[Buldawg76]

Ranger does sound pretty cool for sure.

Mian thing I was getting at is whether in a ranger or mustang the eco motor is a capable performer if kept within reasonable power levels. If taken too far with the open deck block version, you will reduce the reliability substantially and blow a head gasket, lift the head or window the block compared to a 2.0L semi closed deck motor.

BD

 

[dgc333]

Ranger does sound pretty cool for sure.

Mian thing I was getting at is whether in a ranger or mustang the eco motor is a capable performer if kept within in reasonable power levels. If taken too far with the open deck block version, you will reduce the reliability substantially and blow a head gasket, lift the head or window the block compared to a 2.0L semi closed deck motor.

BD

I absolutely agree.

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[DiMora]

…The purpose of my original post is that the 2.3 Ecoboost engine does not have an inherent design defect.

I respectfully disagree - and I believe that the open-deck 2.3 block with coolant grooves between the cylinders is a defective design which leads to head gasket failure. That is why Ford revised the design to eliminate the grooves and use holes instead.

Old design:

New Design:

 

[Buldawg76]

I respectfully disagree - and I believe that the open-deck 2.3 block with coolant grooves between the cylinders is a defective design which leads to head gasket failure. That is why Ford revised the design to eliminate the grooves and use holes instead.

Old design:

View attachment 44541
New Design:
View attachment 44542

So far, the only blocks that have the cross drilled update versus the slit between the cylinders that I know of are the 2.0L blocks based on the video from "makuloco". I have seen no proof or documentation that the 2.3L block in the mustang or ranger have the cross drilled blocks. If you have some evidence or documentation to show the 2.3L is using the cross drilled block, please share with us and what date/model year was it implemented for production.

This is the video that I am aware of showing the old/new design and it is specifically stated for the 2.0L blocks. He never mentions the 2.3L as being of the same new design.

Ford 2.0L Ecoboost Engine Misfire and Coolant Consumption Issue Fix! - YouTube

BD

 

[magneto]

I respectfully disagree - and I believe that the open-deck 2.3 block with coolant grooves between the cylinders is a defective design which leads to head gasket failure. That is why Ford revised the design to eliminate the grooves and use holes instead.

Just because there is a better solution doesn't qualify something as a defect. The original 2.3 design is present in many of Fords and they perform fine. Most of the problems associated with the original design occurs from aggressive mods and tuning.

 

[DiMora]

Just because there is a better solution doesn't qualify something as a defect. The original 2.3 design is present in many of Fords and they perform fine. Most of the problems associated with the original design occurs from aggressive mods and tuning.

My EcoBoom was stock with no tune.

BD: I am seeking that information. I’ll post it if I can get details and part numbers. Dearborn is keeping details tight. Probably to avoid another class-action lawsuit on the 2.3.

They told me to tow mine to a Ford dealer for a new engine at 100% my cost. No help offered. I inquired if I would receive another 2.3 with the same issue and design, and they said I would receive a revised design. The question is what parts are used? Is it a factory 2.0 block (with cross-drill coolant passages) factory stroked to 2.3? Is it a closed-deck design? Is it a Focus RS block (see pic below from Mountune)?

I am trying to get an answer - and I will post that answer if I am successful.

Pic of Focus RS 2.3L design block from Mountune:

 

[Buldawg76]

My EcoBoom was stock with no tune.

BD: I am seeking that information. I’ll post it if I can get details and part numbers. Dearborn is keeping details tight. Probably to avoid another class-action lawsuit on the 2.3.

They told me to tow mine to a Ford dealer for a new engine at 100% my cost. No help offered. I inquired if I would receive another 2.3 with the same issue and design, and they said I would receive a revised design. The question is what parts are used? Is it a factory 2.0 block (with cross-drill coolant passages) factory stroked to 2.3? Is it a closed-deck design? Is it a Focus RS block (see pic below from Mountune)?

I am trying to get an answer - and I will post that answer if I am successful.

Pic of Focus RS 2.3L design block from Mountune:

View attachment 44545

Sorry that they would not cover your engine.

