Fuel in oil

[Brisko_Michigan]

Update: Took the truck back in due to rising oil level and strong fuel odor (second time; 500 miles). The techs agreed there's an issue. As there is not yet a vehicle indicated error and their diagnostics cannot find a problem, big Ford has not yet authorized a repair under warranty.

The dealership changed the oil again (jumped up to full synthetic) and took an oil sample for testing; if it comes back with a high dilution percentage after only 500 miles they have a stronger case with Ford. I also sent in a sample to Blackstone for my own comparison.

For those who have the problem - the service department recommended opening a case with Ford Customer Support. I called and they were helpful, noting that if enough of the trucks experience the issue it could (could) become part of the customer care program and drive a more holistic fix. It also adds our truck to the list for first outreach if there is a programmatic action later on.

So - if you are experience the problem and have sought a fix, please call 1-800-392-3673 and open a case for the issue. Even if the dealership is working on your problem. Can't hurt.

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[quirkybar8]

Got my truck back yesterday afternoon. Giving the tech benefit of the doubt, I've had both a HPFP and an injector (#4) failure. The tickets say they were diagnosed as such.

Summary experience is that I took it in shortly after buying it because it appeared the oil was at or very near the max hole. Told me it was fine. They changed it and marked the stick at 1,900 when it was almost halfway to the twist, as a baseline. Made me drive it for 1k even though it was up after another 400 or so. Changed the fuel pump at 3,100. Seemed OK for the first 400 or so (not keeping meticulous records in my head or on paper), so I ignored it for awhile. Shortly after a nice long trip of 7 hours mostly on the expressway (that's for you armchair quarterbacks who seem to feel that we must be contributing to our problem. I've consistently driven it on trips that get it to full operating temp), I finally checked it again and found it back to its favorite place between the hole and twist.

If parts quality were for shit, then I don't see how it would only be a handful of trucks with bad pumps and/or injectors. I'll call if there's a next time. I hope there isn't, since I'm not looking for more free oil changes, unless it's Ford comping me for the grief.

 

[Texasota]

In late August I towed my boat for the second time on a long trip (500 - 600 miles) and the oil level rose to a little above the top hole (this happened both times). After the first towing trip a subsequent 100 mile highway non-towing trip resulted in the oil level going back down almost to the original level. I have not gone on another highway non-towing trip after the second time but I suspect if I do the oil level will again drop back down. The oil level remains stable when not towing. This suggests to me that my Ranger's oil level rises when under extended periods of boost.

My dealer (a good one) confirmed it was high again. They contacted Ford engineering and were directed to test the PVC system, bore scope the cylinders looking for fuel injector leaks, and check the HPFP for leaks. No fuel leaks were found and the tech also stated the oil did not have a gasoline odor. I have also never smelled hints of gasoline in the oil. The tech did say that there appears to be a lot of carbon in the oil.

If the oil level is rising when under extended periods of boost (towing my boat), then what is going into the oil? If it is blow-by, then is it water and carbon?

 

[geophb]

In late August I towed my boat for the second time on a long trip (500 - 600 miles) and the oil level rose to a little above the top hole (this happened both times). After the first towing trip a subsequent 100 mile highway non-towing trip resulted in the oil level going back down almost to the original level. I have not gone on another highway non-towing trip after the second time but I suspect if I do the oil level will again drop back down. The oil level remains stable when not towing. This suggests to me that my Ranger's oil level rises when under extended periods of boost.

My dealer (a good one) confirmed it was high again. They contacted Ford engineering and were directed to test the PVC system, bore scope the cylinders looking for fuel injector leaks, and check the HPFP for leaks. No fuel leaks were found and the tech also stated the oil did not have a gasoline odor. I have also never smelled hints of gasoline in the oil. The tech did say that there appears to be a lot of carbon in the oil.

If the oil level is rising when under extended periods of boost (towing my boat), then what is going into the oil? If it is blow-by, then is it water and carbon?

Was the oil tested to get a fuel dilution percentage?
If oil level is rising then my guess is fuel. Any condensation would get evaporated off while towing, so that wouldn't impact oil level. But fuel can/will blend with the oil and won't get evaporated off as much.
Oil level when checking can vary by how level the ground is or how long the oil is allowed to drain back to the pan.

 

[MotoWojo]

Man I hope they get the parts in and it works you've been around the block enough!

