The Three Most Common Ford 3.7 V6 Cyclone Issues. The Ford 3.7 V6 Cyclone engine (Duratec 37) was introduced in 2009 and is still in production today. The 3.7L engine from Ford produces 270 to 305 horsepower. It was the first engine to offer 300+hp and 30+mpg in the 2011 Mustang. In other words, the Duratec 3.7 provides an excellent blend of power and fuel efficiency. However, no engine is flawless, and the Ford 3.7L Cyclone engine is no exception. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most prevalent issues with the 3.7 Cyclone before wrapping up with opinions on general dependability.
If you want to learn more about the Ford Duratec, see our tutorial on the 3 Most Common Ford 2.5L Duratec I4 Engine Problems.
What Vehicles Make Use of the Duratec 3.7?
The Ford 3.7L V6 Cyclone engine can be found in the following vehicles:
- Mazda CX-9 model years 2008-2015
- 2009-2013 Mazda 6
- Lincoln MKS / MKT 2009-2012
- 2011-2014 Ford F150
- MKX (Lincoln MKX) 2011-2015
- Ford Mustang V6 2011-2017
- Ford Edge Sport 2011-2014
- Lincoln MKZ / MKS 2013-2016
- MKX (Lincoln MKX) 2016-2018
- 2017-present Continental Lincoln
- Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (2013-present)
The Ford Cyclone engine is also used in a few other industrial and limited production vehicles. Early models are powered by the iVT Duratec 37, which only has variable valve timing on the intake cams. The 3.7L V7 began adopting Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing) in the 2011 Ford Mustang.
Some of the issues discussed in this essay may have a greater impact on certain models than others. We’ll elaborate where necessary. Regardless, the Ford 3.7 Cyclone engine powered a number of marquee vehicles, most notably the F150 and Mustang. Mazda used the 3.7 V6 in a handful of their own vehicles.
Three Common Ford 3.7 Engine Issues
Among the most typical problems with the Ford 3.7 Cyclone are:
- Failure of the water pump
- Phasers that are activated by cam torque
- Coils for Ignition
In this post, we will go over each of the issues described above in depth. Before we begin, a few points should be made. Just because these faults are classified as common does not indicate that they will occur in every Ford 3.7L V6. These are only some of the most common concerns, which are not always universal. Furthermore, as engines age and mileage increases, they are prone to a variety of problems owing to natural wear and tear. There may be issues with the 3.7 Cyclone V6 engine that we haven’t mentioned in this text.
Having said that, the Ford 3.7 V6 Cyclone is a solid, dependable engine. With regular care, many can travel up to or above 200,000 miles. We’ll return to this topic near the end of the article. Anyway, let’s look at the three most prevalent 3.7 V6 Cyclone engine issues.
1) Failures of the Ford 3.7L V6 Water Pump
Water pump problems can arise on practically any engine at any time. They are the moving pieces that circulate coolant through the 3.7 Cyclone engine. A water pump failure is typically an emergency repair, but further damage is rare as long as the engine does not overheat. However, early Ford 3.7 V6 engines experienced major water pump difficulties. The water pump on Duratec iVCT engines has an unusual design. The transversely mounted iVCT 3.7 Duratec engine is found in the 2008-2015 Mazda CX-9 and Mazda 6. It’s also found in the Lincoln MKS and MKT from 2009 to 2012.
Because the timing chain and sprockets were redesigned, the Ti-VCT Ford 3.7 Cyclone is less prone to these issues. Anyway, let’s get back to the water pump issues at hand. A timing chain-driven water pump is utilized in the transverse Ford 3.7 V6 (found in front-wheel-drive variants). Because the pump is also positioned internally, it is impossible to detect a failure until it is too late. The water pump is prone to failure at the pump bearings, allowing the timing center to shift. When things become bad enough, coolant is thrown into the engine and mixes with the oil.
This is where the actual issues arise. It is not a good idea to mix coolant with oil. Because the Ford 3.7 Cyclone oil is no longer able to adequately lubricate moving parts, it can cause corrosion and extensive internal wear. Essentially, it can cause extensive internal engine damage and result in exorbitant repair expenditures.
The longitudinally placed Ford 3.7L V6 (used in rear-wheel-drive vehicles) is slightly better in terms of pump design and positioning. The longitudinally installed version, as opposed to the transversely mounted version, has an external water pump. This is a good thing since you’ll probably notice that the water pump weep hole is leaking on the ground before the machine entirely breaks. This should give you a little more time to deal with the problem.
3.7 Symptoms of Cyclone Water Pump Failure
The following are some signs that may suggest that the Ford 3.7 V6 water pump bearings are on their way out:
- Engine rattling/clunking
- Oil of milk
- Visible dripping
- Overheating
The main problem arises when the bearings fail and the timing center begins to move. This usually results in an audible rattling or knocking sound coming from the front engine cover region. When coolant combines with oil, the oil becomes a milky mess. A visible coolant leak beneath the automobile is also possible. Finally, if too much coolant is leaked, the 3.7L Cyclone may begin to overheat.
