Ford 1.5L EcoBoost GTDI I-4 Engine (Specs, Reliability & Issues)

This 1.5-liter engine is a direct-injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine featuring Ford EcoBoost engine technology.

This engine first appeared in the 2014 Ford Fusion (Mondeo since 2015), and has subsequently been adopted by the Ford Focus, C-Max, Kuga/Escape, and has almost completely replaced the 1.6-liter version on the market.

Design

The 1.5l engine, like the 1.6 EcoBoost, has an aluminium cylinder block with cast iron sleeves. It also has an open deck design, which provides for good cooling. The engine received a new cast iron crankshaft with four counterweights and five main bearings.

A hot-forged powder metal process and a fractured rod cap method are used to make the connecting rods. Asymmetrical skirts with a friction-reducing coating are featured on hypereutectic aluminium pistons.

The engine block bore stayed the same. To achieve the reduced displacement, a crankshaft with a short stroke was employed (76.40 mm). The engine received a new aluminium cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold.

The heat from exhaust gases quickly warms the engine, while the lower exhaust temperature extends the turbocharger's life. It features four valves per cylinder (16 total, two exhaust and two intake valves) controlled by solid buckets by two overhead camshafts, similar to the previous head (DOHC design).

Ford's Twin independent Variable Cam Timing system has variable valve timing on both the exhaust and intake camshafts (Ti-VCT). The groundbreaking camshaft drive technique from the 1.0 I-3 cylinder engine was integrated into the 1.5l engine.

There is a timing belt, but it is lubricated with engine oil, which reduces noise and increases the belt's life. By the way, the electronically controlled variable displacement oil pump is likewise driven by a belt-in-oil system that is designed to endure the engine's lifetime.

EcoBoost engines are very efficient because to the combination of a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. The 1.5 EcoBoost comes equipped with a Borg Warner low-inertia turbocharger with an active wastegate and a water-to-air charger-intercooler built into a plastic intake manifold.

The high-pressure direct injection system injects gasoline directly into combustion chambers using 6-hole injectors positioned on the head in the centre of each cylinder (close to spark plugs). A Bosch MED17 ECU with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle body controls the engine.

Thanks to a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and unique technology, the engine meets the stringent Euro 6 emission standard.

Specs

• Manufacturer: Craiova, Romania

• Production years: 2014-present

• Cylinder block material: Aluminium

• Cylinder head material: Aluminium

• Fuel type: Gasoline

• Fuel system: Direct fuel injection

• Configuration: Inline

• Number of cylinders: 4

• Valves per cylinder: 4

• Valvetrain layout: DOHC

• Bore: 79.0 mm (3.10 in)

• Stroke: 76.4 mm (3.00 in)

• Displacement: 1498 cc (91.4 cu in)

• Type: Four-stroke, turbocharged

• Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

• Power: 148-181 hp (110-135 kW) at 6,000 rpm

• Torque: 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) at 1,500-4,500 rpm

• Firing order: 1-3-4-2

• Engine oil weight: SAE 5W-20

• Engine oil capacity: 4.1 litres (4.3 US qt)

• Oil change interval: 9,000 miles (15,000 km) or 12 months

• Applications: Ford Focus, Ford C-Max, Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Ford Escape/Kuga

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Reliability & Issues

The 1.5 EcoBoost engine is a reliable performer that seldom fails. So yet, no major or regular mechanical issues have been reported by customers. The cooling system isn't a problem, and the engine doesn't overheat as easily as the 1.6 EcoBoost.

The turbocharger and catalytic converter will last longer since the exhaust is cooler than the 1.6 version. However, don't expect present technology to grow any less demanding in the near future. The use of high-quality gasoline is required for direct injection.

Clogging fuel injectors is a common occurrence. With this engine, the fuel injectors are prone to clogging, and deposits on the backsides of the intake valves build up rapidly. This problem is similar to that of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Ford engines.

The engine oil quality is particularly important for turbocharged engines. Engine oil lubricates and cools a hot turbocharger, extending its life. Always follow the handbook's recommendations and keep up with routine maintenance. The engine has a service life of over 150,000 kilometres (250,000 km).