2.3L Ecoboost coolant intrusion? Head Gasket?

[mattp321]

Hi all, I know there's this fundemantal design flaw in the 1.5L and 2.0L ecoboost engines leading to coolant leaking into the cylinders at the head gasket. I am wondering if anyone else has had issues with this on the 2.3L ecoboost explorers? I have a 2017.

Symptoms are occasional cylinder 2 & 3 misfire codes (P302, P303), random misfire codes (P300), misfire in the first 1000 revolutions (P0316). Also exhaust gas bubbling in coolant, also occasional coolant smell from the exhaust pipe. Also very slow loss of coolant with no external leaks noted. No overheating has been noted.

I suspect a failed head gasket at the cylinder 2/3 joint between the cylinders and the coolant channels. I will be boroscoping soon to see if I can see any coolant intrusion.

I guess my questions are:

#1 is anyone else having this issue on the 2.3L Explorers?
#2 if so, has anyone successfully "repaired" the issue using a head gasket sealer such as "Bar's leaks" or "Blue Devil" or etc?

I called my local reputable mechanic, they don't even want to touch this issue as they know there's some design flaws with these vehicles and even if they replace the head gasket, they can't warrantee it and it might rapidly fail again.

Apparently Ford changed the engine design from 2021 or so onwards, so perhaps a new engine is an option, but at that point why wouldn't I just get a new vehicle.

Any insight or advice on this would be appreciated!

 

[peterk9]

There is a recall on the 2023 Explorers with the 2.3L engine for the same issue. Did Ford ever issue anything on the 5th gen?

Peter

 

[MOExplorers]

Hi all, I know there's this fundemantal design flaw in the 1.5L and 2.0L ecoboost engines leading to coolant leaking into the cylinders at the head gasket. I am wondering if anyone else has had issues with this on the 2.3L ecoboost explorers? I have a 2017.

Symptoms are occasional cylinder 2 & 3 misfire codes (P302, P303), random misfire codes (P300), misfire in the first 1000 revolutions (P0316). Also exhaust gas bubbling in coolant, also occasional coolant smell from the exhaust pipe. Also very slow loss of coolant with no external leaks noted. No overheating has been noted.

I suspect a failed head gasket at the cylinder 2/3 joint between the cylinders and the coolant channels. I will be boroscoping soon to see if I can see any coolant intrusion.

I guess my questions are:

#1 is anyone else having this issue on the 2.3L Explorers?
#2 if so, has anyone successfully "repaired" the issue using a head gasket sealer such as "Bar's leaks" or "Blue Devil" or etc?

I called my local reputable mechanic, they don't even want to touch this issue as they know there's some design flaws with these vehicles and even if they replace the head gasket, they can't warrantee it and it might rapidly fail again.

Apparently Ford changed the engine design from 2021 or so onwards, so perhaps a new engine is an option, but at that point why wouldn't I just get a new vehicle.

Any insight or advice on this would be appreciated!

I have a 2021 Explorer 2.3L Eco. AWD. Driving home and heard a knocking, then the CEL started flashing. Thought it was just a misfire since I was at 97k miles with original sparkplugs.

Got it to the shop, cylinders 3 & 4 had compression readings aroudn 60. Was told I needed a new enginge. They had a ford edge there with same motor and it needed its 3rd replacement.


Really disappointed since there were zero problems leading up to this.

 

[peterk9]

I have a 2021 Explorer 2.3L Eco. AWD. Driving home and heard a knocking, then the CEL started flashing. Thought it was just a misfire since I was at 97k miles with original sparkplugs.

Got it to the shop, cylinders 3 & 4 had compression readings aroudn 60. Was told I needed a new enginge. They had a ford edge there with same motor and it needed its 3rd replacement.


Really disappointed since there were zero problems leading up to this.

Welcome to the Forum.
I would suggest contacting Ford to see if there is anything they can do for you. You have nothing to loose.
This is just one reason that I always purchase the Ford ESP should I plan on keeping the vehicle beyond the factory warranty.
Good luck.

Peter