F150 Ecoboost Blow Off Valve Noise (Reason + Solution)

When the throttle plate is closed, the EcoBoost F150’s blow-off valve (BOV) releases the pressure. The pressure returned into the atmosphere through the intake system.

In the absence of a suitable release, the pressure is pushed back. Into the turbo, where it strikes the compressor wheel and results in a compressor surge. But it has been seen to make noise often. 

Therefore, why does the f150 ecoboost blow off noise?

Blowing off noise from Ecoboost can be really unpleasant. There are a few frequent causes for it. Low oil level or pressure, a problem with the ignition system, or an exhaust leak are the three most frequent causes of ticking noise in a Ford F-150 engine. Identifying the problem is the main key. 

In this article, we will know more about it.

A Blow-off Valve: What Is It?

The blow-off valve (BOV) on the EcoBoost F150 distributes the pressure in the intake port back into the surrounding air when the accelerator plate is closed.

In the absence of a suitable release, the pressure is pushed back into the turbo, where it strikes the compressor wheel and results in a compressor surge.

Compressor surges eventually lead to early turbo damage, increased turbo lag, or forced compressor wheel stalling. By now, it should be clear that investing in a good BOV is a wise decision.

If your F150 is stalling out. A replacement blow-off valve can be correct Due to the factory charge air cooler (CAC) located in the turbocharger, EcoBoost F150s are infamous for stalling  F150 EcoBoost problems and shaking during routine driving. 

The CAC is in charge of cooling the intake air as it passes through the turbo, but the factory unit does an almost excessively good job of this.

Moisture builds up in the tubing when air is sucked through the CAC, which is the root of the issue. A swift opening of the throttle will then alter the amount of air being drawn through the CAC, which can serve as a vacuum to draw moisture into the engine. 

The power delivery may briefly shiver as a result, but if there is enough moisture, your F150 will enter “limp mode.” States like Florida or Texas that have significant amounts of humidity are frequently affected by this issue.

3 Reasons for F150 Ecoboost Blow-Off Valve Noise

Sadly, the plastic blow-off valve on your Ford F150 EcoBoost might well be the weak spot in the engine’s armor.

The weak nature of the stock unit makes it vulnerable to cracking. And, on top of that, it can cause more significant problems like complete halting. Higher boost pressure is desired. 

You might want to reconsider because you’ll most likely encounter an issue there as well.

Fortunately, there are aftermarket blow-off valves available that can increase your F150’s durability and performance. Learn more by reading on.

1. Oil

The engine oil in your car is essentially its lifeblood. It functions to cool them while in use, prevent corrosion, and lubricate important moving parts.

The turbocharger needs a constant supply of pure, premium oil. Pollutants will build up in the engine as a result of inadequate oil (oil starvation), the incorrect sort of oil, or poor-quality oil.

This could cause abrasive damage to the turbo’s interior. This can cause the F150 EcoBoost noise of the valve.

2. Broken Seals

The seals here between the compressor and the engine begin to deteriorate or spill. Oil will leak into the exhaust system. Because of this, the turbo has to use more effort to raise air pressure.

Overspeeding is another name for this problem. In the end, it will decrease the turbo’s effectiveness and make noise.

3. Foreign Material Deposits

The pump located at the front and the generator at the end are the two basic parts of a turbocharger.

Foreign materials like dirt, leaves, and small stones can occasionally enter the turbo through either the inlet of the compressor or the turbine inlet.

The air filter is frequently where the foreign obstacle comes from the compressor housing. In comparison, if the turbine is harmed by a foreign object, the issue is usually with the engine.

The compressor tires or turbine blades of the turbo may suffer if extraneous objects start to erode them.

Your air filter should be serviced and replaced on a regular basis to avoid this from happening. Furthermore, you must inspect your turbo for debris.

Solution

You’ll still be able to drive your car if your turbocharger fails, but engine failure won’t be far behind, so only keep going if it’s absolutely necessary.

