Ford 3.2L Power Stroke Puma Engine: Longevity, Problems, And Specs

Known by its names Puma and Duratorq, the Ford 3.2L Power Stroke is designed to deliver plenty of power while providing a high level of utility and fuel economy. So far, the reception of this product over the years has been warm due to these reasons.

Since it's designed for Ford's SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans, the 3.2L Power Stroke is certainly engineered with reliability and durability in mind. Despite these, there have been problems commonly shared by its users. These things are what we are exactly going to investigate in this article.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2015-2019
• Average lifespan of 3.2 Power Stroke:220,000-250,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:Common Rail
• Power range:185 hp
• Fuel efficiency:good
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:EGR problems, DPF issues, expensive fuel injection repair, glow plugs failing.

Ford 3.2L Power Stroke Puma Engine Longevity

At its best, the Ford 3.2L Power Stroke Puma engine can last decades of use and more than a hundred thousand miles. With proper maintenance, some owners claim that its life could be stretched more than 250,000 miles. However, there have been reports of problems in the engine happening even below the 100,000-mile mark. Among them are the problems that we will reveal in the next section.

Most Common Problems Found in the Ford 3.2L Power Stroke Puma Engine

Like any other engine, the Ford 3.2L Power Stroke Puma is not immune to problems. Over the years, there have been many reported issues about the unit but we have compiled the most common of them here for your quick reference:

1. Intake Pipe Cracks

A major problem plaguing many owners of the 3.2 Power Stroke Puma engine has something to do with the high tendency of its intake pipe to develop cracks, which eventually leads to the engine going into limp mode or suffering from performance issues. A huge drop in fuel efficiency is also one of its early warnings.

There are several reasons why your intake pipes may develop cracks. One of the most common causes is simply regular wear and tear due to age. Over time, the materials that make up your intake pipes can degrade, leading to cracks. Another possible cause of cracked intake pipes is excessive vibration from the engine. This can occur if your engine mounts are worn out or broken. Additionally, if you frequently drive on rough roads, this can also result in your intake pipes cracking.

There are different solutions for cracked intake pipes. One option is to replace the damaged sections of the pipe with new ones. This is generally the most effective solution, as it will ensure that your intake pipes are in good condition and won't develop cracks again in the future. However, if the damage to your intake pipes is extensive, you may need to replace the entire system. Additionally, if your engine mounts are worn out or broken, they will need to be replaced as well.

Cracked intake pipes can lead to plenty of other mechanical issues, so it's important to address the issue before it gets worse. When replacing cracked intake pipes, it's important to use high-quality replacement parts to ensure that the issue doesn't recur in the future.

2. Oil Pump Not Priming

The oil pump is a vital part of the engine and its main purpose is to circulate oil throughout the system. This helps keep all the components well-lubricated and working properly. Without a functioning oil pump, the engine would quickly overheat and fail.

If your Ford 3.2 Power Stroke Puma engine is failing to prime, there could be a few different issues at play. It's important to diagnose the primary cause of the problem so that you can find the right solution for it.

One possible issue is that the oil pump itself is not working properly. This could be due to a variety of factors, including a clogged filter or a damaged pump. If the oil pump is not working correctly, it will not be able to build up enough pressure to properly lubricate the engine. This can lead to serious engine damage.

Another possible issue is that the oil pressure sensor is not working correctly. This sensor tells the computer how much oil pressure is in the system. If it is not functioning properly, the computer will not be able to properly regulate the oil pressure. This can also lead to engine damage.

If you suspect that either of these issues is causing your engine to fail to prime, it is important to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and find the best solution for you. In some cases, parts may need to be replaced to fix the issue. However, if the problem is caught early enough, it may be possible to avoid any major repairs.

