Ford 3.5L Duratec Engine: Longevity, Problems, And Specs

Ford is a leading producer of vehicle and motor parts in the automobile industry. Since as far back as 1896, the company has continued to produce world-class automobiles and parts. The company, which started in the backyard of Henry Ford, has grown to become a leading producer of automobiles today.

One of the most remarkable features of Ford cars is their durable engines. Only a few vehicles can match the durability of Ford engines. The production went through due processes to craft the best engines and eventually make the list of top producers worldwide.

In 2006, Ford produced the first 3.5L Duratec Engine. It answered the question of consumers longing for more durable engines in their vehicles. However, it was not commercially available until the following year.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2007-2019
• Average lifespan of 3.5L V6 Duratec:210,000-250,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:262-290 hp
• Fuel efficiency:bad
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:water pump failure, phasers are pretty weak, oil leaks are common.

By 2007, the automaker produced 3.5L Duratec engines massively for sale. Today, the Ford 3.5L Duratec engine is rated as one of the best engines on the market. The auto engine does not only work with Ford cars but is also compatible with Lincoln vehicles since production.

In this article, we will be reviewing every important thing to know about the 3.5-liter engine. This review will help you understand the good and the not-so-good sides of the Ford 3.5L Duratec Engine. Now, let's check what makes up the engine:

Ford 3.5L Duratec Cylinder Block

The cylinder has an open-deck block made of iron and aluminum materials. It has its forged crankshaft fastened with six bolts to the billet caps. For temperature regulation, the block has cast-in oil squirters.

The squirters help cool the engine's temperature when it's in use. The squirters have a simple principle of operation. They spray the pistons with oil to maintain the engine's temperature.

Ford 3.5L Duratec Cylinder Heads

The heads of the cylinder are made of aluminum. Since there are four cylinders, each of them has a valve. The four valves are actuated by Direct Actuating Mechanical Buckets (DAMB). A chain drives the double overhead camshafts with twin independent variable cam timing. 

Ford 3.5L Ti-VCT Engine Performance

Ford 3.5L Duratec engine is a trusted auto engine brand. The engine's improved performance has earned it a place in the rating of the world's best engines.

In 2011, the maker upgraded the engine to increase its performance. The automaker added a camshaft overhead to the engine parts. Other features include valves and a water pump placed in the rear part of the engine.

Longevity of Ford 3.5L Duratec Engine

The longevity of an automobile engine solely depends on how you maintain it. Like every other machine, you must pay utmost attention to the excellent maintenance of your engine. Proper care of the truck engine includes but is not limited to taking your vehicle to the mechanic when you notice a strange sound from the motor.

Indeed, vehicle engines don't just develop faults without giving prior notice. Except you ignore the signs. Ford 3.5L has a long-lasting engine that can survive different weather and terrain. It's a solid and reliable engine, and many users have been reeling out their testimonies on this.

With proper maintenance, you can use the engine for a decade or so without developing any major mechanical fault. The engine's rating speaks well for its longevity - it is marked above average. The 3.5 Duratec is able to last for about 260,000 miles and even more if the maintenance quality is high.

Problems associated with Ford 3.5L Duratec Engine

Although it was initially built for Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, and Lincoln MKZ, Ford had plans to use it in many different vehicles in various classes.

The automaker made several upgrades to the engine to be able to catch up with other newcomers on the market today. However, a few features of the engine may turn you off. Every machine has its pros and cons.

With the good qualities of the Duratec Engine come some not-so-good qualities. Let's quickly explore some of the problems associated with Ford autos.

The Twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) Torque phaser

When Ford Duratec Engine was first introduced in 2007, it came with single independent variable cam timing.

However, this changed in 2012 when the automaker upgraded the single cam timing to twin cam timing. Upon the upgrade, users of the engine began to complain about the Ti-VCT. Most of those who complained about the engine emphasized the failure of the phasers. When this happens, it's very likely to experience a power loss.

Consequently, it will affect the efficiency and performance of the engine. The twin independent variable cam timing function is to adjust the engine valves for improved fuel economy.

Water Pump problem

The water pump problem is one of the most common issues experienced by the engine. Just as other engines face the issue, it's a problem found in Ford 3.5 Duratec, too.

The water pump helps cool the engine so that the engine does not overheat. When enough coolant doesn't flow in the engine, it gets too hot and may eventually get damaged. When this happens, you may spend extra to repair your engine to get it back in shape.

The engine's water pump is at the rear, right behind the timing cover, and driven by the timing chain. With the location of the pump, it's very likely for the pump to leak.

Oil Dilution

This is yet another issue that can arise from using Ford 3.5L Duratec Engine. Oil dilution stems from a pump leak. Water leaks from the pump may mix with the engine oil and cause mechanical failure. Water leaks mixed with oil will affect the engine's efficiency.

The engine oil also won't be able to lubricate the engine's internals effectively. Failure to achieve this, your engine can develop a fault and get knocked out eventually. At this stage, you will be left with no choice than changing the engine. In addition, the components will not be able to perform their statutory duties when coolant is mixed with oil.

Ford 3.5L Duratec Engine Specifications

Ford 3.5L Duratec engines are assembled at Ford Plant located in Ohio and Lima Engine Plant, Lima. The engines are compatible with various Lincoln and Ford vehicles.

In 2011, the 3.5L Duratec engine was equipped with double overhead camshafts driven with twin independent variable cam timing. 

3.5L Duratec engine has a displacement of 231cid, 3.5 liters. The cylinder heads and blocks are made of aluminum, accounting for their durability and longevity. The cylinder has a bore measuring 92.5mm, while the stoke measures 86.6mm.

The 3.5L Duratec has a cooling system capacity of 3.76 gallons. It has a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system with a multi-port fuel injection system. In a COP system, each ignition coil is placed on the spark plug of each head of the cylinders. The COP system makes it much easier for voltage to pass through the plugs.

Duratec Engine 3.5L has an engine oil capacity that can retain up to 6.3 qts. With a peak horsepower of 290hp and peak torque of 255 lb-ft at 6,250 rpm and 4,250 rpm, respectively.

You should change the engine oil for every 10K miles traveled or 12 months.

Conclusion

In the automobile industry, Ford cars are classy. Everyone wants to buy a car whose engine can weather different environmental conditions for many years. For this reason, people would choose the 3.5L Duratec engine over others.

Although a few problems are associated with the engine, these shouldn't stop you from considering this durable unit.