2017 Expedition w/ 3.5 Ecoboost -- engine sounds? (video included)

I've been a longtime expedition owner ('03 w/ 240k mi on it; love it but have finally succumbed to the head gasket external oil leak on passenger side and know that I'll need to rebuild and/or replace at some point) and am on the hunt for another, later model expedition el. I've found a 2017 expedition el limited with 120k mi on it, and I received a video of it running from the seller. I have read up on the cam phaser issues, timing chain issues, etc with the 3.5 ecoboost and have watched several youtube videos of engines exhibiting the associated sounds. Despite this, I'm really having trouble determining whether this prospective expy 'sounds' like it has a problem or not? I know cell phone videos are not known for their great audio, but still -- to me, this engine seems oddly loud and rattly. The seller mentioned that the engine is much quieter than the video apparently indicates. Anybody care to weigh in on this and help me determine whether this expy is worth the drive to purchase? (3.5hr drive for me... unfortunately this used auto market isn't giving me any good closer options)...

I'm new here and can't quite figure out how to link or embed a video. I did post the same question and video to the expedition forum at reddit for feedback too. So the video should be easily accessed there: https://www.reddit.com/r/fordexpedi...expedition_w_35_ecoboost_engine_sounds_video/

Thanks in advance for any input folks can provide,

Jesse

That definitely doesn't sound normal. If the price is really cheap go for it, otherwise could be a rabbithole I wouldn't go down.

We have a '15 EcoBoost with 117,000 miles and ours doesn't sound like that.

It sounds funny, I would pass. Cam phaser noise is only on startup. The high pressure fuel pump is noisy, but I'm pretty sure it's not that bad. Repairs on these vehicles can be expensive. I suggest getting something with lower miles that can be warrantied.

Thanks everybody for the quick feedback; definitely affirming that I may have to just pass this one up and continue my search...

Sounds like the injectors and high pressure fuel pump just being caught by the mic on the phone. I would go and listen to it in person if it's close.

Good point. I did ask the seller if he could take a video from a little further away from the engine itself, in case the cellphone was simply amplifying certain tones in a weird way being as close to the engine as the phone was.

Unfortunately, I'm a 3.5hr drive from the seller, so a quick stop by to hear it in person is out of the question... hence me now having to dissect the only video evidence I have at the moment . Awaiting another couple videos at the moment from him.

I think the phone audio is amplifying things strangely, but honestly that sounds exactly like my 2017 with 73k on it. It's just as Timo2824 said - high pressure fuel pump + injectors.

I was concerned when we first got it because I thought it sounded a bit "diesel-y", but every '15-'17 I have ever heard sounds like that. My worry would be how much carbon is built up on the valves if they don't have a catch can.

Thanks -- you mentioned catch can... In the research I've done, I came to the conclusion that they started putting the dual injection (port + direct) ecoboost 3.5 in the 2017 expeditions, which is a major reason i'm looking specifically for a 2017 model (in addition to the six speed tranny instead of the more recent 10 speed). Do some 2017 expeditions not have the ecoboost 3.5's with the additional port injection?

I have a 2017 Limited and that does not sound like my engine. I would say exhaust manifold gasket leak, but don't know what a failing high pressure pump sounds like.