Please keep us up to date on what block they are using/revising for your replacement. All on the forum would be very interested if the 2.3L is included. i got with my local ford parts buddy awhile back and we could not determine from part number/pics on parts computer if the 2.3L block was using slits still or the new cross drilled block. It definitely was not a closed deck block though I can be sure of that.

That mountune block is still open deck so I see no real benefit using it versus going with a focus RS closed deck block. It is cross drilled but still open deck.

When I have to replace my block this is the route I will go.

Badass Budget Build (BaBuBu) | Ecoboost Mustang – Engineered Motorsport Solutions

BD

 

[DiMora]

The 2021 Mustang is using engine block part #6009 on the Ford parts website. I suspect that's the replacement block used when someone buys a new engine after EcoBoom, but I have no proof short of tearing into one.

I'll see if I can get a full "long" part number from my local dealer. Then (if I can get the part number) we can see if it shares part commonality with a 2-liter Focus block. It's entirely possible they are stroking the Focus 2 liter block and have discarded the open-deck block just like Esslinger, Mountune and a host of others offer when doing a 2.3 build.

The parts catalog image I will post below. Notice no coolant slots between the cylinders and the CLOSED-DECK design.

 

[DiMora]

....Please keep us up to date on what block they are using/revising for your replacement...

I'm well beyond that.

I ripped this EcoBoom engine apart myself. I have quite a bit of of engine building experience. I consulted with Esslinger Engineering and re-built it myself WITH the poorly-designed engine block as-is...but upgraded to a G1FZ-6051-C 1X head gasket, ARP Custom Age 625+ head studs ($700.00), a new head (old one was destroyed by coolant leak), FRPP cams, fresh valve shim buckets where needed...and added a Mishimoto catted 3" downpipe, MBRP Street exhaust (full 3" mod to eliminate 2.5" taper) and am now running an unleashed 93 tune. Next is a race intercooler and Snow performance meth injection. If it blows again, it is getting a fully built closed-deck stroker with forged componenets and a giant turbo.

From what I have read, with the ARP 625+ studs and revised head gasket design, I may be OK for the life of the vehicle since the studs are superior to Ford's TTY (Torque To Yield) head bolts which may be contributing to Ecoboom by allowing head shift as time goes on due to bolt stretch with heat cycles. The revised head gasket is said to be superior to the original one as well. We shall see!

Gasket is:

• SKU:G1FZ-6051-C
• Other Names:Gasket Cylinder Head
• Description:
  Mustang. Without high performance. Focus.
• Applications:2.3L.
• Replaces:G1FZ*6051*B

By the way...I'm not trying to stir things up here. I'm a hard-core Ford/Mustang enthusiast. I've got a blown 3V S197 making 512 RWHP, a 2014 Escape Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost, a 78 Bronco (400 stroked to 408 with all the bells & whistles) and had a 78 Ford LTD. I just believe in caling a spade a spade...and these 2015-2019 2.3 EcoBooms with the open deck and slot have a flawed design. It's only a matter of time before there is a class-action lawsuit on these just like tthe other displacement engines. I'm trying to provide insight into my experience as well as help others with repair options if you are a mechanic. If you are not...you are stuck getting the Ford replacement engine at whatever cost you can negotiate...but you would probably like to know what you're getting...and I would as well since I am interested in such gearhead things.

 

[magneto]

My EcoBoom was stock with no tune.

BD: I am seeking that information. I’ll post it if I can get details and part numbers. Dearborn is keeping details tight. Probably to avoid another class-action lawsuit on the 2.3.

They told me to tow mine to a Ford dealer for a new engine at 100% my cost. No help offered. I inquired if I would receive another 2.3 with the same issue and design, and they said I would receive a revised design. The question is what parts are used? Is it a factory 2.0 block (with cross-drill coolant passages) factory stroked to 2.3? Is it a closed-deck design? Is it a Focus RS block (see pic below from Mountune)?

I am trying to get an answer - and I will post that answer if I am successful.

Pic of Focus RS 2.3L design block from Mountune:

Almost all Ecobooms are the result of user error, mods and tuning. I've been following the Ecoboom since 2015 and only a couple of bone stock Ecobooms can be believed. Most people who claim bone stock are lying and have been caught lying about it from previous posts.

