The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding a valve length caution on 2011-2020 Ford 3.5L Ecoboost Engines. This bulletin advises members of two different overall lengths of the exhaust valves depending on the year model of the engine. 

From 2011-2016, Ford used an exhaust valve with an overall length of 3.7560” (95.402 MM). During the year range of 2017-2020 the overall valve length was increased by .570” to an overall length of 4.3250” (109.855 MM). 

The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding the drive gear method for oil pumps on 2015-2023 Ford 2.7L Ecoboost engines. It has been reported that the drive gear for the oil pump can be either a belt or a chain depending on the year range. 

When ordering a new oil pump for this engine, you must know which drive gear method is being used. To make sure that you are ordering the correct parts, AERA offers the following information to reference when ordering a new oil pump. 

Factory OE and examples of specific aftermarket specifications

By Mike Mavrigian

Applying the correct tightening values for threaded engine fasteners is critical for any engine build. Listed here are both factory OEM values, some of which involve a torque-plus-angle tightening method, and OEM and aftermarket values which require only a tightening-by-torque (or by monitoring rod bolt stretch) approach. Especially with regard to main cap bolts, cylinder head bolts and connecting rod bolts, it is imperative to follow the correct tightening procedures depending on the use of OEM bolts or aftermarket high performance fasteners. Each requires a different tightening method. These OE bolts require a torque-plus-angle method, while aftermarket fasteners require only a torque value. Also, since the OEM main cap, cylinder head and rod bolts are torque-to-yield, they should not be re-used. This also holds true for the crankshaft bolt that secures the crankshaft pulley. The OEM crank bolt is designed as a one-time use bolt and should never be re-used.

Chuck Lynch and Steve Fox discuss engine-related technical information and machining procedures, as well as invite guest hosts to share their knowledge.

Everyone in business owes it to themselves and their business to gain knowledge and network with other people within the same industry. AERA understands that traveling to national trade shows to gain knowledge and networking opportunities is very expensive. Therefore, AERA has decided to help by teaming up with a regional host and offer these opportunities to different regions of our country and hopefully closer to your shop. All shops welcome! Need not be an AERA member to attend.

All AERA members have a chance to win products from our Associate Members! New members each quarter, members who renew in that quarter, along with monthly pay members whose anniversary is in that quarter are automatically entered into a drawing. AERA will draw from this pool and announce the winner. Prizes ship to the winner freight pre-paid!

The AERA online store is easy to use! Simply point and click on what you want, select a quantity, add to your cart, and if you have a coupon code be sure to enter it! Check out by supplying shipping information and credit card billing details.

Browse through all of our products and order online or you can always call AERA and place an order over the phone. Call toll-free 888-326-2372 and ask for Karen.