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The Case of a Mysterious Loss of Engine Coolant
One example of a problem car owners often face is a mystery coolant loss problem where despite an obvious gradual loss of coolant fluid over time, there are no obvious signs of leakage occurring that can be identified by just looking over the engine’s exterior for a leak or for drip stains on the garage floor.
What makes this a dire problem is that loss of coolant can lead to severe damage to a vehicle’s engine.
In cases like this, pressure testing is typically done by connecting a simple pressure gauge fitted handpump to the radiator or coolant reservoir and then applying a specific amount of pressure to the system to see if any visible leaks appear from forced coolant escaping from around the radiator, hoses or block. Often a dye will be added to the coolant that can make finding leaks easier through the use of a black light lamp looking for a telltale green-fluorescent color.
According to a recent FordTechMaculoco YouTube channel episode---regardless of what year your Ford model is---if it has a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine in it, it is subject to such hidden coolant consumption problems which could be due to leakage into the cylinder or cracks in the block.
As a demonstration of this common problem, the host presents a 2014 Ford Escape with a 1.6L EcoBoost engine in his garage with the reminder that whether it is a 1.5-, 1.6-, 2.0- or 2.3-liter engine---they all share this same common problem. In this particular case, the problem started after only 50,000 miles on the odometer!
Follow along with the host as you will learn how to find a hidden mystery leak and determine the cause of the problem so that you will know if you are looking at a relatively inexpensive repair or a very expensive repair to solve this problem—an important skill to add to your arsenal the next time a tech with a clipboard comes to you with a pricey diagnosis of your car.
Related article: Common Brake Repair Scam in Major Name Tire Centers
Beware of Ford’s 1.5L 1.6L 2.0L EcoBoost Engines and Their Never-Ending Coolant Consumption Issues!
And finally…
For additional articles about engine problems with Ford vehicles, here are a few for your consideration:
• New Ford Broncos are Having Major Engine Problems
• Ford 5.4L 3V Triton Engine New Problem Explained
• Ford Misfiring Engine Problem? Check This Out First Before Going to Your Mechanic
COMING UP NEXT: Save Money with This Small Anti-Scam Investment for Your Current or Next Car
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
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Comments
Hi, I have a 2017 Lincoln MKZ
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Hi, I have a 2017 Lincoln MKZ with the 2.0 Eco Boost Engine. My Car also just hit 50K and just started with this problem. The coolant consumption would go from Max to empty in 2-3 weeks if I let it go. I have been topping it off every week just to keep enough in there. How long until my car blows up or has serious issues? It currently only sputters a little when it starts up. or in first gear. Should I be looking to trade this in immediately? Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
I have 2017 Explorer I just
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In reply to Hi, I have a 2017 Lincoln MKZ by James R. (not verified)
I have 2017 Explorer I just had to have a new motor put in mine. You timing chain will break. Check your oil , your coolant will end up in there 6,000 thousand dollars at ford. I will never by another for
I got the 2018 Ford Edge
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I got the 2018 Ford Edge titanium used at 57k miles. I went there to see about a Mazda! But admittedly wowed by the titanium trim level, just the right amount of space,practicality and good looks.
Not but 3 or 4 days later the check engine light began. Took 5 separate trips thru svc “quick lane”to get a scan and an actual next day appointment. Something definitely wrong as it limped on in.
Total engine replacement, covered under warranty, but new I am told the replacement is the same eco boost. With a 2 or maybe 3 year warranty. This is a 4 year old car and apparently began its life as a rental car and then one other owner who traded in the car about a year later.
Should I refuse to take this car back and pick something else on the lot? Drive it for a year and trade in?
Will the fact that it was “driven like a rental” impact how soon the eco boost crapped out or was it inevitable around the 50 k mile mark?
Should I cut and run or give the new one a chance ? How do I stay confident it’ll make it?
If I could go;back I’d go to a Mazda , Toyota or Honda dealership but they don’t have many options in my area without an hours drive.
I have a 2018 Ford Edge with
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I have a 2018 Ford Edge with the 2.0 Echo Boost Engine. At 53,000 miles Ford says I need a new engine. Shouldn’t Ford be liable to pay for the engine? Who can afford to replace an engine when they ignore the problem? I’d like to know what is Ford going to do?
Ford won't do a thing. I have
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In reply to I have a 2018 Ford Edge with by Sandra Cornelison (not verified)
Ford won't do a thing. I have loved my 2017 Ford Edge but at 80,000 miles, I am replacing the flawed EcoBoost 2.0 engine and once that is done, I will replace the car. No longer can trust the car or the manufacturer. Ford KNEW these engines are flawed but continued to install them over multiple models and multiple years. I still have a 2007 Ford Fusion with nearly 200,000 miles and a 2008 Explorer with 125,000 miles. We will drive them until the wheels fall off but they are the last Fords we will own. I have driven Fords for 35 years. I could forgive if this was just MY car but it isn't and Ford just shrugs their shoulders and ignores it.
I have the same year. Only…
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In reply to Ford won't do a thing. I have by Linda Zimmerman (not verified)
I have the same year. Only 65000 on it. I called Ford and we are in the negotiating process. I literally just sent the last payment. They are initially offering 40% but still hammering it out for 75%.
They are doing nothing I…
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In reply to I have a 2018 Ford Edge with by Sandra Cornelison (not verified)
They are doing nothing I have the same problem it’s shameful I’ve been given the run around so Ford leaves me no choice to join the class action law suit that’s against them for this same occurrence it’s sad but I got to do what I got to do I can’t afford a new engine on no fault of mine I’m a single mom still making payments on this car