After all the issues I have had, I drilled the weep hole in the CAC. Got a ton of oil and water out of it, and have been driving it pretty hard since to clean it out. Drivability issue is gone and it definitely 'feels' stronger. I am glad that I did this.
Did you install a plug or leave it open? Keep us updated ...
It's open.
Quote from: 93Cobra on January 26, 2016, 12:13:53 PM
After all the issues I have had, I drilled the weep hole in the CAC. Got a ton of oil and water out of it, and have been driving it pretty hard since to clean it out. Drivability issue is gone and it definitely 'feels' stronger. I am glad that I did this.
Do you have a picture where you did this?
I didn't get a picture while I was in there, but will try to get somethings for you. I was amazed at how much it puked out.
Quote from: 93Cobra on January 26, 2016, 01:28:44 PM
I didn't get a picture while I was in there, but will try to get somethings for you. I was amazed at how much it puked out.
Thanks. This mod is new to me
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Quote from: 93Cobra on January 26, 2016, 12:36:43 PM
It's open.
So where does all this fluid leak out.
Does it just blow out onto the lower splash deflector and under the car ?
I imagine this would make a mess of the subframe and lower engine.
Quote from: glock-coma on January 26, 2016, 02:54:52 PM
Quote from: 93Cobra on January 26, 2016, 12:36:43 PM
It's open.
So where does all this fluid leak out.
Does it just blow out onto the lower splash deflector and under the car ?
I imagine this would make a mess of the subframe and lower engine.
Who cares if it makes a mess...automatic rust protection...and boost leaks are cool lol
Why would you create a boost leak to fix an issue with fluid buildup?
This is by far the dumbest thing i have heard to give an idea to a regular Joe who knows little about forced induction engines.
Why not attach a catch can, under that hole, to keep the system leak free, and for easier maintenance. Or simply put a plug.
I would just simply add a Drain plug,the same as the Radiator has. Z http://www.tascaparts.com/ford/taurus/foaz8115a/2013-year/sho-trim/3-5l-v6-gas-engine/cooling-system-cat/radiator-and-components-scat/?part_name=radiator-drain-plug (http://www.tascaparts.com/ford/taurus/foaz8115a/2013-year/sho-trim/3-5l-v6-gas-engine/cooling-system-cat/radiator-and-components-scat/?part_name=radiator-drain-plug) Great to hear you finally resolved your issues thats what counts. Z
How about this...
(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSyaRXkDDRz5yfFrpiH4l3ivupvhFh4I7FdA56VYWDTee7phWfX7w)
Or...
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbNY0F5DKUiasSAc1RXmMs3CyJ_V9JqSkB4eJsk5ZqbY-K5kI_)
Why in the hell would you drill a hole in your intercooler? You're now venting out un measured air and causing a vacuum leak.
Quote from: Vortech347 on January 27, 2016, 12:01:24 PM
Why in the hell would you drill a hole in your intercooler? You're now venting out un measured air and causing a vacuum leak.
The air hasn't been metered at that point...Not a vacuum leak but a boost leak. Luckily for the fools who do this, the car meters the air via the MAP sensor for primary fueling...It's the only reason this mod works without throwing things out of whack.....No holes in my pressurized system though.
Quote from: ajpturbo on January 27, 2016, 12:09:56 PM
Quote from: Vortech347 on January 27, 2016, 12:01:24 PM
Why in the hell would you drill a hole in your intercooler? You're now venting out un measured air and causing a vacuum leak.
The air hasn't been metered at that point...Not a vacuum leak but a boost leak. Luckily for the fools who do this, the car meters the air via the MAP sensor for primary fueling...It's the only reason this mod works without throwing things out of whack.....No holes in my pressurized system though.
I do realize that but even a 1/4 inch hole AFTER the air filter and at the lowest part of the inter-cooler you are just asking for trouble. @ 10K in dusty situations or in high water area and that little weep hole will destroy your engine.
