16L I-4 engine overview

[gfh77665]

I am looking for a general overview of the stock 1.6 I-4 engine I have in my 2017 Fiesta. Overall, is it a good, durable engine? I keep my vehicles as long as possible, so is the 1.6L high mileage capable, 200K-250K miles if well maintained? What are some common issues it has? Any thing specific to watch out for? Thank you all.

 

[scotman]

I believe that the 1.6 is well engineered. Maintenance is critical. Given the cam timing arrangement of cam phasers that utilitize oil pressure to control cam timing., high quality motor oil and filters are of paramount importance.
I give equal importance to the air intake filter and airbox. These engines work hard. Clean air filters and high quality motor oils serviced regularly are really the best way to get good service life.
The other thing i have discovered and discussed in other threads is the critical importance of replacement of the coolant reservoir. If it is more than three years old, get rid of it asap! It is a time bomb waiting to explode. A new reservoir costs less than fifty bucks and is easy to install.
The alternative experience to expect is sudden coolant loss and overheated or destroyed engine. The new reservoir and a gallon of Dexcool is WAY cheaper than a towing bill.
All other maintenance on the 1.6 is very straightforward and typical for a non turbocharged front wheel drive car.

 

[LionsTooth]

I believe that the 1.6 is well engineered. Maintenance is critical. Given the cam timing arrangement of cam phasers that utilitize oil pressure to control cam timing., high quality motor oil and filters are of paramount importance. I give equal importance to the air intake filter and airbox. These engines work hard. Clean air filters and high quality motor oils serviced regularly are really the best way to get good service life. The other thing i have discovered and discussed in other threads is the critical importance of replacement of the coolant reservoir. If it is more than three years old, get rid of it asap! It is a time bomb waiting to explode. A new reservoir costs less than fifty bucks and is easy to install. The alternative experience to expect is sudden coolant loss and overheated or destroyed engine. The new reservoir and a gallon of Dexcool is WAY cheaper than a towing bill. All other maintenance on the 1.6 is very straightforward and typical for a non turbocharged front wheel drive car.

Common in these forums is keeping your battery in good shape; clean & charged; clean grounds at both cable ends when you see them getting at all corroded or when you change the battery, or if your like me...just when you feel like tinkering. Things start to go wanky all over the car with low amps and/or voltage. The reservoir is here; I am replacing mine next month. There is an issue with the air blender in the heating/AC in the cabin behind the dash/radio area...if it starts clicking loudly and it will need replacing...which is DIY but a bit of a pain. Jump on the ST forum for lots of crossover fun & service info. 200k is pretty common with good maintenance; just like any more modern car. I really like mine and coming up on nine months of owning it; about 5k miles. I have taken to Colorado and back; love the car and the 42-45 MPG on the highway.

 

[econoboxrocks]

The engines are solid. They've been put in a lot of models that are still running today. Use good oil and change it more often than the 10,000 miles Ford recommends. It'll do 200,000+ if you keep it clean.
Scotman nailed it about the coolant reservoir. They get brittle over time.

The cabin filter is a PITA to change, but it's an overlooked maintenance item that really helps keep the fan working good and the interior smelling nice. Ford says every 20,000, and that's about right. I was surprised at how dirty it was. There are plenty of Youtube videos that show you how.

A little history of that economical engine. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Sigma_engine

 

[gfh77665]

Thanks all. I do 5,000 mile oil & filter changes (at my dealer) and always will.

 

[econoboxrocks]

Thanks all. I do 5,000 mile oil & filter changes (at my dealer) and always will.

Same here. 4 years of rather spirited driving and it doesn't burn a drop.

 

[econoboxrocks]

Found this story about a really high-mileage Fiesta on the ST forum.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a...what-its-like-to-drive-200000-miles-per-year/
Impressive.

 

[Handy Andy]

"and far more meteors than most people will ever see. "

Boy do I remember some of those days - having Soft-tops and 2nd-3rd shift work hours...just waited for a meteor to hit my vehicle...Auroras are spectacular along the Lakeshores of the Great Lakes.

 

[donaldjl]

Found this story about a really high-mileage Fiesta on the ST forum.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a...what-its-like-to-drive-200000-miles-per-year/
Impressive.

I recall that article. What struck me was how imperative basic maintenance is to the longevity of a vehicle. And I'm also impressed that the trans apparently only needed clutches at 300+ and 500+ thousand miles. It's probably a good thing that his transmission mostly sees acceleration onto the freeway, and it remains in high gear for many miles until the next required exit. I'm not surprised by the other repairs needed, given the severe duty that the components have seen in such a short time.

I also appreciate his trailer hitch rack solution. Reminds me of the tent camping thread.

"and far more meteors than most people will ever see. "

Boy do I remember some of those days - having Soft-tops and 2nd-3rd shift work hours...just waited for a meteor to hit my vehicle...Auroras are spectacular along the Lakeshores of the Great Lakes.

Indeed they are. I have friends in Brimley, their backyard drops right onto Superior. Amazing viewing their their back deck. We're heading back up in a few weeks for a quick getaway. We'll heads/tails if the Fiesta goes or not. Depends on how heavy the girls pack.