Spark Plug change w/ cylinder boroscope photos (2022 Ecoboost @ 53k miles)

[TORQUERULES]

Looks like way too much gap on those plugs for a turbo engine. 50+K is too long for this type of engine.

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[ArizonaBillLariat2025]

Run a can of SeaFoam through to clear the deposits...or Lucas - I use both. But you might want to rethink the Costco gas unless you can see a dilvery truck there and ask the driver where he picks up from. I have always used Shell or Marathon. But nothing looks terrible. I noticed you didn't say if you washed and waxed yet

Pretty sure Costco is on the Top Tier gas list. Don't think they cheat on lower quality/less additives. But I realize all things in today's world is iffy. Thankfully Ford ecoboosts (2025+) the 2025 Ford 2.0L EcoBoost engine uses a dual injection system, combining both Direct Injection (DI) and Port Fuel Injection (PFI) for improved efficiency, cleaner emissions (reducing carbon buildup), better performance, and lower low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) issues, with port injection cleaning intake valves under light loads and direct injection kicking in for power (Ford Authority) They should have done this before now. But even they suggest higher octane is better for the engine.

 

[Maverick Country Club]

From the Manual…

Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.

*** Like me, you may ask, what is (R+M)/2?… The (R+M)/2 refers to the average of the research octane number (RON) and the motor octane number (MON) ratings. To determine the RON, the fuel is tested under engine idle conditions with a low air temperature and slow engine speed. To determine the MON the fuel is tested under the more stressful conditions of higher air temperature and engine speed. ***

Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87. The use of these fuels could result in engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer. *** Interesting ***

Do not be concerned if the engine sometimes knocks lightly. *** What? *** However, if the engine knocks heavily while using fuel with the recommended octane rating, contact an authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.

We recommend Top Tier detergent gasolines, where available to help minimize engine deposits and maintain optimal vehicle and engine performance.

Note: Use of any fuel for which the vehicle was not designed can impair the emission control system, cause loss of vehicle performance, and cause damage to the engine which may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty. Do not use:
Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin. *** SeaFoam and Lucas contain paraffin. ***
Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol (E15) or E85 fuel.
Fuels containing methanol.
Fuels containing metallic-based additives, including manganese-based compounds.
Fuels containing the octane booster additive, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
The use of fuels with metallic compounds such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl, which is a manganese-based fuel additive, will impair engine performance and affect the emission control

SeaFoam Safety Data Sheet: https://seafoami.com/wp-content/upl...library/2024/03/SFMT-SDS-UK-ENG-v20240228.pdf

Lucas Safety Data Sheet: https://www.lucasoil.com/pdf/SDS_Lu...wcB&gbraid=0AAAAACWUac4qbgVOGyH6wg4YnNMmI3nF7

 

[CarbonGrayFX4]

I would really like to see pictures of the intake valves at your mileage. Through MAP sensor hole maybe?

 

[JohnCondren1933]

There is a website showing top tier gas stations on a map.
FTW, "top tier" is a certification for more than minimum required detergent additives in fuel.

BP is not "top tier" but for some reason zi percieve BP has generally had about the smoothest running & best mpg of the cheap 87 octane gas, tied with Chevron.

I take Shells claims of top tier by faith, Ive filled at some older Shell gas stations & had some rough running matching non "top tier".

IMO the best value is a gallon of Lucas fuel treatment from Walmart, $30 lasts about forever, the key is using very little each fillup it makes the engine noticeably smoother running - too much & its still smooth & quieter but gas mileage takes a hit for the tank

I have no interest in paying almost double the gas price for high octane when I drive for work (Shell prices at least for 87 vs 93) that's a shitload of cash

Pretty sure Costco is on the Top Tier gas list. Don't think they cheat on lower quality/less additives. But I realize all things in today's world is iffy. Thankfully Ford ecoboosts (2025+) the 2025 Ford 2.0L EcoBoost engine uses a dual injection system, combining both Direct Injection (DI) and Port Fuel Injection (PFI) for improved efficiency, cleaner emissions (reducing carbon buildup), better performance, and lower low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) issues, with port injection cleaning intake valves under light loads and direct injection kicking in for power (Ford Authority) They should have done this before now. But even they suggest higher octane is better for the engine.

 

[Timothyd]

2022 ecoboost awd 4k fx4. Towing, mountain terrain, hot summers cold winters ect.

