The 1.0 EcoBoost wetbelt system has been subject to some reliability issues, and failure of the wetbelt can lead to significant engine problems if not addressed. Here are some of the common failure modes seen in this system:
1. Wetbelt Wear and Stretching
- Over time, the wetbelt can wear and stretch, which can cause the timing to become misaligned. This can lead to a loss of engine efficiency and, in some cases, engine misfires.
- If the wetbelt becomes too stretched or worn, it can cause a complete failure of the timing system, leading to a loss of engine performance or even a catastrophic engine failure.
2. Oil Contamination and Wetbelt Degradation
- The wetbelt system relies on engine oil to keep the belt lubricated. If the oil becomes contaminated or if there are issues with the oil pressure, the wetbelt may not be lubricated properly, leading to friction and wear.
- If the system is not properly maintained with the right oil and regular oil changes, this can accelerate wetbelt degradation, causing it to fail prematurely.
3. Wetbelt Tension Loss
- The wetbelt operates under constant tension. Over time, the tension can decrease due to wear on the components, leading to slipping or skipping of the timing, which can result in poor engine performance, knocking sounds, or even engine misalignment.
- Loss of tension can also increase the risk of the belt snapping, leading to immediate engine failure.
4. Timing System Malfunction
- When the wetbelt fails or the timing components start to malfunction, it can lead to poor engine performance such as rough idling, stalling, or misfires. The engine’s timing is critical for proper ignition and fuel injection, and any issue with the timing system can cause serious damage over time.
- Incorrect timing due to wetbelt failure can lead to further internal damage to components like valves, pistons, and the camshaft.
5. Belt Teeth Stripping from Degradation
- Cause of Degradation:
- The wetbelt relies on constant lubrication from engine oil to reduce friction and prevent wear. However, over time, the wetbelt can become degraded due to factors such as poor oil maintenance, contamination, or simply the natural wear and tear that comes with high mileage.
- When the belt's teeth begin to degrade or strip, it affects the timing of the engine, as the teeth are responsible for maintaining the proper synchronization between the crankshaft and camshaft.
- Symptoms of Teeth Stripping:
- Engine Misfire: As the belt loses its teeth, it can slip or misalign, leading to the engine running out of time. This often results in misfires, poor acceleration, and overall poor engine performance.
- Rough Idling: A misaligned wetbelt can cause irregular timing, leading to rough or unstable idling.
- Strange Noises: If the teeth begin to strip, you may hear strange noises coming from the engine, such as a whining or ticking sound, which may be a sign of a malfunctioning wetbelt.
- Check Engine Light: The engine control unit (ECU) may detect misfires or timing issues and trigger the check engine light.