There are going to be some bone stock failures in every engine, but that doesn't mean there is a defect. Also, head gasket failures are not an Ecoboom, they are head gasket failures. An Ecoboom is a cracked block/piston, or windowed block so I am having a hard time following your logic because you are talking about Ecobooms and Head gasket failures as if they are the same thing.

I have an October 2014 engine that was bone stock for 5 years and lightly modified after the warranty ran out. I've had no issues at all just like tens of thousands of others. I run a Bama 91 tune on 93 Octane but currently back to OEM tune. I tuned at 40k miles and ran it on/off for 14k miles so maybe 7k miles tuned since 2021. Aggressive ECU flashing/mods appear to be the numero uno cause of Ecoboom from my observation from the past 7+ years of reading Ecoboost posts on multiple sites.

I understand your frustration but you are claiming to have a bone stock engine doesn't sound believable given your admission about all the moded hotrods you own.

I've got a blown 3V S197 making 512 RWHP, a 2014 Escape Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost, a 78 Bronco (400 stroked to 408 with all the bells & whistles) and had a 78 Ford LTD

 

[DiMora]

…I understand your frustration but you are claiming to have a bone stock engine doesn't sound believable given your admission about all the moded hotrods you own.

I've got a blown 3V S197 making 512 RWHP, a 2014 Escape Titanium 2.0 Ecoboost, a 78 Bronco (400 stroked to 408 with all the bells & whistles) and had a 78 Ford LTD

Got it. So you’re calling me a liar. Just come out and say it and don’t infer it.
Great first interaction with me.

 

[magneto]

Got it. So you’re calling me a liar. Just come out and say it and don’t infer it.
Great first interaction with me.

Well, some people have different opinions as to what bone stock means. You bragging about all your modified cars and then stating the Ecoboost is bone stock is not believable. Why don't you list all the mods on the EB and if you are the original owner. Some people think because they have not cracked open the block it's bone stock, but that is not correct. Bone stock means nothing but a drop in air filter.

Also, are you claiming to have an Ecoboom or a Head gasket failure? They are not the same thing and this thread is for Ecobooms not Head Gasket failures.

Ecobooms occur almost exclusively in ECU flashed cars (more so from a hand full of tuners so not all tuners are blowing engines at the same level) so your statement that ECU flashing is not the primary cause of the Ecoboom is incorrect.

Now head gasket failures are a different subject and the early 2.3 may be more susceptible to head gasket failure than newer cars, I don't know if that is true or not since I didn't follow head gasket threads, only Ecoboom threads. I do however use a valve cover breather to help prevent gasket failures.

 

[Buldawg76]

The 2021 Mustang is using engine block part #6009 on the Ford parts website. I suspect that's the replacement block used when someone buys a new engine after EcoBoom, but I have no proof short of tearing into one.

I'll see if I can get a full "long" part number from my local dealer. Then (if I can get the part number) we can see if it shares part commonality with a 2-liter Focus block. It's entirely possible they are stroking the Focus 2 liter block and have discarded the open-deck block just like Esslinger, Mountune and a host of others offer when doing a 2.3 build.

The parts catalog image I will post below. Notice no coolant slots between the cylinders and the CLOSED-DECK design.

View attachment 44549

Your posted pic is not big enough to see any of the block deck. The bores on the 2.0L and 2.3L block are the same size, the 2.3L is a stroker 2.0L which is why you use the focus RS block for the EMS built motors I linked to above. I will not throw money at an open deck block to build when a closed deck block is not much more coins but much more capable of making real power reliably. Record number for the EMS eco is close if not more then 900 WHP.

BD

 

[dgc333]

That mountune block is still open deck so I see no real benefit using it versus going with a focus RS closed deck block. It is cross drilled but still open deck.
BD

The Focus RS block is an open deck just like every other 2.3 block. It was the first block to receive the steam holes between the cylinders verse the slot.

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[Buldawg76]

The Focus RS block is an open deck just like every other 2.3 block. It was the first block to receive the steam holes between the cylinders verse the slot.

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I beg to differ, the 2.0L block is a closed deck. If they make a 2.3L focus then it may be an open deck but not the 2.0L.

This long block from EMS is an OEM focus RS 2.0L block and it is certainly closed deck.