People that do this need to realize that just drilling a hole on the lower part of the inter-cooler is not a very bright idea.
Quote from: ajpturbo on January 27, 2016, 12:09:56 PM
Quote from: Vortech347 on January 27, 2016, 12:01:24 PM
Why in the hell would you drill a hole in your intercooler? You're now venting out un measured air and causing a vacuum leak.
The air hasn't been metered at that point...Not a vacuum leak but a boost leak. Luckily for the fools who do this, the car meters the air via the MAP sensor for primary fueling...It's the only reason this mod works without throwing things out of whack.....No holes in my pressurized system though.
That's right I forgot, I'm so used to tuning my ancient MAF cars. :)
Anything wrong with drilling a hole in the inter-cooler and thread a bolt in there, then remove it every two months on a dry day drive for 20 miles then screw the bolt back in.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Drilling a hole through a part in the intake track is nuts. You'll never properly remove all the metal shavings.
Quote from: Rodsmith on January 27, 2016, 04:29:21 PM
Anything wrong with drilling a hole in the inter-cooler and thread a bolt in there, then remove it every two months on a dry day drive for 20 miles then screw the bolt back in.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
I would just invest in a good suction type air compressor and have her suck it out while the front drivers side is elevated,had mine performed at the dealer for free,found roughly half an inch of oil and h20 mixture inside. Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urMO7Z5d02k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urMO7Z5d02k)
Checked mine... Not a drop at 62k miles...
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NICE!
Now that I have some miles on this, the car is definitely more enjoyable. No acceleration issues and it feels much better.
Still going strong with this mod. Plugs are staying nice and clean, power is back, and gas mileage is up.
93cobra, is the car still running strong with the weep hole? Any issues?
I've seen this "fix" mentioned a lot on the F150 forums in the past. SMH
It's easy to occasionally vacuum out or back flush the CAC, so I will never be drilling my intercooler.
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About 3 weeks ago It began, the dreaded sputtering after a long day at the beach last thing i want is car problems,
check engine light was flashing & then it became solid, the next day the sputter was gone and so was the CE indicator.
a week later the sputtering began again with flashing CE, changed plugs to Autolight iridium plugs, I ordered 6 Accel coils thru Jegs but had to send them back because those had 3 pins our clips have 2 pins I
sent them back and purchased Motorcraft from Ford dealer, after installing sputtering continued, after i did some reading and watching some videos in went ahead, drilled a 1/16 hole to the bottom of the intercooler,
a large amount of thick oil drained out, I drove around the block 5 times, parked and left it Idleing for 10 minutes, this morning I started my car sputtering gone , it is smoother then ever before.
I read that quite a few of you guys are against that drilling but just wanted to let you all know it help me, CE light still on tho do i need to get it flashed at dealer? any suggestions?
oh, ill post pictures asap.
Can you add your vehicle information? (year/model/mods/possibly mileage)
Depending on the codes present, they may just need to be cleared out, other may need further investigation.
The CE light usually stays illuminated with any code that is set. Most likely a clearing of codes will remove it.
As for the drilling, glad it helped you, though I bet cleaning the intercooler out without drilling would have achieved the same result.
Only time will tell if that was a bad thing to do, thanks for your inputs
I'll attempt to install a drain plug to the PTU.
And good write ups for that job?
There are writeups for the 6F50 PTU, but not the 6F55. AFAIK, you'd be the first to install a drain plug on this PTU. IDK if the 13+ Perf Pkg PTU can be used as a guide as to where to install the drain plug.
Quote from: Bklynite on January 26, 2017, 11:44:59 AM
I'll attempt to install a drain plug to the PTU.
And good write ups for that job?
Wait... a drain plug in the PTU or CAC/Intercooler? How'd we end up on PTU? LOL
DON'T attempt to drill a "weep hole" in the PTU. ;)
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Oh ok, I thought I could, thanks for the warning
Owe you a cold one MiWiAu & SHOdded.
