Ford 2.0L Duratec Engine: Longevity, Problems, and Specs

Choosing the right car engine is as important as getting the car itself. This is because the car's overall performance depends majorly on its engine type. This article will make you more familiar with the details of the engine. Ultimately, the article will help you to make a smarter purchase decision. 

Ford Motor makes the Duratec engine which can power different types of cars: compact, cargo, and midsize cars. The Duratec engine is also commonly referred to as the Mazda L engine. Over time, it has been known as one of the best in its league.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2001-2022
• Average lifespan of 2.0L Duratec:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:130-150 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:oil consumption, chain stretching, carbon buildup on intake valves.

Specifications of Ford 2.0L Duratec Engine

Specifications define the engines of a car. It makes you see the capacities, attributes, and what the engine can offer. Below are some of the specifications of the Duratec 2.0L engine:

The engine is used in Ford C-Max Mk1, Ford Galaxy Mk III, Mazda 3, Mazda 5, and others. The unit has a lifespan of 220,000 miles, on average, if you believe internet experts. The engine also has some specifications which you can need for your purchase:

• 3.42-inch of the cylinder bore
• 4 stroke, naturally aspirated engine
• 4.3 liters engine oil capacity
• DOHC valve train layout

Problems With the Duratec 2.0L Engine

Ford 2.0L Duratec engine rarely has problems because of its maintenance-enabled drive chain. However, there are issues common to this unit.

1. Malfunctioning Camshaft Seals

The camshaft seal is responsible for sealing the ends of the camshaft of a car engine. Because of consistent usage, the rubber seal can harden over time and cause minor problems, resulting in major problems. 

From users' reviews, after some time, the camshaft seal of the Duratec 2.0L engine malfunctions. Oil leakage and smoke from the engine bay are the major symptoms of bad camshaft seals. Leaks are parts of the problems that should prompt immediate mechanic visits.

Leaked oil can get into the exhaust pipe and burn it, leading to varying degrees of burn injuries. Also, the leaking oil can contaminate the maintenance-free drive timing belt and cause multiple problems. This places the car at risk, and the smoke generated can lead to environmental air pollution. Bad camshaft seals can also lead to backfiring and stalling of vehicles. You can fix your camshaft seal with the following steps:

• Disconnect the battery
• Disconnect the timing belt
• Disconnect the camshaft gear
• Replace the camshaft seal with a new one
• Reconnect the camshaft gear
• Reconnect the timing belt
• Reconnect the battery
• Check for any leaks

Finally, carefully check for any leakage before starting the engine. However, you should contact a professional mechanic if there are still leaks.

2. Malfunctioning Thermostats

Reports have shown that the Ford 2.0L Duratec Engine thermostat goes bad easily. Bad thermostat results from overheating and can result in total engine shutdown and damage. The thermostat can fail in either the closed or open position.  

The thermostat regulates the temperature of the engine. It also monitors the quantity of coolant that can pass through the radiator for the engine's smooth operation. Any issue with the thermostat can lead to overheating and eventual engine damage. 

 The symptom of a bad or failed thermostat includes:

• high-temperature readings 
• unusual loud noise
• leakage of the coolant
• increase in consumption of fuel 

These problems are better prevented than corrected. Before calling a professional mechanic, you can do the following steps to repair your thermostat: 

• Firstly, locate your thermostat to know exactly where it is located
• Place a bucket underneath the thermostat to capture fluid leaks 
• Remove the engine hose and drain the fluid into the bucket to avoid wastage and stains on the floor
• Lift out the old thermostat by removing the bolts that fixed it with the body of the engine.
• Then compare the old and the recently purchased thermostats. If they don't match, you should return the new one and purchase a similar one to the old model.
• Place the new gasket on the old gasket, ensuring that none of the gasket parts is in the hole.
• Fix the new thermostat in the new place, ensuring that the spring is facing down before fixing the bolts.
• Finally, replace the hose and hose clamp and screw them tight to keep them in place. However, ensure the screws are not too tight to cause a cut or hole in the hose.

After fixing the thermostat, check if it works. If it does not, you will need a mechanic to check it out.

3. Bad Ignition coil

A bad ignition coil is one of the major issues common to Ford 2.0L Duratec Engine. But conversely, a good ignition coil is important to a good engine. The ignition coil, which acts like a transformer, transforms the energy in the battery into a high voltage, emitting high voltage to the spark plug.

A bad ignition coil can make a car not work properly or work at all. For your engine to run correctly, you must avoid bad ignition coils. The symptoms of the bad coil are:

• Hard starting the engine
• Misfiring engines
• Slow vehicle 

To confirm your ignition coil, you can perform the following tests. It is important to use insulated tools and thick rubber gloves to avoid electrocution and electric sparks. 

• Ensure your car engine is not "on."
• Disconnect the spark plug wire
• Connect a new spark plug to the spark plug wire and ensure it is properly connected.
• With your rubber gloves, remove the fuse from the fuel pump using the right tools after holding the plug's threaded part away from other engine components.
• Crank the engine

After the engine is cranked, check for blue sparks between the spark plugs. If you notice blue sparks, your ignition coil is in good working condition. However, if you do not notice blue sparks or you noticed orange sparks, there may be a problem with your ignition coil. After the confirmatory test, replace the components in their appropriate places. A beginner shouldn't repair the ignition coil. A professional mechanic will do a perfect job.

4. Starting Problems

It can be worrying if your car does not start on time or start at all. Starting problems can be due to different issues with the engine. The issues range from a flat battery to fuel problems to electrical problems. These issues are common to the Ford 2.0L Duratec engine. Resolving starting problems is easy if you know the reason and source of the problems.

Longevity of Ford 2.0L Duratec Engine

Since its production in 2001, car users have been giving positive reviews about its longevity. If an engine stays that long without any major issues, it requires attention and commendation. It has been known as one of the best out there because it is reliable and durable. Below are some of the reasons that can be traced to why the engine has a long lifespan

The engine has a built-in maintenance-free drive timing chain which rarely has problems. It makes it last long and takes a long time to wear out. The chain works with the crankshaft and camshaft to ensure the engine's valves open at the right time, which is when each cylinder fires. This means the timing chain must be in good condition for the engine to work properly. The drive timing chain is located in the engine and requires frequent lubrication to prevent wear and tear.

Also, the 2-liter engine has a stable fuel injection system. Therefore, the fuel injection system is a solution to the failing carburetor system. Fuel injection involves using an injector to introduce fuel into the combustion engines of cars. The fuel injection results are satisfying because it obeys emissions and fuel efficiency laws. Fortunately, the spare parts are cheap and easy to get if there are problems with the fuel injection system.

Conclusion

Ford 2.0L Duratec engine is a durable and highly reliable car engine. The engine can power different cars for a long period without any major problem. The engine has excellent breathing, big valves, perfect induction, and huge components, among other characteristics. However, some issues are associated with this engine