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Motorsport

Ford 2.7-Liter EcoBoost Engine Teardown Reveals Melted Piston

The 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine by Ford is widely used in various vehicles, with the F-150 being the most popular. This engine, featured in a video by ‘I Do Cars’, underwent a teardown that uncovered a melted piston inside the cylinder.

The engine in question was removed from a 2015-2017 F-150, but the reasons for its removal are unknown. Its mileage is also unclear, and it is uncertain if any aftermarket tuning was done to the engine. However, visually, it appears to be completely stock.

The video begins with the engine on a stand, still intact and showing no signs of damage. It still turns over smoothly and exhibits good compression. However, the discovery of an undone electrical connector on one of the spark plug coils raises suspicion. Additionally, it seems that the spark plugs from that cylinder bank had been removed and reinstalled at some point. Nevertheless, all the plugs appear to be factory original, indicating that the engine has likely traveled less than 100,000 miles.

The disassembly continues, with the removal of the wiring harness, intake plenum, and turbochargers. At this point, the connection starts to become clearer as one of the turbos shows small metal flakes in a mesh filter. The oil filter is also cut open, revealing more metal fragments. It becomes evident that a significant failure has occurred within the engine.

Removing the valve covers confirms that the dual overhead camshafts and valvetrain are in good condition, although additional small metal flakes are found in various locations. Furthermore, the removal of the timing chain cover uncovers sparkly metal bits in oily areas at the bottom. However, the components remain undamaged. Finally, the heads are removed, and the first one looks fine, just like the rest of the teardown.

The second head reveals the issue—a melted piston. Although the missing part of the piston is relatively small, it has caused extensive damage. The piston literally melted into the cylinder wall, resulting in damage to the valves and combustion chamber in that cylinder.

It is uncertain if the engine block can be salvaged, and the exact cause of this condition remains unknown. The video does not provide a definitive conclusion, except to say that there are several factors that could lead to a melted piston. Nonetheless, the teardown reveals that Ford’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine is generally well-built from a manufacturing standpoint.

It is worth noting that Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine during this period. The TSB addresses issues with faulty valves in the heads, which could cause rough running and excessive oil consumption. However, it is unclear if this problem is related to the specific engine failure shown in the video.

ToyotaUk

Desert Running Goes Digital with Toyota Tacoma IsoDynamic Performance Seat Simulator at SEMA

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2023) – The upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro will feature the innovative IsoDynamic Performance Seats that are designed to provide a smoother off-road driving experience. To showcase the capabilities of these seats, Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) has created a video game called “TRD Pro Time Attack” that simulates off-road driving using a six-degree-of-freedom simulator.

The TRD Pro Time Attack is being unveiled at the SEMA Show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The game combines the new IsoDynamic Performance Seat with the simulator, allowing drivers to navigate a dynamic, high-speed course and experience how the seat reduces fatigue and stabilizes the ride on rough terrain.

Eric Bursch, the design and innovation lead at TCNA, explained that the goal of the game was to demonstrate the performance capabilities of the IsoDynamic Performance Seat. By gamifying the experience, they are able to show how the seat performs on a simulated off-road course in a fun and educational way.

Before creating the video game, Bursch and the TCNA team studied the seat’s performance in relation to terrain undulations at Toyota’s R&D facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They also calibrated the simulator’s vibration levels to match the real-world experience at Toyota’s Arizona proving grounds.

The TCNA Immersive Experiences team, which includes engineers and artists with experience in the video game and phone app industries, created a custom Baja-style racecourse for the game. They also collaborated with Toyota partner JBL to create an audio profile that enhances the experience.

Allen Danklefsen, TCNA’s Technical Executive Producer, highlighted the importance of providing customers with an engaging experience that helps them confidently choose the right truck. The use of cutting-edge technology in creating the game adds to its appeal.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is expected to be available for sale in spring 2024. The TRD Pro Time Attack game is available to SEMA attendees from October 31 to November 3.

Citreon

Brits Living in Cities Could Face Up to £18M in Fines for Parking Outside Marked Bays, Reveals Citroën UK

  • A study conducted by Citroën UK has discovered that the ten largest local authorities in the UK have issued more than 137,000 fines to drivers for not parking within the designated parking bays.
  • These fines have potentially cost British drivers around £18 million since 2019.
  • Edinburgh Council handed out the highest number of fines, recording 19,800 offenses.
  • The Citroën Ami, measuring 2.41 meters long and 1.39 meters wide, can fit in half the size of a standard parking bay. If everyone drove an Ami, local authorities could double the number of available parking spaces in their areas.
  • The Citroën Ami 100% Electric offers a groundbreaking approach to urban mobility, with an electric range of up to 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph.

 

 

According to new research conducted by Citroën UK, British drivers living in cities could be held accountable for fines of up to £18 million due to Penalty Charge Notices for failing to park their vehicles inside designated parking bays. A total of 137,000 fines were issued to motorists who parked outside the marked lines of parking bays since 2019, as revealed through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made to the largest ten local authorities running cities in the UK, including all 32 London Boroughs*.

