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What Causes the Ford 1.5 EcoBoost Ticking Noise?

Ford Fiesta 1.5 Sport EcoBoost

What Causes the Ford 1.5 EcoBoost Ticking Noise?

Several Ford vehicle models have a 1.5 EcoBoost engine. It’s a pretty good engine that doesn’t overheat while being able to warm up very fast and extend the turbocharger’s life. However, one very common problem that owners have noticed is the Ford 1.5 EcoBoost ticking noise.

The Ford 1.5 EcoBoost ticking noise occurs due to its high-pressure fuel injectors, as direct injection engines tend to be noisier compared to others. Other times, the ticking noise may be caused by the oil filter draining when it shouldn’t be doing so or by excessive oil use. A spark plug that is not tight enough or that blew out may also be a cause.

Ticking noises can be frustrating, particularly if the vehicle is a new purchase. This is why in this post, we will look at some of the top causes of ticking sounds in the Ford 1.5 EcoBoost engines and how to solve them.

High-Pressure Fuel Injectors

car engine
Photo by Unsplash

One of the main causes of the Ford 1.5 EcoBoost ticking noise is the high-pressure fuel injectors. Direct injection engines are usually noisier compared to other types of engines. Therefore, hearing ticking sounds is quite normal, at least to a certain extent.

Many people are dealing with this problem from day one of owning their car. It can become worrying, especially when the sounds get very loud.

Some owners end up reaching out to Ford to ask them about this noise. According to Ford, the noise is quite normal and nothing to worry about.

The fuel pressure in these engines is very high. It exceeds 2,000lbs/square inch, which is a lot when you compare it to the 60-80 for normal port injected engines. As such, the injectors pretty much have to “clamp” closed hard, as they must be very tight so they can keep the pressure of the explosion in the cylinder. This way, it doesn’t kick back into the injector after fuel is squirted into the cylinder.

If you are concerned, you can take your vehicle to a mechanic for inspection. This way, you can make sure it is indeed a normal noise and it doesn’t have another cause. In case the noise is too annoying and your engine does not have a cover, you can get a cover to reduce the noise.

Oil Leaks

removing engine bay cover
Photo by Pexels

Sometimes, the ticking noise of the Ford 1.5 EcoBoost is not normal and it might be caused by an oil leak. This can be a troublesome issue. If you don’t discover it and deal with it early enough, it may cause damage to your vehicle, requiring more reparations and higher costs.

An oil leak from an engine may be shown by a puddle of oil on the ground or a burning smell. Usually, the burning smell comes from the front of the car after you’ve been driving. What makes this so risky is that the engine oil reserve may be depleted. Therefore, the engine will deal with an oil starvation problem.

First, you need to find out what is causing the leak. You might have to replace the filter – in this case, you should purchase the right type of filter. But if the issue is worse, such as a drain plug being deteriorated, you may want to have a mechanic inspect it and repair the damage or help you replace the right parts.

Blown-Out Spark Plug

car spark plug
Photo by Pixabay

In other cases, a spark plug may pop off, causing engine issues. This can happen when the threads either get cross-threaded, galled, or worn out. If you fasten the spark plug too tightly or if you don’t fasten it tight enough can also lead to a blowout.

If this is something that your vehicle is dealing with, then you need to make sure you talk to a mechanic and replace the spark plug with their help. You can also replace it yourself if you know how to do it.

Final Thoughts

Hearing the Ford 1.5 EcoBoost ticking noise can be annoying. You will worry about your engine, not knowing whether you need to pay heavy reparations or costly replacements.

The ticking noise may be caused either by a blown-out spark plug, an oil leak, or it may just be a normal sound caused by the high-pressure fuel injectors. For the latter, you may consider an engine cover. But for the former two, you may have to make replacements or reparations, sometimes with the help of an expert.

No matter the reason, it’s best to have the car inspected to make sure it’s safe to drive if it has a ticking noise.  

FAQs

Is the Ford 1.5 L EcoBoost a good engine?

The Ford 1.5 L EcoBoost engine is pretty reliable and good, and many people are pleased by its performance. Of course, just like any other engine, it may deal with some issues after a while, but they can be fixed.

Does the 1.5 EcoBoost have a timing belt?

The 1.5 EcoBoost does have a timing belt.

Is the 1.5 EcoBoost a 3-cylinder engine?

The 1.5 EcoBoost is a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that also has direct injection.

How do I fix a ticking noise in my Ford 1.5 L engine?

Ticking noises in Ford 1.5 L engines can be fixed based on what is causing them. If the noise is normally caused by the high-pressure fuel injectors, you may simply use an engine cover to reduce them. If the oil leak is the reason, you can replace the filter or faulty parts, or take the car to a mechanic. The same can be done if the noises are caused by a blown-out spark plug.

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