Changed my spark plugs at 53k miles and took some photos of the cylinders while I had the plugs out. Share your thoughts.

Too bad you didn't get a shot of the intake valves on the Ecoboost. That's where you might find a carbon buildup.

 

[ice445]

Everything looks good. Carbon on the edges or near valve reliefs is pretty common, since there's usually less thermal energy in those areas. Plugs should really be changed more often on turbo engines though. I'd try to hit 30-35K per set.

 

[Darryl]

Everything is fine. As my doctor says after a good physical; keep doing what you're doing and you'll be fine.

 

[grumpyunk]

Im trying to figure out when to do a Walnut blast. I originally planned on 50k miles but I think its too early. Maybe at 80k miles. I wish there was a way to boroscope the valves without pulling the whole intake off.

The intake is plastic, and you could drill a hole for each port, poke your camera through and gander as desired. Plug the new openings with rubber plugs. You would need a tight fit... If not plugs, then cut some threads and use fittings like those used to plug the Thermactor ports on the exhaust manifolds. I am trying to think of why that would not work, but haven't got a warning flashing in my mind.
I watched Makuloco do a walnut blast and it did not seem that intrusive though a bit clumsy getting the shop vac near the port to collect the husks.
I wonder if the amount of buildup is related to the frequency of getting into the boost heavily, or the opposite???
tom

 

[Ben2023L]

Well the pistons are still in one piece and they aren't carboned up that bad for 53,000 miles and the plugs aren't either IMO.

agreed not bad; standard Ford ecoboost engines should get a valve cleaning at 100k; but at your rate you can probably wait until 150k

 

[Meeka]

What's a Boroscope?

Something a doctor uses to look in your colon?

 

[Darryl]

Im trying to figure out when to do a Walnut blast. I originally planned on 50k miles but I think its too early. Maybe at 80k miles. I wish there was a way to boroscope the valves without pulling the whole intake off.

Why? If there’s no problem, just do scheduled maintenance and continue to use quality fuel. These vehicles run and run if taken care of just how they’re supposed to. The vast majority will never need any walnut blast or anything out of the ordinary especially if driven regularly at highway speeds even with direct injection.

 

[Darryl]

My advice as a tech. Based on my experience. Just drive the thing. Do your regular scheduled maintenance , use quality fuel. if you are towing or driving in adverse conditions, follow the severe service schedule. Or simply follow it anyway if it brings peace of mind. Forget all the extra stuff unless there’s a symptom. Most likely it will run well just as long and just as trouble free. Yes, we like doing the extra stuff because it pays well. But in all honesty , the vehicles that have the extra stuff done don’t last any longer than the vehicles maintained per Ford’s recommendations.. The only thing that seems to make a difference is following the severe service schedule for some items such as trans service. This is especially true for vehicles like the Maverick which are basically good vehicles anyway

 

[Darryl]

There is a website showing top tier gas stations on a map.
FTW, "top tier" is a certification for more than minimum required detergent additives in fuel.

BP is not "top tier" but for some reason zi percieve BP has generally had about the smoothest running & best mpg of the cheap 87 octane gas, tied with Chevron.

I take Shells claims of top tier by faith, Ive filled at some older Shell gas stations & had some rough running matching non "top tier".

IMO the best value is a gallon of Lucas fuel treatment from Walmart, $30 lasts about forever, the key is using very little each fillup it makes the engine noticeably smoother running - too much & its still smooth & quieter but gas mileage takes a hit for the tank

I have no interest in paying almost double the gas price for high octane when I drive for work (Shell prices at least for 87 vs 93) that's a shitload of cash

Premium fuel may give a bit better performance and mpg. But it doesn't come close to making enough difference to cover the price increase in my opinion. Paying $1.00/gallon more for an extra mile per gallon or couple of tenths improved 0-60 isn't justified in my opinion. If I had an EcoBoost and was towing in hot weather, maybe. But for routine driving, no way. My sister has a small Cadillac SUV that says premium fuel recommended. (Not required). I tried to convince her to use mid grade if she doesn't trust regular. But my brother in law told her premium only. So I'll defer to him.

 

[Bob The Builder]

I sincerely doubt I will ever put 53K on my truck before they plant me as I do 3.5K a year so those pics are very encouraging. IMHO, worth nothing, everything there looks great. These EcoBoost engines are a great engine. Very pleased with it. Take care of them and they will take care of you.

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