Ford 6.2 Engine Problems, Reliability, And Life Expectancy!
June 3, 2023Buying a used pickup truck can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to a Super Duty. If that’s correct and you want to learn more about the Ford 6.2 problems, you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover.
The Ford Boss is an engine that was developed by Ford Motor Company primarily for heavy-duty use. This is not your 429 Boss from the muscle car era. This 6.2 is a different kind of beast.
This 6.2 Boss shares a lot of design elements with the Modular engine family, even though it is not officially categorized as a Modular engine. You will find the similarities in the block.
This engine has a deep shirt block, as well as cross-bolted main caps, in addition to this, the engine has a crankshaft-driven oil pump and an OHV valvetrain.
This engine was developed for the F-150 SVT Raptor but was primarily used in the Super Duty lineup of trucks.
Ford 6.2 Engine Specs
Before we cover the Ford 6.2 problems, let’s take a look at the specs of this engine. Knowing the specs is really important and this is why we think it is really essential to cover everything in depth.
- Configuration: V8
- Block Material: Cast Iron
- Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum
- Displacement 6.2 liters
- Cylinder Bore: 102 mm
- Cylinder Stroke: 95 mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
- Head Design: SOHC
- Firing Order: 1-5-4-8-6-3–7-2
- Max Power Output: 411 hp @ 5,500 rpm
- Max Torque Output: 434 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
The Ford 6.2 oil capacity of this engine is about 7.0 quarts. For more precise data, you should definitely consult the owner’s manual.
Ford 6.2 Engine Applications
This engine has found its way into more than a few applications since 2010 when it was first introduced to the market. These are the following models.
- 2010 – 2014 Ford F-150 Raptor
- 2011 – 2014 Ford F-Series
- 2011 – Present Ford Super Duty
- 2017 – 2019 Ford E-Series
Now let’s move on and cover the Ford 6.2 problems and learn more about what issues trouble this engine.
Ford 6.2 Problems
Now let’s briefly list the common Ford 6.2 engine problems.
- Water Pump Failures
- Spark Plug Problems
- Valve Spring Failures
- Timing Chain Problems
- Exhaust Manifold Problems
- PCM Problems
- Oil Burning
- Oil Leaks
- Fuel Pump Issues 2017 Up
We briefly listed the common issues with this engine. Now let’s move on and cover more of them in-depth. In the following chapters, we are going to learn when these issues appear, as well as the symptoms they develop and the seriousness of these issues.
Water Pump Failures
Water pump failures on these engines were noted. To such an extent that it is widely known in the Ford community that the water pump is one of the weak spots of the Ford 6.2.
Many people assume that water pumps tend to fail because of poor design and also poor quality.
Owners report that they replace it at 35,000 miles or less in some cases. Which is practically still under warranty.
What is interesting to note is that it is important that you react quickly and detect the problem on time because if you don’t you risk overheating the engine.
Spark Plug Problems
Frequent spark plug failures were also noted on these engines. Mainly because this Ford 6.2 engine has 16 spark plugs in total.
This means that there are two of them per cylinder. And with so many spark plugs, the chances of something going wrong are rather high compared to a regular single spark per cylinder engine.
Frequent symptoms when spark plugs are going away include check engine light, engine misfires, rough engine idle, and overall poor performance because of bad combustion.
Valve Spring Failures
In our list of Ford 6.2 problems, we have to mention the valve spring failures that are really common on this engine.
The valve springs tend to fail on this engine very often and also on low mileage. Whenever they fail, you will have engine misfires.
This is the case because the valves will not seal properly and you will have leaks coming from the valves.
The only way around this issue is to refurbish the cylinder head and replace all of the valve springs since you never know which valve spring will fail next.
Ford 6.2 Timing Chain Problems
Serious timing chain issues were not noted on this engine. Even though, some owners reported that they needed a timing chain replacement.
Whenever this happens, the engine starts to rattle and you will have to replace the timing chain. As well as the timing chain guide and tensioner.
It is an expensive procedure and this is why you need to be at least aware of this issue in order to detect the problem on time before the engine gets totaled.
