Most power F-150 engine might be equipped with a high pressure fuel pump that can crack over time.
Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of roughly 7,500 vehicles including the Ford F-150, the Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator over a concern that the high pressure fuel pump assembly could crack. Should this unit fail, it could lead to a variety of problems, the most severe of which is an engine bay fire being fed by a leaking, high pressure fuel pump. According to Automotive World, the company is getting these trucks and SUVs back to dealerships for repairs.
Affected Vehicles
This recall pertains specifically to 2018 model year Ford F-150, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Also, those vehicles included in the recall were all built at the plants in the date ranges listed below, so if your truck or SUV was built with that engine within the dates below – you can expect a recall notice in the mail soon.
Ford F-150:
Dearborn Truck Plant – March 14, 2018 through April 24, 2018
Kansas City Assembly Plant – March 20, 2018 through April 17, 2018
Ford Expedition:
Kentucky Truck Plant – March 14, 2018 through April 12, 2018
Lincoln Navigator:
Kentucky Truck Plant – February 20, 2018 through May 6, 2018
Recall Issue
This recall specifically affects the F-150, Expedition and Navigator from the 2018 model year that are equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. On these vehicles, a portion of the high pressure fuel pump may not have been welded correctly and over time, regular use could lead to those welds cracking. If the welds crack, the fuel pump could more independently of the mounting flange. That could lead to a fuel leak, but it could also cause the camshaft cover to come loose, so this problem could lead to an engine oil leak and a fuel leak.
Needless to say, a combination engine oil and fuel leak in the engine bay of a turbocharged vehicle can lead to all sorts of fire, but fortunately, there have been no real-world reports of any fires or accidents caused by this issue.
How to Fix It
The fix for this recall is relatively straightforward. The dealership technician will replace the high pressure fuel pump, high pressure fuel discharge tube, and high pressure pump and discharge tube mounting bolts with units that aren’t prone to cracking over time. Of course, the work will be performed free of charge to the vehicle owners.
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