Quote from: Bklynite on January 26, 2017, 05:16:20 PM
Oh ok, I thought I could, thanks for the warning
Owe you a cold one MiWiAu & SHOdded.
If you were actually talking about a PTU drain, it might be possible. I was confused since the topic changed from CAC to PTU.
I was just saying not to drill the weeping hole in your PTU, since you want to keep oil in that. (sarcasm, LOL)
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Quote from: Bklynite on January 26, 2017, 11:44:59 AM
Only time will tell if that was a bad thing to do, thanks for your inputs
I'll attempt to install a drain plug to the PTU.
And good write ups for that job?
You will be fine with tge weep hole.... I have had mine for a long time and all misfires have gone away. The weep hole is necessary since you never know when condensate will build and ne sucked up under acceleration. Sure it is nice to clean out the intercooler, but why do that? It doesn't solve the problem. The weep hole is allowing the intercooler to ALWAYS stay dry.
Yes - I have not experienced the problems that I once had. The intercooler is venting out the crap before it blows out spark and misfire.
The weep hole is necessary since you never know when condensate builds. If you wait to clean it out, it's too late. The weep hole is self cleaning!
Just wanna add that after making that weep hole i havent had any problems either, i decided to remove the new Motorcraft coils and reinstall the ones that came with the vehicle when i started getting the Codes and sputtering i jumped on the Fl. Turnpike and opened it up to 80, 90, 110,110 mph for bout 6 miles without a hiccup and it idles and runs Just as smooth.
So far happy camper.
Where is the weep hole drilled? I didn't see any pics, so I thought I'd ask.
Anybody thought about unfiltered air getting in the intake ?
I hear silica is great for engines....
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/89/silicon-engine-oil (http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/89/silicon-engine-oil)
I'm not a fan of weep holes but as I recall Volvo did have weep holes in intercooler on the 850s, S70s and V70s
Can anyone point were to drill the weep hole (pass or driver side)????. Thanks
Quote from: joe raptor on February 04, 2017, 10:34:49 AM
Can anyone point were to drill the weep hole (pass or driver side)????. Thanks
FWIW they usually drill a hole on the bottom (driver'side)of the intercooler AFAIK. Z
I would also mention that this procedure should be attempted at your own risk (rule) may apply IMHO. Z
@ joe raptor, i drilled the 1/16 hole at the very bottom of passenger sideside
I did jack up the front of my car and removed all the plastic trims and my CAC is encased in hard plastic !!!!!!! .I saw the a/c condenser and the radiator but the CAC is surrounded by this hard plastic box ! and after a good amount of time to figure out how to get to it , I gave up !!! Does anyone have encounter this situation ?? Any ideas or solution of "how to "?
what about sucking the crap out of the intercooler. i think their is some instructions for doing that online.
Sounds like a fluid extractor is the way to go....maybe even use the dipstick in the charge pipe to even see if there is a reason to anything drastic
So where is all this oil coming from? It shouldn't be the PCV system since it is being sucked into the intake manifold. The crankcase breather doesn't produce this much oil into the charge piping/intake tract even while under full boost unless the rings are shot. I'm guessing it is the stock turbos spitting out that film of oil via the compressor outlet.
I routed an endoscopic camera into the hot side of the intercooler and found a thin layer of oil on the bottom.
Can anyone show a picture (location) of the weep hole in the CAC ? , is the CAC right behind the A/C condenser ?? Thanks!!!
If it Ain't broke,Don't Fix it rule may apply here and save yourself from future headaches which can potentially and ultimately void your warranty. Z
ZSHO if you clean the maf sensor and others every week, like I do , because oil film is all over the sensors and the performance of my car is very poor !, YES you will like to have the weep hole !!. I went to my dealer and ask them how much $ it will be for them to vacuum the CAC and the service guy told me that they don't do that, they will have to disassemble the whole enchilada and I was looking to pay a lot of $$$ !!!!. And YES I do have a oil can catch !