Whenever the timing chain fails, the oil pump also has to be replaced as an owner noted on a Ford forum.
Ford 6.2 Manifold Problems
Another very common problem that plagues many truck engines including the 6.2 is the situation with the exhaust manifolds.
This is a truck engine and trucks are pushed really hard during their lifetime. The manifolds heat up quite a lot and they can break a bolt or crack.
These problems often occur at higher mileage engines. Especially above 100,000 miles. The solution is to retread the bolt holes or buy a new exhaust manifold if the one you are using is already cracked.
Symptoms concerning this problem are the check engine light, hissing sound, ticking sound, the smell of gases inside of the cabin, and poor engine performance.
PCM Problems
PCM problems were also noted on this engine. Whenever these problems occur, you will get a strange trouble code that doesn’t make any sense.
Usually when these PCMs are breaking down, they break down in this type of fashion. There will be a check engine light and DTC codes that do not make any sense.
It is important that you consider this to be a possible PCM failure and get the PCM tested at a dealership in order for the right cause for this problem to be properly uncovered.
In many cases, replacing the PCM with a new or a used unit will sort out the problems permanently and you will not have to deal with these issues. It can be expensive but it is the only way around the issue.
Oil Burning
Oil burning issues were also noted on the 6.2, this is why we included this issue in our list of Ford 6.2 problems.
In fact, oil-burning issues are very serious once the engine reaches higher miles. The more miles you put on, the worse the condition will get.
This is why the life expectancy of these engines is around 200,000 miles with a slight possibility to reach 300,000 miles.
Which in our opinion is somewhat worse compared to the Chevy 6000 Vortec, an engine that can easily push 250,000 miles.
Oil Leaks
Oil leaks coming from the timing covers were also noted. This engine, as you probably know has a timing chain.
The timing covers basically cover the timing chain. Whenever the gaskets fail, there will be leaks forming around them and the engine will get all greased up with oil contaminants.
The way around this problem is to replace the timing cover gaskets and call it a day. It might be expensive but if you lose a lot of oil you definitely have to sort the problem out before this issue results in serious engine damage caused by oil starvation.
Fuel Pump Issues 2017 Up
The fuel pump is also notorious for failing on these engines. This reportedly happens on models from 2017 and up.
The earlier models of this 6.2 engine are not that affected according to owners of these trucks. And unfortunately replacing one of these fuel pumps is really pricey. They are very expensive and difficult to replace since they are under the truck bed.
Now that we learned more about the Ford 6.2 problems, let’s move on to other topics concerning this engine.
Ford 6.2 Reliability
The reliability of this engine can be described as average. It is a truck engine and is designed to be a disposable item.
During the first 80,000 miles, this engine is very reliable but as the engine ages and collects more miles, the reliability will drop quite a bit. There will be more and more problems that will eventually make you replace the whole engine.
Ford 6.2 Engine Life Expectancy
In the best-case scenario, these engines last about 200,000 miles. Engines that reach 300,000 miles are practically unicorns.
The lifespan is not one of the strongest points of this engine. But this doesn’t mean that it is a bad deal after all. Still, this is a truck engine and there are crate engines that you can buy for a good deal.
Ford 6.2 Engine Replacement Cost
A short block will cost you around $8,000. A short block is probably all you need, this is a fully assembled block with a new crankshaft and pistons.
There are also remanufactured units for about 5,200. And in total with the replacement, you will pay about $8,000. Which is not bad.
You can also go for a used engine. But if you want a used engine, only go for an engine with low miles, avoid high mileage engines since they will not going to last for much longer.
FAQ
What Are The Common Ford 6.2 Problems?
This engine has a lot of common issues. Most notably, oil consumption, spark plug failure, fuel pump failures after 2017, oil leaks, valve spring failures, timing chain failures, as well as water pump failures.
Is The Ford 6.2 Engine Reliable?
Well, this engine is average in terms of reliability. Not the worst but also is not one of the best engines around. If you can get an alternative, you might want to check it out.