Replacement Water Pump for Ford 3.7 V6
This is a critical issue to be aware of because detecting it early can help prevent further harm. Nonetheless, because the water pump is located under the front cover, it is a time-consuming repair. Labor can easily mount up, so replacing the 3.7 Duratec water pump at a repair facility can cost $1,000. If the fault is not detected in time, the engine may be rendered useless. The Ford 3.7L engine may also require cleaning and machining to remove any corrosion or potential damage.
2) Issues with 3.7 Cyclone Cam Torque Actuated Phasers
The water pump issue mentioned above primarily affects early iVCT engines. Cam torque-actuated phasers, on the other hand, are mostly seen in Ford 3.7 Ti-VCT engines. We’ll avoid going too technical here, but here’s some context. Dual variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) is a relatively sophisticated system with numerous moving elements. The objective is to tweak cam/valve timing to improve power band and fuel economy. It’s fantastic technology that many modern engines make use of.
However, problems with these systems can and do occur. Cam torque actuated phasers (cam phasers for short) on the Ford 3.7L Cyclone are one of those difficulties. Cam phasers cause each camshaft to revolve in relation to the timing. When the 3.7 Duratec cam torque-actuated phasers fail, they can cause a variety of symptoms and other problems if not repaired promptly. It’s also a pricey remedy.
Symptoms of Ford 3.7L V6 Cam Phasers
Look for the following signs of a problem with the 3.7 Cyclone cam torque-actuated phasers:
- Engine light on
- Engine rattling sound
- Power outage
- Rugged running
When the cam phasers fail, the check engine light illuminates and the Ford 3.7 engine rattles. It can also cause incorrect ignition timing, which can result in power loss and harsh running.
Replacement 3.7 V6 Cyclone Cam Phasers
With increased mileage, it may be prudent to replace the VCT solenoids as well. These are known to create issues on the 3.7 Cyclone V6 on occasion. Anyway, cam phasers are located within the head, so replacing them requires some time and work. Due to the lengthy labor, expect repair fees to exceed $700.
3) Problems with the Ford 3.7 Cyclone Ignition Coil
While the aforementioned two issues can be costly and serious, the 3.7 V6 is a strong engine in general. Because there aren’t many other major common concerns, we’re largely talking about ignition coils here. Ignition coils are typical wear-and-tear items that must be replaced at some point throughout an engine’s life. However, the 3.7 Duratec ignition coils can fail earlier than expected.
Expect these issues to manifest themselves anywhere between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a big problem. In any case, an ignition coil replacement is normally required after 150,000 kilometers. It’s also not a major problem, though ignition coil failures can create some drivability issues.
Symptoms of the 3.7L V6 Duratec Ignition Coil
The following are symptoms of ignition coil failure on the Ford 3.7L V6:
- Misfires
- Rugged running
- Engine light on
- Stuttering
Misfires are the most common sign of spark plug or ignition coil problems. Misfires, on the other hand, might have a variety of causes. When the 3.7 Cyclone ignition coils fail, the air/fuel mixture fails to ignite properly. As a result, you may notice the Ford 3.7 engine hesitating or running rough. Misfires can also set off the check engine light.
Ignition Coil Replacement for Ford 3.7L Cyclone
Fortunately, ignition coil replacement is one of the simplest repairs. The Ford V6 has six ignition coils, which need be replaced all at once. This is especially true if your 3.7 Cyclone has more than 100,000 miles on it and will need to be replaced soon. In any case, ignition coils cost between $25 and $40 each. It’s a simple fix that most folks can complete in less than an hour in their driveway.
Related : The Four Most Common 6.4 HEMI Engine Issues
3.7 Reliability of Cyclones
What is the dependability of the Ford 3.7L V6 Cyclone engine? We assess the 3.7 Duratec as above-average in terms of dependability. Water pump and cam phaser problems can be aggravating and costly to repair. They are, however, unlikely to be as ubiquitous as the internet suggests. Aside from that, the 3.7 V6 is free of common defects and design flaws.
with course, problems can and do arise, but this is true with all engines. A lot of it also comes down to upkeep. Change the oil, coolant, and other fluids on a regular basis. When difficulties arise, address them as soon as possible. It’s simple stuff that all Ford 3.7 V6 owners can do to improve their chances of having a positive experience with the engine.
The 3.7L Cyclone is reported to last up to 200,000 miles with good care, and even longer in rare situations. It’s a fantastic engine with a well-balanced mix of performance and efficiency. Overall, the 3.7 Duratec is a dependable engine.
Summary of Ford 3.7 V6 Common Issues
Ford’s 3.7 V6 engine has powered numerous iconic vehicles from both Ford and Mazda. The 3.7L V6 engine in the 2011 Ford Mustang was the first to achieve 300+hp and 30+mpg. It provides an excellent balance of performance and efficiency. However, no engine is flawless, and the Duratec 3.7 is no exception.
Water pump problems in Ford 3.7 iVCT Cyclone engines can lead to costly repairs if not detected in time. Regular oil and coolant changes can help reduce the danger of additional damage if the water pump bearings fail. Later Ti-VCT models have certain variable valve timing system difficulties, which primarily affect the solenoids and cam phasers.
Aside from that, the Ford 3.7L engine has few frequent issues. With proper maintenance, they may often last 200,000 miles or more while providing reasonable power, performance, and fuel efficiency.