We don't have MAF sensors since the EcoBoost engines are all speed density. I don't know if cleaning the MAP sensor regularly would do anything. Mine is always covered in some kind of oil film.
The oil catch can / separator won't do anything to prevent oil collection in the intercooler. I have yet to see any evidence that the PCV system is dumping oil into the charged pipe system (I made a few posts/threads about this in this forum and others). The vapors can get sucked into the intake manifold which gets burned. The crankcase vent area doesn't send out anywhere near the amount of oil vapors that would amount to what I'd see in the turbo discharge or charge pipes.
One of my guesses at this point is that the oil is coming from the turbochargers themselves and possibly not from "seal" wear because there aren't any seals. They use steel rings (like snaprings/piston rings) on the ends of the shaft by the compressor and turbine wheels. The oiling system relies on something like a gravity drain and if the turbo is oriented in a weird way (beyond 20 degrees), the oil doesn't drain properly and can leak out through one of the shaft ends. Ford probably had to package the turbos in a way that may not be ideal for the oiling system, but would "get the job done" in terms of space/design constraints. Again, just my guess at this point.
Quote from: joe raptor on March 05, 2017, 11:17:46 AM
ZSHO if you clean the maf sensor and others every week, like I do , because oil film is all over the sensors and the performance of my car is very poor !, YES you will like to have the weep hole !!. I went to my dealer and ask them how much $ it will be for them to vacuum the CAC and the service guy told me that they don't do that, they will have to disassemble the whole enchilada and I was looking to pay a lot of $$$ !!!!. And YES I do have a oil can catch !
I had my Dealer use a compressor type suction gun which literally took minutes to suck out any oil /water/fuel accumilated inside the CAC and
Act as safeguard instead of drilling a hole and having to worry about your warranty aspect that's all. Z
ftp://
! No longer available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urMO7Z5d02k#)
Joe, you want to drill a hole in the intercooler, that is up to you. At this time, we have no basis upon which to support this mod, at least for the transverse engines, when we already have an established CAC cleaning procedure in place. Certainly if you do the mod, you are welcome to record and report on the mod & results, but that is that.
From time to time, i'll suck out the buildup like ZSHO posted in that clip with my mityvac. There's barely anything in there and takes about 10 minutes to do. Nothing I've been overly concerned with.
Can I get the model # for the mityvac ?,they have different models to use for ! Thanks !!
Quote from: joe raptor on March 06, 2017, 10:05:50 AM
Can I get the model # for the mityvac ?,they have different models to use for ! Thanks !!
This is the one i use. I use it for everything from the PTU to differentials. Works well.
https://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-7400-Liter-Fluid-Evacuator/dp/B000JFJM14/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1488813650&sr=8-5&keywords=mityvac (https://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-7400-Liter-Fluid-Evacuator/dp/B000JFJM14/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1488813650&sr=8-5&keywords=mityvac)
My SHO is still going strong with this weep hole fix. I have not had a misfire since doing this. Two things to point out:
1. This hole does not introduce unfiltered air or junk into the engine. This is the pressure loop and the hole creates a very minor boost loss. We have measurements on this to prove how little.
2. Cleaning out the intercooler does not solve the problem. This intercooler is finicky and can build up condensate at any point. With the weep hole, it is self cleaning and you guarantee never to have a misfire.
Thanks brother !!
Quote from: joe raptor on March 29, 2017, 11:44:37 AM
Thanks brother !!
do you have pictures of whats needed and where to drill the hole?
Cobra, do U drive the SHO on short trips which could cause a lot of condensation in the intake ?? The wife drives the SHO on a lot of short trips so I was just wondering?
Quote from: 93Cobra on March 29, 2017, 11:28:14 AM
his intercooler is finicky and can build up condensate at any point. With the weep hole, it is self cleaning and you guarantee never to have a misfire.
