Ford F150 3.7L Duratec 37 V6 Problems – Common Issues to Deal with

Are you on the lookout for a new Ford engine? Perhaps you're gearing towards the new Ford F150 3.7L V6. Does the engine match the truck's majestic build? 

The F150 3.7L V6 Duratec motor had lots of promise. However, it exhibits a low-performance level. Fortunately, less power doesn't equate to a feeble and unreliable power source. The motor has additional horsepower and torque that can be let loose by a simple tune to the engine. But it also comes with its share of problems. Most of these engine issues are common among drivers who power their vehicles with the F150 3.7L V6.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2009-2020
• Average lifespan of 3.7L V6 Duratec:210,000-250,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:272-350 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.

Common Problems Linked to F150 3.7L V6

The F150 3.7L V6 is dependable, durable, and has an outstanding fuel economy. But it also exhibits mechanical problems while they are still new. Here are common issues linked to Ford's 3.7L V6 engine. 

1) A Horrible Rough Idle

A good engine should run smoothly. However, drivers often report a rough running feeling at idle or turning at round corners. The engine gives the impression of losing balance each minute as they make a stop or turn. During the idle moment, the truck shakes. The situation worsens when it warms up. At times owners have to take their feet off the brake to stop the horrid shakes and stumbles. Sadly, these problems often occur before reaching the 100,000-mile mark. 

What Causes the Rough Idle?

• Vacuum Leaks 

One of the primary causes of rough idle among Ford's F150 3.7L V6 Duratec 37 is a vacuum leak. A vacuum leak arises when a driver lets their car sit for an extended time without driving it. It also arises if a truck has been on the road for a lengthy period without any maintenance.

Once there is a vacuum leak, it causes an imbalance in the fuel/air ratio. Since more air flows to the engine, the mixture becomes too lean. A lean fuel/air ratio brings on a rough idle. 

Before blaming the rough idle on a vacuum leak, observe how the engine feels at high speed. If the engine runs smoothly at high speeds but gets horrible rough idles, you may blame it on the leak. Also, you may see the engine running up and down without any manipulation at idle. 

Your mechanic will check the lean code set to verify if you have a vacuum leak. 

After determining the horrible rough idles are due to vacuum leaks, the mechanic will try to locate the leaking point. But if you can pinpoint it yourself, do it. You could fix the leak without taking your truck to the mechanic. You simply have to listen to a hissing sound coming from the engine. The solution could be as straightforward as reinstalling a dislodged vacuum hose or pinching the hose with nose plyers.

• Faulty Spark plugs 

If your engine's spark plugs are worn-out or damaged, it may cause different levels of rough idles as you make a stop or a round corner. Hearing distinct bangs as you slow down your truck signifies faulty spark plugs. You'll feel these bangs when sitting idly at a stop sign. 

Remove the spark plugs and check the insulator and plug surfaces. The spark plugs surfaces should be clean.

Check for brownish-yellowish glazing on the plug surfaces, sooty plug parts covered in thick ash (ceramic-like), or heavy signs of wear. You may have to swap your spark plugs if you notice these signs. 

• Clogged Fuel Injector

You may observe a rough idle accompanied by poor fuel mileage if it's due to a dirty fuel injector. Take a screwdriver (it should be long) and place it on the surface next to the fuel injector. The fuel injector is full of dirt or damaged if you don't hear constant rhythmic noises or ticking. 

You'll have to clean or replace it if the clog is severe.   

2) Ignition Coil Failures

Don't be surprised if you need to change your engine coils before hitting 5000 miles. Ignition coils often wear and tear in most engines. However, ignition coil wear and failures often occur earlier in Ford F150 3.7L V6.  

Misfires, rough running, stuttering, and check engine lights may occur shortly before needing an ignition coil replacement. A coil replacement is not expensive. Once you notice these signs, replace all the coils at once and install more reliable ignition coils. 

3) Water Pump Failure

Water pump leaks and failures are common among Ford's engines. However, it occurs more in F150 3.7L V6 engines. Due to its design flaw, many drivers experience water pump failures when they've barely hit 10,000+ miles. The F150 3.7L V6 water pump's design cannot handle vigorous usage. Its water pumps manage shocks and high engine temperatures poorly. Intense usage may cause a dry rotation, especially if you drive your truck with a low coolant level. It also occurs when one uses a wrong or contaminated coolant. Contaminants in your truck cooling system may erode your gasket. Also, the seal around the water pump may loosen or get damaged due to its poor design. 

Once a leak or water pump damage occurs, you'll notice that your engine overheats, emits steam, and has a low coolant level. You may also take notice of a chattering water pump and high reading on the temperature gauge.  

If you're lucky, you may get to drag your car to the side of the road and call your mechanic. But water pump issues, especially on ford trucks, often result in a sudden stop to prevent more damage to the engine. 

Don't fix water pump issues by yourself. Let a certified mechanic diagnose and correct any water pump failure.  

4) Loss of Power 

The F150 3.7L V6 often exhibits sudden power loss or sluggish acceleration. As you accelerate, it feels as though the engine is running roughly. Drivers also complain of hesitation when accelerating. 

The sluggish acceleration or power loss when driving at high speed may be because of a problem with the transmission fluid. Also, a clogged air or fuel filter may cause power loss. A dirt-packed air filter limits airflow. The restriction causes a rich air/fuel mixture resulting in a sluggish acceleration or loss of power. 

A restricted fuel flow culminates in a lean air/fuel mixture. Thus, causing power loss. 

A worn spark plug is another common issue that causes loss of power in trucks operating on the F150 3.7L V6. F150 3.7L V6 motor's spark plugs often wear earlier than usual. Worn-out spark plugs cause incomplete combustion of the engine's fuel/air mixture. The incomplete combustion, in turn, may result in power loss or misfires. 

Also, the F150 3.7L V6 ignition coils are susceptible to failure. Failing ignition colts, in turn, causes a loss of power.   

5) Sudden Oil Leakage

Sudden or unexpected oil leakage often occurs in the F150 3.7L V6 engine. Owners often report seeing oil droplets on the ground. Some report overheated engines due to insufficient oil in the motor. Sadly, most F150 3.7L V6 often suffer from oil seal damage. 

Call your mechanic to diagnose and repair the leaking point if you see any oil leaks on your garage floor. If you notice oil leaks as you drive, stop and park the car beside the road. If you have some water on you, use it to cool the engine. Don't go back to the road. Request for towing services to haul your truck to the nearest repair shop. 

6) High-Pitched Ticking 

There have been reports of high-pitched ticking during a cold start. Most of these reports are from drivers who have barely hit 5000 miles. The noise often lasts about 10 minutes and disappears once the engine is warm. Ford claimed that the ticking noise doesn't affect the engine's performance. However, a few months later, the company issued a recall alert stating that the high-pitched ticking sound came from the driver's side cylinder head. But they still insisted that it doesn't affect or damage the engine. 

Winding Up

Ford added the Duratec 37 engine for 2011+ F-150 models. The naturally aspirated 3.7L V6 engine was more powerful than the previous generations. The 3.7L capacity was a preferable option for truck owners who needed a motor with a good fuel economy.

But they had to compromise the performance for a better fuel economy. The engine exhibited a lower performance level than offered by V8 engines. Regardless of its performance level, Ford built the engine to last more than 200,000 miles. However, these problems often occur before reaching the 5000+ miles mark.

Thankfully, it is possible to surpass the 200,000-mile mark with regular maintenance. Besides, most of these issues are not so severe, although some, like water pump failure, will need urgent attention. Nonetheless, the engine is quite reliable and has an impressive fuel economy.