2013 Ecoboost. Trying to diagnose noise that occurs on light load acceleration. I understand the difficulty of communicating this online but thought it was worth a try. If this was a non electronic controlled engine I would say that there is slight pre ignition happening. While that is not really possible on these engines it should give some of you a sense of what I’m dealing with. I’ve researched and followed up on all of the turbo waste gate linkage rattle info but don’t think that is the source however based on when it occurs it could be turbo/waste gate related. It also seems to be temperature related.
Suggestions?

 

A DTC may not trigger a check engine light and it can be at pending stage, so get a scanner that has Ford-specific DTC support and show us what codes you have got.

 

What if,,,,,,,,

You tried a tankful or two of premium fuel on your next 2 fuel ups ?

The reason I am suggesting that is,,,,,,, if carbon has built up in the engine combustion chambers you could get something very similar to pre ignition.

It will only cost the difference between regular and premium gasoline AND be a lot less than paying a shop to check and maybe tell you the same thing.
Not an uncommon problem.
Please get back to us and let us know if it was the problem based on your description.

 

Checked with Forscan. No codes present. As I suspect that the noise is turbo/waste gate related I check waste gate operation. Opening and closing smoothly.

i can replicate the noise by accelerating up a hill. It starts as the rpm come up to 2000 and goes away with increased throttle. So I hear it at light to med. throttle but not on full throttle.

I have not been able to try premium fuel as suggested by Hanky but will at the next fill.

Your comments on this are appreciated.

 

How about going down the hill? And do you hear the noise or lack of power as well? Perhaps you have a boost leak? Do you have a boost gauge you can monitor the psi as well as MAP sensor when you hear the noise again

 

Up hill only and then only under light load. No sign of power loss. It just towed a 7,000# trailer across Canada. No other symptoms. I don’t have a boost gauge.

I’m going to try to record the sound that I’m hearing. It’s not one that I have read about other owners commenting on. Maybe another set of ears will help with the diagnosis.

 

Found it! The apparently very common problem on Gen 1’s…broken rear exhaust manifold stud causing exhaust leak. Driver side is OK but it may be best to do both with the upgraded manifolds. More than I’m going to do in the driveway so off to the dealer unless I can find a local shop that knows these engines.