3. Crank Position Failure

The crank position sensor is an essential piece of equipment in the Ford 3.2 Power Stroke Puma engine. It is responsible for sending signals to the PCM that allow it to calculate ignition timing and fuel delivery. If this sensor fails, your car will not run properly and you may experience a number of different symptoms. Some possible causes of a crank position sensor failure are water ingress, oil contamination, or physical damage. If your engine experiences any of these problems, the crank position sensor should be replaced as soon as possible.

When the crank position sensor fails in a Ford 3.2 Power Stroke Puma engine, the engine may experience a loss of power, misfiring, or stalling. In some cases, the engine may not start at all.

The possible causes of this problem include a faulty sensor, an electrical issue with the sensor wiring, or a problem with the engine itself. Solutions for this problem may involve replacing the crank position sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, or servicing the engine. If the damage is too severe, parts of the engine may need to be replaced.

4. EGR Failure

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve helps to reduce emissions by recycling exhaust gases back into the engine. This helps to cool the engine and prevent knocking, which can damage the pistons and cylinders. The EGR valve is important for keeping your Ford 3.2 Power Stroke Puma running smoothly and efficiently.

EGR failure in the Ford 3.2 Power Stroke Puma engine can cause some symptoms, including loss of power, decreased fuel economy, and increased emissions. Possible causes of EGR failure include carbon buildup on the valves, faulty EGR sensors, and a clogged EGR cooler. Solutions to the problem may include cleaning the valves and EGR cooler, replacing the EGR sensor, or installing a new EGR valve. In some cases, irreparable damage to the engine may occur, requiring a rebuild or complete replacement.

Ford 3.2L Power Stroke Puma Engine Specs

The Power Stroke traces its history in the long line of diesel engines produced by Ford since 1994. Initially, it was manufactured under the company's partnership with Navistar International from the said year up to 2010. Following that, Ford has taken over the helm where it remains the sole producer of the unit.

Over the years, the Power Stroke has evolved into many different models. Among its latest iteration was the Puma made in 2015, which is still in production up to this date.

The 3.2L Power Stroke is an inline-five engine that was first introduced in the US-bound Ford Transit. It started off as a modification of the Ford Duratorq made in the European markets that was made as a response to the stricter emission regulations imposed in the USA. Later on, its application expanded into the Ford Everest SUV, Ford Ranger pickup, and the Jeep-inspired Troller T4.

The Puma features a dual-overhead cam (DOHC) with a four-valve setup. It is equipped with a high-pressure common rail fuel injections system and piezo injectors capable of spraying up to five separate injections per compression event. Meanwhile, the exhaust gas temperature is lowered by a water-cooled EGR system before being recirculated into the intake. Moreover, the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and the diesel particulate filter (DPF) of the engine have been integrated into a single unit instead of the conventional two separate components making its emissions system unique. Along the way, the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) continues to treat the exhaust by injecting diesel exhaust fluid into the exhaust to minimize NOx emissions.

The engine has a variable geometry turbo that enables on-the-fly intake airflow modification to boost power and fuel efficiency. In order to prevent wasting mechanical energy pumping excessive volumes of oil, the engine additionally has a variable-flow oil pump. The connecting rods are forged, the crankshaft is cast iron, the pistons are low friction with oil squirters to keep them cool under heavy load situations, the cam carrier is die-cast aluminum to stiffen the valve train and minimize NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), and to boost low-end durability. The block itself is made of a closed-deck, extra-rigid gray cast iron.

Crunching the numbers, the Puma has a bore measuring 89.9 mm and a stroke of 100.76 mm. It is capable of producing a high-compression ratio of 15.8:1, which translates to a high thermal efficiency resulting in the generation of higher energy output. Overall, it can deliver 185 to 197 hp at 3,000 rpm and 347 to 350 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm.

Conclusion

The 3.2L Power Stroke Puma engine not only looks good on paper, but it also has good reviews to back it all up. Sure, there are problems identified with it, however, they come with various remedies, too. To sum it all up, this inline-five unit may not be the best that Ford has to offer but it certainly has its advantages that never fail to please gearheads.