By Drew Johnson
Wednesday, Jul 23rd, 2008 @ 11:10 am

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.

15 Comments
  

LeftLane

Login

  • LeftLane

    Copyright © 2005 - 2012 Left lane News.
    All rights reserved.