The study found that Edinburgh Council handed out the largest number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) to drivers who parked outside the marked bays, with over 19,800 PCNs issued since 2019. In comparison, Tower Hamlets Council in London only issued 52 PCNs for the same offense during the same period.

Glasgow Council came in second place, issuing 17,800 PCNs since 2019, while Havering Council in London issued over 15,700. According to the AA, drivers who receive a PCN for a parking violation can face fines of up to £130**, meaning that the 137,000 fines received could have cost drivers up to £17.9 million. In London alone, over £9 million could have been collected from drivers who parked outside designated areas.

The Citroën Ami 100% Electric is specifically designed for navigating and parking in cities across the UK. With dimensions of just 2.41 meters long and 1.39 meters wide, the Ami 100% Electric can fit in half of a standard parallel parking space. The British Parking Association recommends parking spaces to be 4.8 meters long and 2.4 meters wide, which means that local authorities could double the number of available spaces in crowded urban areas if everyone used an Ami. This would also prevent drivers of larger vehicles from the risk of not fitting into a parking space.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, stated, “Our research shows that people are having difficulties parking their cars in urban environments, potentially making millions of motorists across the country liable for fines. The Ami 100% Electric is the perfect solution for driving in urban areas and represents an innovative and revolutionary way of navigating cities. It exemplifies the best of Citroën, offering creative and enjoyable solutions to real problems.”

As an electric mobility solution, the Ami produces zero emissions when used and features a 5.4kWh battery that can be fully charged in just four hours. With a range of up to 46 miles and a top speed of 28mph, the Ami 100% Electric is a modern and inventive solution that fulfills Citroën’s commitment to providing affordable and eco-friendly mobility solutions for all.

For more information about the Citroën Ami, please visit: https://www.citroen.co.uk/ami#my_ami_ami

 

Motorsport

Watch the 2023 BMW M2 Reach a Top Speed of 180 MPH on the Autobahn

In April of this year, we got behind the wheel of the 2023 BMW M2 and found it to be a smaller and more agile version of the M4. However, the new M2 is also more powerful and heavier than its predecessor. Despite these changes, the hot hatch is incredibly fast. And what better way to demonstrate this than with a video of the car driving on an unrestricted section of the German highway?

The team at AutoTopNL recently had the opportunity to test the M2 (codenamed G87). They specialize in pushing various production and modified cars to their limits on the Autobahn to determine their top speeds. In the case of the 2023 M2, the car tested was completely stock, equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 456 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. To put these numbers in perspective, that’s 48 more horsepower than the previous M2 Competition and 8 more horsepower than the most powerful M2 CS.


News

UK fuel prices: Petrol and diesel costs rise “unjustifiably”

A recent report has revealed that the increase in UK fuel prices is said to be unjustified. The investigation conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) determined that Asda and Morrisons, the two cheapest fuel sellers, initiated the rise by targeting higher profit margins. As a result, Asda’s fuel margin target for 2023 was over three times what it was in 2019, while Morrisons doubled its margin target in the same period.

Other retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco did not respond in a competitive manner. Instead, they raised their prices in line with the changes made by Asda and Morrisons. This lack of competition has weakened the market, leading the CMA to emphasize the need for action.

The report also highlighted the slow decrease in diesel prices, largely due to Asda gradually reducing its prices as wholesale prices fell. Additionally, other companies failed to respond competitively to this price decline. The CMA estimated that drivers paid 13ppl (pence per liter) more for diesel from January 2023 to the end of May 2023 compared to the historic average margins.

To address these issues, the CMA has suggested implementing a “fuel finder scheme” that would provide drivers with real-time fuel prices through their phones or satellite navigation systems. This scheme aims to revive competition in the retail road fuel market. The CMA also recommended the establishment of a monitoring body to hold the industry accountable.

The RAC spokesperson, Simon Williams, highlighted that the increase in retailer margins has resulted in drivers paying nearly £1 billion more for fuel, which is concerning given the current cost of living crisis. This confirms ongoing concerns about supermarkets treating drivers unfairly at the pumps.

NewsNew

RACE SAG FOR YOUR FORK: MR KNOW-IT-ALL

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,

I’ve heard how important sag is and found a lot of information on rear sag, but, surprisingly, little on fork sag. Could you please trickle down some of your vast knowledge on this subject? As an example, I have a 2021 KTM 300XC-W and ride mostly beatup single- and double-track in the forest. I am 185–190 pounds full gear. Thanks in advance.

Steve Baum

via [email protected]

Great query, Steve. Improper fork sag and spring preload can unhinge the handling traits of your machine. I spoke with Dick Wilk, a suspension expert, to get his insights on setting front sag:

“Similar to the rear, the static sag is the most crucial and should be around 25–35mm. Unlike the rear, the front sag is generally not adjustable externally, which is why there is limited information available. However, you can set the static sag on the shock first and then fine-tune the front by raising or lowering the forks in the clamps to find a comfortable handling setup. It’s important to note that the fork spring preload should be between 3–7mm. This is significant because over-preloading can negatively affect the front’s ability to absorb small impacts, maintain a line, and handle tight, rutted corners.”

For more Mr Know It All, click here.

