoid it.