Update, I picked the truck up this past Thursday. They replaced all 4 injectors for a second time and the service report indicated they had done both a compression and a leak down test as well as inspected the HPFP, which was replaced this past May. The tests all came back within spec and Ford just recommended changing out the injectors again. Of course, they did not have time fix the AC, I will need to schedule later for that. I also got the latest oil sample report that they sent out. It was the oil that was changed right after the first time they changed the injectors and HPFP and had 2100 miles on it. The sample indicates 13% fuel dilution which was worse than the last sample that was 12%, but that oil only had ~500 miles on it.

Well, I've got ~200 miles since Thursday and the oil level has risen again to the max hole, about a 1/10" each 50 mile round trip to work and several weekend trips. Ford customer care told me if it was not fixed this time they would initiate a buyback. This stinks, I really like this truck. I will drive it another week and see if the oil continues to rise. I am wondering WTH is going on, how is it that they cannot figure this out? Anyway here is a copy of the oil sample report. It clearly states high fuel dilution, but I do not know if the other numbers are worrisome or not as I do not know what they should be?

 

[N. J. Jim]

Update, I picked the truck up this past Thursday. They replaced all 4 injectors for a second time and the service report indicated they had done both a compression and a leak down test as well as inspected the HPFP, which was replaced this past May. The tests all came back within spec and Ford just recommended changing out the injectors again. Of course, they did not have time fix the AC, I will need to schedule later for that. I also got the latest oil sample report that they sent out. It was the oil that was changed right after the first time they changed the injectors and HPFP and had 2100 miles on it. The sample indicates 13% fuel dilution which was better than the last sample that was 12%, but that oil only had ~500 miles on it.

Well, I've got ~200 miles since Thursday and the oil level has risen again to the max hole, about a 1/10" each 50 mile round trip to work and several weekend trips. Ford customer care told me if it was not fixed this time they would initiate a buyback. This stinks, I really like this truck. I will drive it another week and see if the oil continues to rise. I am wondering WTH is going on, how is it that they cannot figure this out? Anyway here is a copy of the oil sample report. It clearly states high fuel dilution, but I do not know if the other numbers are worrisome or not as I do not know what they should be?

Took mine in yesterday while parked in line at the bank shut it off for 20 minutes waiting for the bank to open and could not restart. Truck went into limp mode, finally got it started just in time to move up in line. They couldn't find anything wrong seamed to think it was interference with computer communication . Hasn't happened again.They said they found so many codes stored, they all couldn't be a problem. Changed oil again up to top hole rising again usually stops at that point will send sample off at that point if it stays their. Service advisor told me to provide oil sample report and see how much oil dilution it shows and then go from their. Good luck with yours!

 

[Texasota]

Was the oil tested to get a fuel dilution percentage?
If oil level is rising then my guess is fuel. Any condensation would get evaporated off while towing, so that wouldn't impact oil level. But fuel can/will blend with the oil and won't get evaporated off as much.
Oil level when checking can vary by how level the ground is or how long the oil is allowed to drain back to the pan.

No oil tests yet. I will on the next oil change which is coming up soon. I always check oil in my garage (level floor) after it has sat overnight.

 

[MotoWojo]

No oil tests yet. I will on the next oil change which is coming up soon. I always check oil in my garage (level floor) after it has sat overnight.

That is exactly how I check mine, every morning after it has sat overnight, parked in the same spot in my garage. It's actually very easy to tell when it is diluted badly as you have to have the rag handy to catch all the oil drips as it just flows off the dipstick when it's diluted badly.

 

[MotoWojo]

Took mine in yesterday while parked in line at the bank shut it off for 20 minutes waiting for the bank to open and could not restart. Truck went into limp mode, finally got it started just in time to move up in line. They couldn't find anything wrong seamed to think it was interference with computer communication . Hasn't happened again.They said they found so many codes stored, they all couldn't be a problem. Changed oil again up to top hole rising again usually stops at that point will send sample off at that point if it stays their. Service advisor told me to provide oil sample report and see how much oil dilution it shows and then go from their. Good luck with yours!

The service department at the dealership that worked on mine actually took samples for both of the oil tests done for my truck, they sent it out and paid for it. As for the limp mode issue, that seems pretty common, my truck has done the same thing twice in the past where it cycled thru what seemed every warning possible ending with "check manual" and wrench light. Always seemed to correct itself after a shutdown and restart? Heck. the 2020 Escape I had as a loaner had only 200 miles on it when I got it and it did that same thing once during the week I was driving it. Good luck on your situation also.

