During the past several months we’ve caught pictures of next-generation Ford F-150 engineering mules out testing Ford’s new 4.4-liter V-8 diesel engine on public roads and seen an unofficial photo of the 4.4-liter diesel sitting on display at Ford’s national dealer show in Las Vegas. Now, in the pickup truck equivalent of snapping shots of the Brangelina twins, we have the first pictures of the 4.4-liter V-8 oil burner cradled under the hood of an F-150.
These pictures were caught in public while the F-150 was being prepped for transport.
The cosmetic engine cover is loose, resting over the back of the engine. It almost touches the firewall. The plastic shield is clearly labeled “Power Stroke,” indicating that Ford likely intends to carry on with the well-known diesel brand name in spite of its ongoing legal dispute and expected divorce from long-time diesel engine supplier, Navistar. Ford has partnered with Navistar for its diesel engines since 1982.
The 4.4-liter V-8’s plumbing is complex. Where the engine is uncovered, you can see what appears to be a large cylindrical air intake line snaking off the air filter on the far right (if you’re facing the truck) of the engine compartment across the width of the engine before it dives down next to the battery. Interestingly, it looks like the intake has an air regulator chamber (small rectangular box attached to the front of the intake) like a gas engine. You can also see a small square box sitting on top of the intake — that’s the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. A second intake also branches off the air filter, immediately vanishing towards the back of the engine. It may not be visible in these pictures, but the second intake appears to be lacking a MAF sensor. The large rectangular box between the front intake, suspected air regulator chamber and radiator housing is probably an electrical box.
In a picture of the 4.4-liter engine’s cooling system, it looks like the intercooler for the turbos and transmission oil cooler are housed in a single unit, at the bottom of the F-150’s massive radiator.
Built in Mexico, the 4.4-liter V-8 will be offered in production F-150s by late 2009 and by 2011 as the expected base diesel for Ford’s Super Duty pickups. Power ratings are expected to be at least 340hp and 430 pounds-feet of torque. Fuel economy is expected to be as much as 20% higher than Ford’s 5.4-liter V-8 gasoline engine.
We expect to see the 4.4-liter diesel F-150 officially debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.
07/23, 11:17 AM
posted by:
moto-racer13
I predict this engine to become a costly mistake for Ford. All that money that they don’t have being pumped into devoloping an engine that will prove to be unreliable boggles the mind. The new Ford Flex which is supposed to save Ford is a failure because so far over 13000 have been built, and only 500 sold. All those new people that Ford hired to build the new Flex are already facing a strong possibility of being laid off. Seems that everything Ford tries is a failure.
07/23, 11:20 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Actually it is good news. The bad part of news that the thing is made in Mexico, but I guess it is a step above China or Korea.
07/23, 11:25 AM
posted by:
xyunya
moto-racer13, Ford and diesel have the same connotation as Explorer and Firestone: lawsuits and finger pointing. However, diesel does make sense for a truck. Also, truck is not a new platform for Ford. How successful this diesel will become solely in Fords hands, there is no one to blame from here on. The geography of making this diesel is somewhat confusing. Common sense would suggest at least to start in US and when new process becomes fully developed maybe transplant it to cheaper manufacturing zone. Well, common sense is not that common at Ford (look at line up and Flex aka Fairline).
07/23, 12:15 PM
posted by:
ihustle
*Moto* What the f*ck are you talking about? The flex was never supposed to save ford. Where the hell did that come from????? Ford isn’t in as bad of shape as there american competitors. The new F 1-50 will be the best selling truck for the 33rd year, no matter what engine it has. Ford could place a go-cart engine in the dam thing and it will still sell more then gm.
07/23, 12:24 PM
posted by:
ktulu
Y did it tale sol long 2 cum up with a diedsel?
Does diesel cost 20% more? No $4.09 4 regular $4.67 4 diesel. and i’,m sure the gas V8 wood niot use regular, which wood make the soread smaller.
I predict this engine will B a success 4 Ford.
The Flex is a nu take on a miniv an.
Seems that everything Ford tries is a failure, except the mustang, explorer, edge, etc..
Ford could not place a go-kart engine in the F and sell it, but pretty much evertytinyh else wood orobably be OK.
07/23, 12:27 PM
posted by:
ihustle
KTULU* How does everything ford tries fail? Especially when you just named half there line up. You named the mustang, explorer and edge as being fords “Unfailed vehicles” How about the F 150, it is in 2nd for best selling “vehicle” in the world, not just truck. Or how about the new focus #1 small size domestic? Your point holds no ground back it up with facts.
07/23, 12:28 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
The Flex is one thing, this is a different animal entirely. Truck buyers have been begging for a half ton diesel for years. Those who somehow managed to push the Flex into production should be the poster children for a mandatory corporate drug testing program.
07/23, 12:46 PM
posted by:
Spingood Tanoya
Ktulu, do you type with your tongue?
07/23, 1:26 PM
posted by:
ozyran
Back to the future. Reminds me of the GMC/Chevy 1/2 tons that were available at the beginning of the 1980s which had the option of a diesel engine.
Maybe this time it will catch on.
07/23, 2:23 PM
posted by:
xyunya
ozyran, in 1990 gas was less the $1/gallon. Diesel engine costs a little more. Furthermore, if I recall those engines were far from being even remotely refined, not that diesel truck needs to be, but there was no reason to buy diesel in 1990’s.
07/23, 2:35 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
I’m betting Ktulu uses a Blackberry or an iPhone. Most likely an iPhone.
07/23, 4:04 PM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
Flex debuted the last week of June and sold 1379 unit with limited avaibility. This Vehicle will not save Ford but could sell 100 000 units annually.
06/29, 12:00 AM
posted by:
pp
I agree with beatusmongous. Ktulu must use an iphone and his nose.
06/29, 12:04 AM
posted by:
pp
The new engines make me hopeful. I drove an early 2003 F350 and it was a piece. I now drive a 2006 F350 or a 2006 F250. They are better, but not impressive (fuel economy). I have spoken to several people who bought 2008’s and quickly got rid of them.
It is about time to get a new truck, but I am waiting to see what they come out with. The service manager told me last week to wait for the new engine (as it was writing him a $2,500 check to fix mine).
We can only hope.
07/22, 3:28 PM
posted by:
flexlvr
I would go out an buy a Flex diesel in minutes. Why is it that America must get pummeled by fuel prices and never pick up the innovation from Europe’s car lines? The Mondeo (UK) has Duratorq 2.4L TDI’s that coul dget 40mpg, even in the US Flex models, so why don’t they do it? I don’t care how much Americans hate diesels; they would line up for an SUV that gave them 30-40 mpg!!! Ford…WTF???