If you don’t mind showcasing your failures for the world to see, we won’t deny you the opportunity. Submit evidence of your failures to [email protected]

Motorsport

Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 Coupe Spotted at Full Speed on the Nürburgring

In today’s SUV-dominated era and with the rise of electric vehicles, coupes powered by traditional engines face a difficult market. Mercedes, however, believes it has found a solution to satisfy both accountants and enthusiasts. How? By replacing the C63 Coupe and E63 Coupe with the all-new CLE 63 Coupe. Recently, spy photographers managed to capture a heavily camouflaged prototype of this sporty luxury two-door in action at the famous Nürburgring track.

Although covered in camouflage, there are some key details that reveal it is the high-performance “63” version. Just take a look at the rear, where the rectangular quad exhausts catch the eye. The coupe’s design showcases a full production body, featuring a prominent rear spoiler, large air intakes, and the signature Panamericana grille. Its lowered, rigid suspension, along with the larger wheels and brakes, indicate a car that sticks to the road with utmost precision.


Opinion

Matt Prior: Appreciating Ineos for the Grenadier

I finally had the opportunity to drive an Ineos Grenadier, and although it was a short drive, it was enough to make me like the vehicle and appreciate its off-road capabilities.

While other serious modern 4x4s could have handled the chalky course I drove, not all would have done so with such ease.

The version I drove was the Utility Wagon, which does not have the locking front and rear differentials found in the Station Wagon model. However, it still features a locking center differential, low-ratio gear set, hill descent, and stability control systems. Although it may not have the full range of terrain-adjustable features like a Land Rover or a Jeep, the hardware is solid.

Initially, I had doubts about whether Ineos would be able to find enough buyers for a car priced at £70,000, as it doesn’t offer the luxury of a high-end off-roader nor the affordability of a utility pick-up truck. However, my skepticism diminished when I encountered another new owner recently.

While I am cautious about relying solely on anecdotal evidence, this individual is the fourth person I know who owns and enjoys the Grenadier. They appreciate its on-road performance, which they consider to be better than an old Land Rover Defender and on par with a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. They also appreciate the sturdy and practical design elements of the vehicle.

Additionally, they jokingly mentioned that the smaller of the two boot doors can be opened to fit a sausage dog inside without having to open the larger door. On a more serious note, this feature is helpful when towing a trailer, as it prevents the rear door from hitting the trailer’s jockey-wheel handle, a common issue with my 2005 Defender.

The fact that Ineos is already aware of the existence of “flippers” – individuals who intend to quickly resell cars for profit – is a testament to the strength of the demand for the Grenadier. Despite this, Ineos plans to produce 15,000 Grenadiers by the end of the year.

News

Fuel profit margins have more than doubled since the war in Ukraine began

A recent report has revealed that fuel profit margins have significantly increased since the war in Ukraine began. Asda and Morrisons, the two cheapest fuel sellers, were found to be the main instigators of this rise. However, Asda was also fined £60,000 for not fully co-operating with the investigation conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

In 2023, Asda aimed for a fuel margin target that was over three times higher than the target set in 2019. Similarly, Morrisons doubled its margin target during the same period.

It was also highlighted in the report that other retailers, such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco, did not respond competitively to the changing market conditions. Instead of lowering their prices, these retailers raised them. The CMA expressed concern about this lack of competition and emphasized the need for action.

Moreover, diesel prices have been slow to decrease due to Asda gradually reducing their prices in response to falling wholesale prices. This, combined with other firms’ failure to respond competitively, resulted in drivers paying an additional 13p per litre for diesel between January 2023 and the end of May 2023.

“Competition at the pump is not functioning as effectively as it should, and immediate changes are required to address this issue,” said Cardell, spokesperson for the CMA.

News, Technology

Beware Of This New Airline Customer Support Scam That’s Fooling Travelers

When Shmuli Evers searched on Google for Delta’s customer support, he came across a toll-free 888 number that seemed legitimate. However, when he dialed it, the call quickly disconnected. He received a call back from a number with a French area code, and the Caller ID showed “DTI Publishing.” This raised suspicions, but given the stressful and anxious nature of dealing with flight cancellations, especially while at the airport, scammers are taking advantage of distracted travelers like Evers. Without paying attention to these red flags, Evers, eager to book a new flight, quickly provided his personal information, including his name and flight confirmation number, to the caller.

The scammer used this information to retrieve Evers’ flight details and continued posing as customer support. They offered him an alternative flight from Newark Liberty International Airport, which raised another red flag as the communication was conducted through SMS. Nonetheless, Evers agreed to take the alternate flight. The scammer informed him that they would cancel the original flight and charge him five times the original cost for the new one, requesting his payment information. Fortunately, Evers suspected foul play and questioned the caller’s location. The caller claimed to be from Rochester, New York, stating it was two hours south of New York City. However, Evers recognized this as a lie since Rochester is actually several hours northwest of New York City. Despite the scammer’s attempts to persuade him through texts, Evers refused to provide his payment information, leading the scammer to eventually give up. Evers then took to Twitter to share his experience, realizing that this scam was not limited to targeting Delta customers alone.