 

[N. J. Jim]

The service department at the dealership that worked on mine actually took samples for both of the oil tests done for my truck, they sent it out and paid for it. As for the limp mode issue, that seems pretty common, my truck has done the same thing twice in the past where it cycled thru what seemed every warning possible ending with "check manual" and wrench light. Always seemed to correct itself after a shutdown and restart? Heck. the 2020 Escape I had as a loaner had only 200 miles on it when I got it and it did that same thing once during the week I was driving it. Good luck on your situation also.

All the computer systems I guess you have to expect some glitches! As long as you can get going again! Thanks for the info!

 

[SymChris]

This silly thread... my recent’ish past experiences:
2005 Fusion (sedan) and 2007 Freestar (van) - always taken to same dealer/service. If I didn’t see oil or other fluids on the driveway considered all well. It was for those vehicles, no issues whatsoever, just normal wear items.
2017 Escape (still have) and the ‘19 Ranger - same, bring to the same dealer/service department. They haven’t done me wrong so far. (Kudos to Meadowvale Ford).

Back to topic - this thread made me decide to have a check of my oil, even though I never touch anything usually as per above.

Sure enough, as soon as I did the second dipstick reading I could smell the fuel.

I’m ok with it though... I’ll be bringing her in ( not named) for another six-month (18 months old) service in late October. Will be looking at getting winter/snow tires on too, but that’s another thread too

 

[cb4017]

Update, I picked the truck up this past Thursday. They replaced all 4 injectors for a second time and the service report indicated they had done both a compression and a leak down test as well as inspected the HPFP, which was replaced this past May. The tests all came back within spec and Ford just recommended changing out the injectors again. Of course, they did not have time fix the AC, I will need to schedule later for that. I also got the latest oil sample report that they sent out. It was the oil that was changed right after the first time they changed the injectors and HPFP and had 2100 miles on it. The sample indicates 13% fuel dilution which was worse than the last sample that was 12%, but that oil only had ~500 miles on it.

Well, I've got ~200 miles since Thursday and the oil level has risen again to the max hole, about a 1/10" each 50 mile round trip to work and several weekend trips. Ford customer care told me if it was not fixed this time they would initiate a buyback. This stinks, I really like this truck. I will drive it another week and see if the oil continues to rise. I am wondering WTH is going on, how is it that they cannot figure this out? Anyway here is a copy of the oil sample report. It clearly states high fuel dilution, but I do not know if the other numbers are worrisome or not as I do not know what they should be?

Wear metals look good. Viscosity is low for a 5w-30 or even a 5w-20. It should be around 10 cSt. Fuel dilution is high as you know. Should be less that 2% and lower is better. I didn't see flashpoint but would assume that is low also because of the fuel.

 

[MotoWojo]

Wear metals look good. Viscosity is low for a 5w-30 or even a 5w-20. It should be around 10 cSt. Fuel dilution is high as you know. Should be less that 2% and lower is better. I didn't see flashpoint but would assume that is low also because of the fuel.

Thanks for the info, yes it says the viscosity is below the specified limits, but I am assuming that if the wear metals are low, it has not harmed the engine yet? I sure wish Ford could diagnose the cause in my case. Unfortunately, the Ford Customer rep told me that if it wasn't fixed this time, they would initiate a buyback and with ~250 miles on since the most recent fix attempt, the oil level has already risen to about an 1/8" over the max hole. Even though there are a few of us on here with this issue, it does not seem to be widespread, and I like the truck so much, if I have to go the buyback route, I will push for a replacement.

 

[cb4017]

Thanks for the info, yes it says the viscosity is below the specified limits, but I am assuming that if the wear metals are low, it has not harmed the engine yet? I sure wish Ford could diagnose the cause in my case. Unfortunately, the Ford Customer rep told me that if it wasn't fixed this time, they would initiate a buyback and with ~250 miles on since the most recent fix attempt, the oil level has already risen to about an 1/8" over the max hole. Even though there are a few of us on here with this issue, it does not seem to be widespread, and I like the truck so much, if I have to go the buyback route, I will push for a replacement.

Based on the wear metals I suspect your engine has not been harmed yet and would likely be fine if Ford could ever figure this out. The 2.3L EB engine has been around for a while. You would think the bugs would be pretty much worked out.

Like you, I like my truck. I'm kind of dreading sending in the first oil sample.

 

[Motorpsychology]

Thats pretty bad for just blow-by. Wonder if maybe there was an injector stuck on?

Wouldn't that throw a code? Don't know, myself.

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