I suggest you drill a series of holes along the bottom of the intercooler just in case the 1 weephole is not catching it all.
--- DISCLAIMER: People doing this do it at their own risk, and this forum does not support this mod. ---
Quote from: 93Cobra on March 29, 2017, 11:28:14 AM
1. This hole does not introduce unfiltered air or junk into the engine. This is the pressure loop and the hole creates a very minor boost loss. We have measurements on this to prove how little.
Just because I'm feeling difficult... ;)
Where does the intake air on your SHO come from when you're running under vacuum (i.e. cruise)?
On my XSport, this air is still pulled (not pushed as it is when in boost) through the intercooler, so, in my case, a weep hole could draw unfiltered air IN when not under boost.
I didn't realize the sedans were so different. :P
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Quote from: 93Cobra on March 29, 2017, 11:28:14 AM
My SHO is still going strong with this weep hole fix. I have not had a misfire since doing this. Two things to point out:
1. This hole does not introduce unfiltered air or junk into the engine. This is the pressure loop and the hole creates a very minor boost loss. We have measurements on this to prove how little.
2. Cleaning out the intercooler does not solve the problem. This intercooler is finicky and can build up condensate at any point. With the weep hole, it is self cleaning and you guarantee never to have a misfire.
Its funny you mention that this so-called mod creates a very minor boost loss!!!
Is there any factual data or evidence to back up any such claims for this mod theory of yours ?
I don"t think its wise promoting this procedure AS IT CAN BE Detrimental to ones vehicle and ultimately cause more harm than good and any such mod is not supported and need to respect that and we need to move on. Z
Quote from: MiWiAu on March 29, 2017, 07:19:54 PM
Quote from: 93Cobra on March 29, 2017, 11:28:14 AM
1. This hole does not introduce unfiltered air or junk into the engine. This is the pressure loop and the hole creates a very minor boost loss. We have measurements on this to prove how little.
Just because I'm feeling difficult... ;)
Where does the intake air on your SHO come from when you're running under vacuum (i.e. cruise)?
On my XSport, this air is still pulled (not pushed as it is when in boost) through the intercooler, so, in my case, a weep hole could draw unfiltered air IN when not under boost.
I didn't realize the sedans were so different. :P
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I'm right there with you and my Flex works just like your Explorer. :-)
If the EB motors had a MAF a weep hole would pop a check engine light due to the boost and vacuum leak...
Quote from: 93Cobra on March 29, 2017, 11:28:14 AM
My SHO is still going strong with this weep hole fix. I have not had a misfire since doing this. Two things to point out:
1. This hole does not introduce unfiltered air or junk into the engine. This is the pressure loop and the hole creates a very minor boost loss. We have measurements on this to prove how little.
2. Cleaning out the intercooler does not solve the problem. This intercooler is finicky and can build up condensate at any point. With the weep hole, it is self cleaning and you guarantee never to have a misfire.
How many miles have you put on your car since this now? Have you had any issues? The one thing I'm worrying about is if I drive through a deep enough puddle of the vacuum will actually pull water in. I know the 1/16 hole is super tiny. Have you thought about plugging it with a self tapping screw just for safety? Contemplating doing this. Can you please post a picture or a video of the weep hole in action and maybe the logs of testing?
Quote from: 12Murd3rSho on November 03, 2017, 05:11:39 PM
Quote from: 93Cobra on March 29, 2017, 11:28:14 AM
My SHO is still going strong with this weep hole fix. I have not had a misfire since doing this. Two things to point out:
1. This hole does not introduce unfiltered air or junk into the engine. This is the pressure loop and the hole creates a very minor boost loss. We have measurements on this to prove how little.
2. Cleaning out the intercooler does not solve the problem. This intercooler is finicky and can build up condensate at any point. With the weep hole, it is self cleaning and you guarantee never to have a misfire.