EMS Ford Focus RS Long Block – Engineered Motorsport Solutions

BD

 

[MD18EcoStang]

I beg to differ, the 2.0L block is a closed deck. If they make a 2.3L focus then it may be an open deck but not the 2.0L.

This long block from EMS is an OEM focus RS 2.0L block and it is certainly closed deck.

EMS Ford Focus RS Long Block – Engineered Motorsport Solutions

BD

Not a Focus expert, but pretty sure the RS used a 2.3 block, similar to what they eventually put in the Mustang HPP models.

 

[Buldawg76]

Not a Focus expert, but pretty sure the RS used a 2.3 block, similar to what they eventually put in the Mustang HPP models.

I am not either but found this showing I should have been stating Focus ST 2.0L block not RS block. It appears there are several eco block to choose from in 2.0L and 2.3L in different platforms.

Engine block comparison 2.0 2.3 | Ford Focus RS Forum

I would opt for the closed deck every time for a hi po build.

There are also several aftermarket options as well.

Best of both with precision machined cylinder support.

Mountune Closed Deck High Performance 2.3L Rs Short Block (mountuneusa.com)

BD

 

[dgc333]

I beg to differ, the 2.0L block is a closed deck. If they make a 2.3L focus then it may be an open deck but not the 2.0L.

This long block from EMS is an OEM focus RS 2.0L block and it is certainly closed deck.

EMS Ford Focus RS Long Block – Engineered Motorsport Solutions

BD

The Focus RS came with a modified version of the 2.3 engine from the Ecoboost Mustang, still displacing 2.3 liters. It did not use the closed deck 2.0 block, it used the 2.3 block with modifications for transverse mounting. It also had modifications for improved cooling by eliminating the slot between cylinders and the addition of the steam holes. The head was also modified to make use of the improved cooling and the head gasket was revised for the new cooling revisions. The revisions to the Focus RS version of the 2.3 were rolled into the Ranger 2.3 for it's intro in 2019.

Lots of aftermarket companies are basing their performance engine block offerings off the 2.0 Ecoboost block but that has nothing to do with what Ford shipped from the factory

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[Buldawg76]

The Focus RS came with a modified version of the 2.3 engine from the Ecoboost Mustang, still displacing 2.3 liters. It did not use the closed deck 2.0 block, it used the 2.3 block with modifications for transverse mounting. It also had modifications for improved cooling by eliminating the slot between cylinders and the addition of the steam holes. The head was also modified to make use of the improved cooling and the head gasket was revised for the new cooling revisions. The revisions to the Focus RS version of the 2.3 were rolled into the Ranger 2.3 for it's intro in 2019.

Lots of aftermarket companies are basing their performance engine block offerings off the 2.0 Ecoboost block but that has nothing to do with what Ford shipped from the factory

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I agree the RS was a 2.3L, I was confused and should have been stating the focus ST had the 2.0L closed deck block from the factory. It is the block most used for performance builds due to added strength. Both the 2.0 and 2.3L blocks are the same bore size its just the 2.3L is stroked .3L with rods and pistons. Yes, the 2.3L was first introduced in the ranger in 2019. I still have seen no conclusive proof that the 2.3L block has adopted the cross drilled channels versus the slits, I only know the 2.0L escapes and edges are using that design along with equivalent Lincolns. My Ford parts buddy cannot confirm it.

BD

 

[averagedriver]

Use full synthetic motor oil and the highest octane gas available, get yourself a good catch can, replace the stock intercooler if its still there, and don't lug the car if its a manual. Voila!

If you're on the stock tune, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Most 'Ecobooms' happen with cars that are tuned up and trying to push more horsepower. The stock tune has a lot of safety features in place that pull power and timing if it senses that things are off.

Hey man, saw your reply and was hoping to ask you some questions. I'm not planning on modifying my mustang for anything other than sound and looks because I really love the car from the outside and want to make it last to really high mileage due to it being my only car. Should i be worried about ecoboom or using high quality gas? Overall I'm just trying to figure out what I can do other than basic maintenance (coolant, oil, spark plugs) to get the most mileage out of the vehicle. This being said, is looking to get 200k + miles out of my 2018 Mustang Ecoboost Convertiable possible?