Gen I 3.5 EcoBoost Reliability
Hey Y'all:
I am really interested in the Gen I 3.5 EcoBoost engine. It's really powerful, and I've heard most owners love how it feels when driving. Still, it seems to have mixed reliability: while not as infamous as the 5.4 Triton 3V or some of the PowerStroke diesels (A lot of Gen I owners report high mileage with maintenance), they can be problematic (Heard someone say that it's even worse than the 5.4 3V). I've heard that the timing chains are prone to fail at relatively low miles, but I've also been told that Ford redesigned the components around 2015, and Gen Is with these new components fitted improved the overall reliability (However, some people online are still going through timing chains). They also have cam phaser issues that are quite common, as well as turbo issues, but I've also heard that they can be prevented with maintenance such as changing the oil at 5k.
FordTechMakuloco said that the ones to really avoid are the Gen IIs, as they have a lot of Cam Phaser issues. It seems that more people online argue about the Gen II as well. But not a lot of talk about Gen Is.
How are your experiences with the Gen I EcoBoost? Do the redesigned timing components help extend the life of the timing system? Or would you choose the new parts from the 2021-present EcoBoost, nicknamed the Gen III? Or would you simply not recommend this engine and go for the simpler 5.0 V8 instead?
Thank you all for reading this post and sharing your personal experience; I would really appreciate it!