How many miles have you put on your car since this now? Have you had any issues? The one thing I'm worrying about is if I drive through a deep enough puddle of the vacuum will actually pull water in. I know the 1/16 hole is super tiny. Have you thought about plugging it with a self tapping screw just for safety? Contemplating doing this. Can you please post a picture or a video of the weep hole in action and maybe the logs of testing?
FYI- That member has not been active since 5/17 but unfortunately it's not a plausible Topic of discussion on this platform. TIA. Z
Quote from: ZSHO on March 29, 2017, 07:46:23 PM
Quote from: 93Cobra on March 29, 2017, 11:28:14 AM
My SHO is still going strong with this weep hole fix. I have not had a misfire since doing this. Two things to point out:
1. This hole does not introduce unfiltered air or junk into the engine. This is the pressure loop and the hole creates a very minor boost loss. We have measurements on this to prove how little.
2. Cleaning out the intercooler does not solve the problem. This intercooler is finicky and can build up condensate at any point. With the weep hole, it is self cleaning and you guarantee never to have a misfire.
Its funny you mention that this so-called mod creates a very minor boost loss!!!
Is there any factual data or evidence to back up any such claims for this mod theory of yours ?
I don"t think its wise promoting this procedure AS IT CAN BE Detrimental to ones vehicle and ultimately cause more harm than good and any such mod is not supported and need to respect that and we need to move on. Z
Glad to hear that drilling a werp hole in CAC is not necessary.
I feel like adding to this, just to make sure things are covered well:
Yes, all transverse engines use the intercooler as the primary intake track to the engine (boost and vacuum run through it) The Blowoff or bypass valves (still haven't gotten a definitive answer on how they actually function) are plumbed prior to the intercooler. Any hole in the intercooler could potentially draw in unfiltered air and maybe particulates.
The biggest issue I have with this is the comment of boost loss. A 1/16" hole will not leak a significant amount of boost, but what it does do is require the turbos to work harder to maintain a specified pressure. You really won't lose anything (maybe a little bit of turbo response), but the computer will not allow the wastegate control valve (boost control) to open until the pressure is attained. This equals higher shaft speed, which equals more wear. How much more? I don't know, but neither does anyone who has done this mod.
The oil in the intake can come from 2 places: either the valve cover vent that goes right before the forward (Left) turbo or from the turbos themselves. I always have a thin film in my charge pipes and have my forward valve cover vent to atmosphere through a breather. So, that oil comes from the turbos.
I have put ~42k miles on the car since drilling the weep hole. All of the misfires I had have not been back since. Car runs great, and no problems. Gas mileage is in the 23mpg range for my mixed commute. The water/condensation buildup in the intercooler has a place to go now rather than creating misfires. If you are curious about more data points, ask the F150 folks.... problems they had were resolved same as mine.
Quote from: 93Cobra on January 18, 2018, 10:11:19 AM
I have put ~42k miles on the car since drilling the weep hole. All of the misfires I had have not been back since. Car runs great, and no problems. Gas mileage is in the 23mpg range for my mixed commute. The water/condensation buildup in the intercooler has a place to go now rather than creating misfires. If you are curious about more data points, ask the F150 folks.... problems they had were resolved same as mine.
FYI - This type of procedure is not supported on this Forum period!
I appreciate your cooperation and Need to move on! TIA. Z
Not a problem - just passing on a fix for those who fight misfire issues and lack of performance. This 1/16" weep hole has fixed the issue and proven to be problem-free... both here, and the F150 ecoboost world.
Quote from: 93Cobra on January 18, 2018, 11:01:38 AM
Not a problem - just passing on a fix for those who fight misfire issues and lack of performance. This 1/16" weep hole has fixed the issue and proven to be problem-free... both here, and the F150 ecoboost world.
I think you Respectively made your point loud and clear until now and you still continue to mention this so-called fix above!!!!!! Time to move on! Z