Mike Up wrote:
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I decided against the Ecoboost because of the on going intercooler condensation issue that still isn't resolved to this day, I didn't care for the turbo lag,
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I never have been a fan of turbo engines because of turbo lag, complexity, and poor reliability, but I was going to give this Ecoboost a try until I heard of all the overheating and intercooler issues it was having. They seemed to have fixed the overheating issues but the intercooler issues are even troubling the 2013s with complaints all over the f150 forums.
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Our 2005 VW Passat TDI definitely has turbo lag. Our F150 Ecoboost definitely does not, and you are the first person I've ever heard complain of it. Have you ever driven an Ecoboost or are you just extrapolating from older turboed engines? The Ecoboost uses a dual turbo or something like that to reduce lag, essentially eliminating it for me.
Turbo's are common in diesels and high performance gas engines. Like all components, some are more reliable than others. I have heard of no problems with the Ecoboost turbo, and the motor has been around for since the beginning of 2011.
The intercooler condensation issue apparently can occur after driving for a long-time in 100% humidity conditions and then stomping on the throttle. Built-up condensation in the intercooler is forced into the engine possibly causing it to stumble and stall. The vast majority of Ecoboost owners never experience it. I never have, perhaps because I rarely stomp on the throttle especially when it's wet.
An advantage of turboed over naturally aspirated engines is that they maintain their power at high elevations. Anybody who intends to tow in the Rockies will find this useful.