Get your turbo checked by a trained technician as soon as you notice any of the above-listed indications of turbo failure. The problem will worsen (and cost you more) the longer you ignore it.

The Benefits of Changing Your F150’s Blow-Off Valve

For a relatively cheap cost, you can improve performance and longevity by replacing the blow-off valve on your EcoBoost vehicle with an aftermarket component. Take a look at these points!

Greater Calibre of Materials 

The stock blow-off valve on your F150 is made of poor-quality plastic, end of the story.

Any cracking or leaking problems you had with your standard system can be resolved by switching to an aftermarket BOV constructed of aerospace aluminum alloy, such as a kit provided by Turbosmart.

Ability to Run Higher Boost

Your F150 is stalling out, are you? A replacement blow-off valve can be corrected Due to the factory charge air cooler (CAC) located in the turbocharger.

EcoBoost F150s are infamous for stalling problems and shaking during routine driving.

 The CAC is in charge of cooling the intake air as it passes through the turbo, but the factory unit does an almost excessively good job of this.

Moisture builds up in the tubing when air is sucked through the CAC, which is the root of the issue.

A swift opening of the throttle will then alter the amount of air being drawn through the CAC. Which can serve as a vacuum to draw moisture into the engine. 

The power delivery may briefly shiver as a result, but if there is enough moisture, your F150 will enter “limp mode.” States like Florida or Texas that have significant amounts of humidity are frequently affected by this issue.

Increasing your F150’s boost is a benefit of upgrading to a BOV made of higher-quality materials.

Failure is inevitable because the stock EcoBoost BOV isn’t built to withstand any increased pressure. Turbosmart units are said to be capable of handling boost pressures greater than 30 PSI.

An Aftermarket Blow-off Valve Has Disadvantages

Although upgrading your BOV is advantageous in many ways, you might want to consider one important factor first.

Contrary to several other modifications like cold air intakes, aftermarket BOVs are not CARB certified. This is a significant issue if you reside in California. 

An organization that deals with environmental issues, most notably air pollution, is the California Air Resources Board (CARB). If found on your F150, aftermarket BOVs are illegal and do not adhere to the CARB’s regulations.

Several governments, notably Ct, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Maine, Oregon, and Washington, have either adopted or are considering adopting CARB’s laws.

Before choosing to upgrade your EcoBoost’s blow-off valve, be sure to research the legislation in your state.

There are many aftermarket blow-off valves available, and the majority of them assert that they can resolve the issue for your F150.

Usually, the CAC has been modified to store less moisture, which completely resolves the problem.

FAQs

Which EcoBoost engine is superior, the 2.7 or the 3.5?

Superior power, torque, gas mileage, and towing capacity are all features of Ford EcoBoost engines. The 3.5L EcoBoost’s enormous power output is the result of its larger displacement. Additionally, its towing capacity is the highest in class. The 2.7L EcoBoost’s higher fuel efficiency is partly due to its smaller displacement.

What is the 3.5 EcoBoost’s expected lifespan?

The EcoBoost is made to be durable and long-lasting. A 3.5 EcoBoost engine that is still in its factory configuration can travel up to 250 000 miles (402 000 km).

Turbocharging enhances engine power and performance without reducing efficiency in all EcoBoost engines. And even further if the car has been well-maintained with regular maintenance and no significant adjustments.

Is a wastegate the same as a blow-off valve?

Identical to a wastegate, a blowoff valve (BOV) operates on the turbocharger’s intake side. The intake air opens a spring, allowing the intake air downstairs of the turbo to either escape to the environment or be diverted back into the turbo, depending on the pressure level that is reached.

Conclusion

I hope you have learned all about why your f150 EcoBoost blow-off valve noise. It’s a very common problem in this series.

There can be quite a few reasons behind it. You need to identify the reason and then solve it accordingly. Hopefully, the problem will be solved!

Jerry Ellis

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